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Graphic: Ableism, Confinement, Torture, Cannibalism, Abandonment
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Slavery, Violence, Excrement, War
Minor: Child death, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol
Parts of the book reminded me of One Hundred Years of Solitude, which I love, but more full-on fantasy epic than magical realism, although it does give that vibe. It's a bit more fairytale like, or rather folk-tale like, in a way. The world building was very unique and interesting, too, based on filipino folklore which is not something I'm very familiar with. The characters were well-built (though I wished we delved more into their interiority and their thoughts), and the ending was satisfying and I love that it's a standalone. Full conclusion in one book babey!!
Now the things I didn't like so much, yeah, it got a bit draggy at some points, especially the "final battle". The action was fine but at some points I was like. Let's get on with the story, please T_T. Also, there are long, vivid descriptions of gore and body horror that felt a bit. Much. Not in the sense that it squicked me, but more so that it got boring after a while, like, sure, yeah, piss and shit and flesh okay, now what. A bit too much like the author was trying too hard to write something shocking or gross. Idk. I just wish we spent more time with the characters instead of this.
Also the whole plot is just a lot of bad stuff happening and I felt there were not enough moments that let me breathe during the narrative. There were some, but they were few and far between and always tainted because you knew there was some shit coming, so at some point the emotional impact of things going wrong got lessened, ngl.
I'd say it's still definitely worth reading at least for what it does well and for the writing, but I understand it might not be everyone's cup of tea.
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, War
Moderate: Sexual content, Torture, Death of parent
Minor: Child death, Incest, Rape
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder
Graphic: Death, Torture, Cannibalism, Murder
Moderate: Ableism, Body horror, Gore, Blood
Minor: Confinement, Sexual content
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Grief, Abandonment
Minor: Sexual content, Cannibalism
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Cannibalism, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
“This is a love story to its blade-dented bone.”
If this book is what 5/5 is for me then I may need to reevaluate every other rating I’ve given. While it took me several months to get back and finish this book, I can’t even remember why I paused reading in the first place. The Spear Cuts Through Water is such a vivid and lush story. We follow Jun and Keema along in this tragically violent, beautiful, mysterious, and magical world. But it’s also a moving picture of repressed desire, queerness, and disability. Truly, truly gorgeous. That ending had silent tears running down my cheeks. I think Jimenez may have written what will one day be known as a fantasy classic.
Note: This is likely a difficult read if you are inexperienced with a second person narrative or frequent narrative switching. The audiobook is GREAT and I highly recommend it. But I think having an ebook or physical copy to follow along with is a good idea.
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Gore, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
Graphic: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Cannibalism, Murder, Abandonment, War
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Torture, Grief, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Homophobia