Scan barcode
5aru's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I mean, a proud Black female writer, with her unapologetically queer protagonists of colour, doing the things that this book does with Lovecraftian motifs and horror — all the while referencing Lovecraft as the ridiculous bigot he was? You just know Lovecraft would’ve hated it, and that just makes it so much better. The hard truths about living as a queer person of colour in America are never concealed, and in fact quite openly protested; the fact that bigotry and hatred are tendrils of the Enemy won’t be lost on anyone. And the intricate lore built around the cities is simply a treat to read. I really wish I could understand all the references to New York history and culture better, since I’ve never been and truthfully know rather little — but that’s not even a problem. I enjoyed myself deeply regardless.
I was actually hoping for a standalone this time, but it’s a trilogy again — and hey, you won’t catch me complaining.
Moderate: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Abortion and Rape
One of the main protagonists is trapped in a situation of domestic violence on her father’s part; it is mostly psychological and emotional, not physical, and she has alienated herself from the sitaution enough that it is not described in any painful detail, but some scenes may be potentially triggering for survivors.bookphile's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This book is fascinating. It explores so many interesting topics and themes, everything from race, prejudice, cities, family, love, friendship, what it means to be from somewhere, what it means to belong somewhere. It does start off a bit confusing, but as with all Jemisin books it's a puzzle that you have to stick with until the picture starts coming together and then you can't put it down.
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Domestic abuse and Abortion
innerweststreetlibrarian's review
- 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
5.0
I really enjoyed the magical realism and it feels like a beautiful love letter to New York. So excellent!
Graphic: Sexual assault, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Antisemitism, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Xenophobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Abortion and Adult/minor relationship
The author credits a lot of sensitivity readers who helped review the book prior to publication.sj_54's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Two parts 'New York is just the best!'
And one part 'Are you sure you noticed the racism? Let me repeat it again over an extra 10 pages just to be sure. And then apply every racial stereotype to the other characters so you're aware they're not white.'
With a couple of ageist and fatphobic comments to round it all out.
Also the twist at the end? Absolutely predictable.
Graphic: Racism and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Body horror, Colonisation, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Fatphobia
Minor: Cannibalism, Domestic abuse, and Police brutality
therainbowshelf's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Misogyny, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Transphobia, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Grief, Gun violence, and Rape
Minor: Drug use, Body horror, Genocide, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
for_esme_with_love's review
- 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
Moderate: Racism, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Car accident, Domestic abuse, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, and Toxic relationship
malloryfitz's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Abortion, Xenophobia, Violence, Racism, Panic attacks/disorders, Homophobia, Hate crime, Body horror, Cursing, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Police brutality, Gun violence, Drug use, and Body shaming