You know, I think I read this at just the very perfect time, and it charmed me. I had a horrific week, afflicted by a severe migraine, and this one kept me company in the better moments. And it was cosy and easy and I loved Sophie and Calcifer and I think I just happily glossed over all the things I didn't like, because, eh, it was what I needed. And that's a darn valid (if niche) mood I needed to meet. Had I rated it immediately, well, I might have even hit that 5 star button.

Howwwwwever… I put this review off for long enough that my rose tinted glasses came off. And I'm glad I did, to give a more balanced viewpoint.

Because, listen, I remembered what a complete tantrum throwing, pathetic, heartbreaking fuckboy man-child Howl was, and how much it annoyed me lol. At the time, I also just fully disregarded their creeping “romance” (emphasis on the creep lol), since it was, frankly, so very, very ignorable. Not only does she deserve better, she knows better, so it made absolutely no sense whatsoever that she would even consider him as more than a friend (and frankly he needs to get ship-shape with his idea of friendship, too). Demisexual/romantic me is completely over the idea that we have to bulldoze in a romance to every damn book! This book could've been perfect if written without that entire aspect.

That said, I'll absolutely re-read this when I need that safe, cosy, no-thinky kinda read again. I'll probably also read the sequels. And I must catch the genuinely gorgeous hand-drawn animated movie again soon, to see how they compare! (My Letterboxd review makes me think they improved on it dramatically, to be honest? I have such a terrible memory that I can't remember the details even though I love it so!)

Oh, but... any sweet fire demons like Calcifer who need a safe home, if you're reading this, my fireplace is always open to you! 🔥 (OK, ok… I confess… I don't actually have a fireplace, but you're welcome to make one in my house!)

♡ ₍^. .^₎⟆