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town_scar's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
If you can listen to the audiobook, you really should. It felt like I was watching a movie. The narrator does an impeccable job. This really held my attention throughout and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Rape, Pedophilia, and Adult/minor relationship
The monster's acts are alluded to without ever being described. The only physical description given is a mention of bruises, but there is no elaboration beyond that. Any adult can read between the lines of what happened. It may not be apparent to some younger children/teens.breadbummer's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
More fast-paced than I was expecting, but that might just be because I'm not used to listening to audiobooks, nor am I used to getting through a book in two days lol; I guess it might also be that books for younger audiences tend to be faster reads in my experience. In any case, I don't think I've ever read a book quite like this, probably because Black queer stories are so often under-celebrated by the whole of society. It was very refreshing to see a type of utopia centered very specifically around these two intersecting identities, especially with biblical fantasy elements tied into it. For how dark this book could get, it was an amazingly colorful read/listen!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Pedophilia and Rape
Being a book more suited for older children, Emezi descriptions of abuse are by no means extensive, but rather provide an easy introduction into the topic via phrases like "monsters monstering" forarchiveofrasa's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This was a really interesting take on essentially what to do when someone you love might be getting abused and for YA, it posed a lot of interesting questions! I do wish we explored a little more into the diversity of "being a monster" instead of painting it as one way or the other, but it was well done as it stands.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia and Sexual assault
Moderate: Rape and Child abuse
ivyshack's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest, Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Rape
helen_coats's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
akajam's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book gave me big feelings. It was difficult and difficult again. But also beautifully and strangely written.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Rape
amre23's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Pedophilia, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Gore, Body horror, Adult/minor relationship, Mental illness, Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Incest
Moderate: Body horror, Rape, Ableism, Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual violence, Gaslighting, Deadnaming, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Dysphoria, Murder, Mass/school shootings, Gun violence, Medical content, Suicide, Police brutality, Cursing, and Sexual violence
missmomo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
Absolutely gorgeous book. A brilliant look at society and the things that shape it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Rape
cowardthedog18's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I respect the author for taking her time to write a masterpiece on a topic you don’t see often in fantasy books or books in general. (Their names are just words) it took the author 13 years to write this 12 chapter novel on rape. Moss was only a child r-worded by his uncle Hibiscus. And Glass did nothing even when she knew. It took Jam with a loving family and friend Redemption to clear out the monster. Of course with Pet help to punish(blind) Hibiscus with the face of justice. And so justice finally happened. Indeed Pet is a real angel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Blood
Moderate: Rape
bellamyva's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Violence