super cozy fantasy that really blew me away! I loved Leong’s ability to build scenes and describe the settings. I really could imagine it. The cast and some aspects of the story was more cheesy, but i really enjoyed the characters overall and the interactions. There was a bit of meandering in the plot and side quests galore, but i quite enjoyed everyone getting a spotlight and space to grow and reflect. It did drag occasionally and it was low stakes as promised given the meandering, but overall such a heartful writing on finding a place to belong and being accepted as part of your home — very immigration core. not much romance at all and it’s a bit refreshing for me to have a story super focused on on the character’s struggles outside of pursuit of romantic love. teared up for sure and i will be reading keeper of magical things next asap.

I started this book thinking it would be a quirky and unique book about an octopus, and left ugly crying about aging, the grief of losing loved ones, found family, and the importance of belonging. While objectively speaking, it wasn't necessarily the best written book I've ever read, and the plot was a little too convenient at times, it was exactly what I needed right now, and feels like a well-timed glimmer of hope. Even though things change, people move away, ect--we can still find meaning, and companionship, and closeness. Cameron was the one part of this book that annoyed me, and a lot of that is because I've dealt with a lot of Camerons irl. You know the type, "nothing is my fault", 30-some year old men that behave like children, and refuse to take responsibility. He doesn't need a girlfriend, he just needs THERAPY. That aside, this is definitely a book I'd recommend, especially if you don't mind something that's slower paced, and a little meandering.