Reviews

Chlorine by Jade Song

Only show reviews with written explanations

hsbean's review

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional reflective medium-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? Yes

3.5

educk's review

Go to review page

4.0

This is one of the most fucked up books I've ever read. And I mean that with love and respect.

orizenda's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I think I love this book for multiple reasons. 1. mermaids 2. I think it can be interpreted in different ways, it’s not just fed to you. I don’t know if the characters’ actions always make sense with who they are, but they’re teenagers and that in itself makes sense. 3. it’s sapphic 4. mermaids

Content Warnings

onism1999's review

Go to review page

4.0

really a 3.5 but rounded up for a really solid debut novel and to spite the people reviewing this book saying it’s “too dramatic” or whatever. never shy away from intensity and passion, guys!!! it’s fun!! this was a lot of fun!!

bee_03's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

i enjoyed the premise and themes within the story, but ultimately i couldn't connect to the story as much as i wanted to due to the writing style. i thought the anticipation was done well though; while i went into the story suspecting what the climax would be, it was the anticipation for it that kept me reading. overall, a unique story, and i'm interested to see what the author comes up with in the future.

Content Warnings

rukh's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Subliminal

rachaelwinterling's review

Go to review page

3.0

This book is wrought with yearning and obsession. I think these elements are especially highlighted when juxtaposed with Cathy’s POV, as we watch her write letters to Ren from a more passive perspective. That’s not to say, though, that Ren’s perception doesn’t rub off on her at times.

I think what I really took away from this story is Ren’s innate understanding that she was born in the wrong body. She was never meant to be human. Ren spends her time ruminating on her all-consuming need to prepare her body and mind to join the mermaid community. She fixates on this desire so intently that she repeatedly puts herself at risk - in increasingly destructive and gruesome ways.

I think there is a lot of valuable social commentary here, and I loved that the author didn’t shy away from the dark places the mind can go. There’s something about body horror metaphors that just get me. The idea that the body can reflect what’s happening in the mind is so satisfying because mental health often can’t be conveyed visually. This is a great read for Summernif you enjoy horror!