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paracosim's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This novella is what The Dead Take the A Train wishes it could be. Both are about spiritualists and exorcisms, both have aspects of horror (though this one is much less gruesome), and both have queer protagonists who are down on their luck and mocked by their paranormal communities. Where The Dead failed, though, Small G-ds of Calamity succeeded.
The pacing was excellent. The author reveals pieces of information bit by bit, letting the reader slowly piece together what happened in the past to make the characters who they are in the present, and it was so masterfully done that I was surprised to learn this is a debut. The story itself was grim but had moments of humor to break up the angst, the descriptions were vivid, and the mention of Han-gil being bi and asexual? Flawless. Stunning. Very natural. The trans representation? Beautiful. Chef’s kiss. The worldbuilding was also done very nicely.
My only wish is that it was longer, and that we’d gotten a bit more of an explanation about the supernatural world itself. It left a lot up to interpretation in a way that had me wanting. Overall, though, I have very high hopes for anything this author comes out with next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Death, Transphobia, Death of parent, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Deadnaming, Grief, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Ableism
phoricho's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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
3.0
I enjoyed this book. I really liked that it was set in Seoul and that the main character was bi, asexual and adopted.
The whole fantasy aspect was set within Asian folklore, which wasn't something that I'd ever read before but I found it very insightful.
The topics/themes of forgiveness and family were really strong and I loved how they were explored differently for each character.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, however, I found it to be slower paced and a little information heavy when explaining the lore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Transphobia, Murder, Self harm, Stalking, Violence, Body horror, Mental illness, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Deadnaming
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