Reviews with content warning for Slavery - The Good Luck Girls

This was decent YA, blending an exploration of escape from slavery with a fantasy western setting. I liked how distinct the girls were, each bringing strengths and infuriating flaws to the team. The plot was somewhat more frustrating, alternating between the thrilling escape and scenes that stopped the narrative in its tracks while the characters work a heist. I get what Davis was going for with the western outlaw vibe, and there was in-universe justification for why they needed the money, but the bigger heists(thinking specifically of the one where they rob the bank) didn't really work for me in the flow of the plot.

My favorite thing about this book, other than the characters, was the ending. Without spoilers, I found it to be bittersweet, yes, but also empowering, though I understand why many readers might have been frustrated. While I'm reading this as a standalone, it is first in a duology, and I feel like where things left off works perfectly for either situation.

Something worth mentioning is that the point of view shifts abruptly after the first chapter. The opening is told from Clementine's point of view, but before they escape the narrative shifts to her sister Aster's head, where it remains for the rest of the story. I do understand why this was necessary, as we really did need to see the inciting incident happen rather than merely hear about it. It might not have stuck out so much if we'd had similar scenes from the other characters, or more scenes from Clementine's point of view, but as it was it felt strange.

Important question time: do the horses die?

To the best of my recollection, all the horses remain unharmed in the narrative, though they are loosed near the ending of the story.

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rowanasm's review

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-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? No

5.0

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directorpurry's review

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful medium-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? It's complicated

3.25

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kat_mayerovitch's review

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adventurous dark hopeful tense medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

I'm not normally into westerns (even fantasy westerns), but this book was a great read. There was a lot left unanswered (how are people's shadows removed? how exactly is race tied to debt?), but the story and character development itself made it worthwhile. I love the idea of escaped comfort women banding together to steal from their oppressors and help others in their situation, even if they fell into it half by accident. Like Robin Hood meets Thelma and Louise or something. Anyhow, this was a great start to a series!

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