jhbandcats's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
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? Yes
4.5
This is a beautiful and wacky book about spaceship captains, doughnuts, violinists, luthiers, and the occasional demon. The fun part is seeing how they’re all connected.
The backstory of Katrina and the agonies of being trans is wrenching. When I read something like this, I realize yet again how lucky I have been to have had a peaceful life of acceptance. It’s rewarding to see her growth from cowering victim to self-confident performer.
The more fantastical and funny bits about the doughnut shop (spelled donut), the space aliens, and the frog-faced demon offset the seriousness of Katrina’s history. My only quibble is how often we hear about Lucia being told she’s unworthy because she’s a daughter - about half the mentions would have been enough.
Overall a charming and lovely book about otherness and acceptance, including accepting ourselves as we are.
The backstory of Katrina and the agonies of being trans is wrenching. When I read something like this, I realize yet again how lucky I have been to have had a peaceful life of acceptance. It’s rewarding to see her growth from cowering victim to self-confident performer.
The more fantastical and funny bits about the doughnut shop (spelled donut), the space aliens, and the frog-faced demon offset the seriousness of Katrina’s history. My only quibble is how often we hear about Lucia being told she’s unworthy because she’s a daughter - about half the mentions would have been enough.
Overall a charming and lovely book about otherness and acceptance, including accepting ourselves as we are.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Outing, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Transphobia, and Misogyny
laticsexile's review against another edition
4.0
Read as part of the Book Riot Read Harder challenge. It’s a lovely human novel which breathes through some wonderful dialogue. Really made me want to listen to that Bartok sonata. Dinged a half star for too thick glazing on the doughnut.
4½ out of 5.
4½ out of 5.
orangeslices's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
3.75
othomsen's review
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.25
anka's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kumquats87's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
niftynaturalist's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This book was a fun read, if heartbreaking at times. The reader in turn follows the point of view of Katrina, a trans violin protege who has run away from home, Satomi, her unlikely teacher who has made a bargain with Hell, and Lan, a space alien escaping the apocalypse, as the stories of these characters intertwine. Each character had depth and dimension and it was an overall delightful read. The space-related storyline was a bit roughly integrated at first but eventually wraps smoothly into the rest. A beautifully queer story about the resilience of the spirit and the joy of creation. I’d recommend it for anyone who is a fan of sci-fi or fantasy (there are elements of both here) and a story of found family, the power of music, and what love and determination can truly accomplish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Sexual assault
Moderate: Rape
durablepigments's review
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.5
lilly_reads98's review
I barley read any of it but I’m extremely annoyed with the author describing to me the characters going to the bathroom. I was interested in the synopsis but I just do not like the way this is written. I just read a review to help me figure out if it’s worth continuing, and apparently it gets even grosser and the characters never react to anything which that annoys me so much. I wish I hadn’t bought this or read any of this.
Content Warnings
Minor: Physical abuse
rainbowshelves's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Oh! Really painful to read at times but in the end so lovely and hopeful. Will also potentially make you hungry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Outing, Murder, Physical abuse, and Gun violence
Moderate: Rape, Racial slurs, Child abuse, Sexual violence, Racism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Violence, Body horror, Xenophobia, Suicidal thoughts, War, and Deadnaming
Minor: Animal death, Panic attacks/disorders, Body horror, Alcohol, Blood, Gore, and Grief
It's difficult to choose Graphic, moderate or Minor accurately but I'll do my best