I am quite ill at the moment, but I shall try to do this book justice. I have to give it five stars for sheer inventiveness alone. There were so many times that I reeled back and took a few minutes to ponder after a new piece of information was dispensed. This is not a Disney fairytale. It's definitely for older readers. There's a lot of gore and violence, as well as some what-the-freak-did-I-just-read and that-is-so-unsettling-I-can't-put-it-into-words. I'm just trying to be transparent here: you won't come out of this read with a clear head. There's also a weird, vague sex scene that left me scratching my head for a few seconds before I moved on. There's some jarring uses of profanity, mostly the F word, that did, quite honestly, take me out of the story every time I came across one. (At the beginning of the book, a character uses a direction to curse, as in "North!!"--in my opinion, the author should have just stuck with that). I will say, about the profanity, there is one utterly hysterical scene where inadvertent physical comedy has a brief minor character picking themselves off the floor while saying, "THE F***!! THE F***!!!", and I could *not* stop laughing, because, in my mind, it was as if it had happened to George Carlin and not Dick Van Dyke.

What a ride, though, folks!!!!! There are so many things in this book that I have never, ever come across, and I'm reasonably well-read, especially in the fantasy genre. I'd love to have lunch with Jared Pechaček and just pick his extraordinary brain. I don't know how he came up with half of the things he did, but I am HERE for it, people, and I anxiously await more stories set in this weird and wondrous world. It's a must-read.

You may be thinking to yourself...huh, she didn't really say much about the plot. That's on purpose. Go in blind with this one. It's a twisty, turny, mind-altering, eerily beautiful tale. Just be prepared to take a little more time digesting the fantastically horrible happenings.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for letting me read this ahead of its publication. All opinions are mine alone. (I adore you, Tordotcom. Never change.)

Thank you to NetGalley and Tordotcom for the arc! This book was fantastic! Some of my favorite things about it are as follows:

This is for the fans of absurdist and weird fiction, and is a part of the growing niche of absurdist fantasy. I eat absurdist fantasy up and lick the plate like goddamn dog each time, and The West Passage is no different.

This is also for the people who choose side quests over a main quest line. Again, I am one of these people, and again, that’s one thing I loved about this book.

This book has a sure-fire aim. It hits every beat it needs to, and is intentional about every thing it does. It has beautiful and powerful moments, funny and cheeky moments, and balances all of these perfectly with purpose.

This book has teeth. It doesn’t pull punches, doesn’t hold back, and doesn’t hold your hand. It’s often dark, often bleak, and for a book about decay and inevitable destruction, it more than hits the mark. That being said, there is an underlying aura of hope at the end while still remaining realistic about its outlook.

This book has depth. It has clear themes and messages, it shows and doesn’t tell, the world is immersive (I will be talking about the world-building more), the main characters are well-rounded, the side characters are also deeply satisfying, the story itself is rewarding, and the world itself is a character.

Lastly, I would again like to talk about the world building; it’s supreme and masterful. Yes, Brandon Sanderson this and Brandon Sanderson that, but good god this is one of the most vibrant worlds I’ve read about. It feels so alive, even if it’s technically dying in the book. The entire damn book is a masterclass in world-building, and It’s not just the main chapters that have beef. The interlude chapters are pillars in themselves. You may get texts from books, extra characters going about their days, songs and lyrics, other miscellaneous passages. There is so much here and it is so delightful and purposeful. I love it.

So yeah, read this book.

Also, before I forget, this book is definitely for those who love Over the Garden Wall as well. You’ll know if you read it. It even has its own beast.

I stopped in chapter 2 (5%) as I didn’t feel hooked by the story or the prose. I can see this at three stars, four for the right readers.

The prose leans narrative and feels slightly overdone. When I started reading chapter 2… it felt like chapter 1 had been line-edited harder than chapter 2, and it was noticeable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC.

A magical, surreal, wonder of a story that feels like a dream. I absolutely love the setting of a gigantic castle that makes all the characters seem so small and takes us on a journey of discovery where nothing is what is expected. The movie that unfolded in my mind as I was reading this was so whimsical! Overall, a very unique story that I enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to have an early access copy of this book!

One of the most original works of fantasy I've read in years. The West Passage drops the reader into an utterly strange and unfamiliar world with its own complex mythology and history. Tonally, it reminds me of old school fantasy like Garth Nix or Redwall at times, though there are elements that make it more adult. If you're looking for something magical and different, you won't be disappointed.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

I had a difficult time connecting with this from the outset and was not able to finish it - I think others will enjoy this unconventional narrative, but it was not for me, unfortunately.