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rikosmodernlife's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
sissix_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mlindsay013's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hansereads's review against another edition
4.0
3.5⭐️ enjoyed the plot and characters. About to start book 2!
czarfancypants's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
asreadbykat's review against another edition
5.0
True Rating: 5/5 Stars
Content/Trigger Warnings: Mentions of magically aided sexual assualt/attempted rape, graphic depictions of violence, racism, homophobia and internalized homophobia, discussions of intergenerational trauma and violence, consensual sexual situation (nongraphic).
My Thoughts
I've been excited to read this since the moment I heard about it months ago. I picked up a copy the minute my Tokyo bookstore had it, and the only reason I didn't read it then and there is because I wanted to save it for autumn. I'm glad I did, because the traditional symbolism behind autumn fits in very well with this well-written, heartbreaking book about a family trying to find justice for themselves, their community, and the loved ones they've lost.
The writing is fantastic. There were some sentences or paragraphs I HAD to underline just because they were that beautiful. Not to mention the author's style is extremely accessible and readable. I was drawn in from the very first sentence and couldn't put the book down. The only reason it took me three days to read it is because I had to work. Without those responsibilities, I'd have devoured this book in one day.
One thing I find I, as a very white reader, am coming to appreciate in books by authors of color is when they allow themselves to let their rage out. For too long literature has tried to tip-toe around certain issues, especially with the authors of that literature are white themselves. This book is filled with the anger and sadness that the Black community has felt for countless years. Besides being a fantastic piece of YA fantasy fiction, this work is also the baring of a soul.
The characters are also all so well-written. They are strong, smart, and so beautifully flawed. Clement has to deal not only with being a gay Black boy, but also with clinical anxiety in a family plagued by trauma. He wants to do so much, but the anxiety holds him back, something that anyone familiar with it can understand. Cristina, or Cris, is accepting of her brother and family, but still judgmental and ends up hurting others at times because of it. The rest of their family are equally flawed. Even the antagonists are nuanced; they have done reprehensible things, but the book takes the time to show a different side to them, which really helps to make the resolution of the final act much more complicated.
I've honestly fallen in love with this book, and I can't wait until the sequel comes out so I can see what happens next.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Mentions of magically aided sexual assualt/attempted rape, graphic depictions of violence, racism, homophobia and internalized homophobia, discussions of intergenerational trauma and violence, consensual sexual situation (nongraphic).
My Thoughts
I've been excited to read this since the moment I heard about it months ago. I picked up a copy the minute my Tokyo bookstore had it, and the only reason I didn't read it then and there is because I wanted to save it for autumn. I'm glad I did, because the traditional symbolism behind autumn fits in very well with this well-written, heartbreaking book about a family trying to find justice for themselves, their community, and the loved ones they've lost.
The writing is fantastic. There were some sentences or paragraphs I HAD to underline just because they were that beautiful. Not to mention the author's style is extremely accessible and readable. I was drawn in from the very first sentence and couldn't put the book down. The only reason it took me three days to read it is because I had to work. Without those responsibilities, I'd have devoured this book in one day.
One thing I find I, as a very white reader, am coming to appreciate in books by authors of color is when they allow themselves to let their rage out. For too long literature has tried to tip-toe around certain issues, especially with the authors of that literature are white themselves. This book is filled with the anger and sadness that the Black community has felt for countless years. Besides being a fantastic piece of YA fantasy fiction, this work is also the baring of a soul.
The characters are also all so well-written. They are strong, smart, and so beautifully flawed. Clement has to deal not only with being a gay Black boy, but also with clinical anxiety in a family plagued by trauma. He wants to do so much, but the anxiety holds him back, something that anyone familiar with it can understand. Cristina, or Cris, is accepting of her brother and family, but still judgmental and ends up hurting others at times because of it. The rest of their family are equally flawed. Even the antagonists are nuanced; they have done reprehensible things, but the book takes the time to show a different side to them, which really helps to make the resolution of the final act much more complicated.
I've honestly fallen in love with this book, and I can't wait until the sequel comes out so I can see what happens next.
bookish_withsky's review against another edition
2.0
I want to start by saying that there is definitely an audience for this. The atmosphere is great, the message and discussions are important, and the premise is intriguing. There is a lot for a lot of people to love. Im not a part of that audience. For me, the characters came off obnoxiously petty, even the adults. It read incredibly immature, to the extent I couldn’t determine if it was meant for middle grade or YA - I’ve settled on the younger side of YA but there is more mature content that throws me off that as well. It was hard to connect to each character, so I didn’t necessarily care about what they had going on. Like previously stated, though, there are a lot of people who I know will certainly enjoy this one.
soldelmaraa's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
jazzreads32's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I listened to the audiobook version of this book. This books has to be one of my favorite fantasy books of the year and one of my favorite audiobooks of the year. I know book 2 is out and I am looking forward to listening to book 2. This book was my first read by this author and my second 5 star read of the month.