I won't say I'm a huge ocean trivia buff, but I do enjoy reading about venomous marine arthropods/reptiles and the ocean's role in regulating atmospheric heating and how that's changing because of the climate crisis. I love ocean life but really hate going in the actual ocean. I have a pretty intense fear of aquatic animals when I’m in the ocean. I do love aquariums, though! They are so peaceful to me.
Still, Part 1 August scene: The stage manager. I wish the author talked more about how Wren became suddenly so popular after such difficult years earlier; it's kinda random. And I hope by "his nose became cartilage, no longer the triangle of bone it once was," the author meant the tiny nasal bone protruding a little from the middle of the orbital surface. I mean, otherwise, the majority of our nose is also made of cartilage.
I wasn't sure if Part 2 was needed for this book to feel more complete, but I guess now I realize that while this part didn't directly contribute to the main narrative, it made me more conscious of why Wren was less surprised and more understanding of Louis's condition. Also, I think the author could have done a better job explaining why the facility lacked a safer and more restrictive structure for the mutated beings, especially considering their drastic carnivorous behavior bouts, like when Angela ate a golden retriever.
I felt that Part 3 and the epilogue were unnecessary. By trying to tie everything up neatly, it lost some of the emotional depth it had in terms of grieving and love. In this regard, I also think the inclusion of Wren's road trip after Louis's departure felt a bit forced. The melancholic tone would have suited the story better, much like it did with Wren's mother’s storyline. That raw and bittersweet closure would have been more fitting than trying to wrap everything up too neatly.
I really enjoyed Part 1! Wren and Louis's struggle with his diagnosis was compelling. But Part 2 lost the magic, and Part 3 felt entirely unnecessary. The epilogue with Joy was nice; I think it would've been stronger if it followed directly after Part 2.