Forgive Me Not by Mari Costa
First, I want to say that this is a beautiful story. If you’re someone who enjoys reading with your brain turned off and just wants to go along for the ride, I think this book might be for you.
I actually like the plot, I just… there’s a little too much “starfish plus sponge equals claw” energy going on for me.
We’re following Aisling, the fair princess, who is taken from her home by Forget-Me-Not and swept away on a wild adventure where she repeatedly gets hurt. There’s also a romance woven into the story.
Honestly, I think I might just be in a reading slump because the plot itself is solid. It’s cute—it just isn’t hitting for me right now. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m not connecting with the “I’m not like other girls” vibe, or because the love interest seems unwilling to simply tell the truth about what’s happening. Whatever the reason, it didn’t fully click with me.
That said, I’m giving it 3 stars. If this sounds like your kind of book, I genuinely think you’ll enjoy it. The romance is sweet, the characters fall in love, and the artwork is absolutely gorgeous.
I think Scythe by Neal Shusterman may have put me into a reading slump, and for that, I am so sorry. Maybe I’ll give this one another try in a month and see if it lands differently.
Reading "Forgive Me Not" by Mari Costa offers an interesting blend of fantasy, adventure, and romance that can resonate differently depending on your current mood and reading preferences. From personal experience, stories with a "fair princess swept away on an adventure" theme often deliver a nostalgic and immersive journey. However, the balance between plot depth and emotional connection is key to one’s enjoyment. In this tale, the protagonist Aisling’s experience of being taken by Forget-Me-Not and facing numerous challenges portrays a classic fairy tale vibe, enhanced by beautifully crafted artwork. This not only elevates the visual appeal but enriches the reader's imagination, making the fantasy elements much more vivid and engaging. Yet, the story also includes an undertone of conflict in communication, particularly with the love interest’s reluctance to be fully honest, which may cause some readers to feel disconnected. This aspect can be relatable, reflecting real-life relationship struggles where miscommunication complicates connections. It’s an element that adds realism but might not appeal to readers seeking a straightforward romantic fantasy. When reading fantasy romance, it's natural for personal taste to heavily influence engagement. For example, the "I’m not like other girls" vibe present in some characters can sometimes feel overused or even alienating, depending on one’s perspective. On the other hand, loving the artwork and the sweetness of the romance can compensate and keep the experience enjoyable even if the emotional resonance is limited. Moreover, reading slumps affect how we perceive books. For me, after finishing an intense, complex story like "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman, transitioning to "Forgive Me Not" felt like a shift from a detailed emotional intensity to a lighter narrative. Giving a book another chance later on can be refreshing as different moods highlight different story elements. If you are drawn to visually stunning books with a romantic storyline embedded in fantasy and enjoy going along for the ride without the need for heavy plot intricacy, "Forgive Me Not" offers a charming option. It serves well as an escape from more demanding reads, with enough sweetness and adventure to keep the experience uplifting and visually captivating.





