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fictionalfrances's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
3.0
mamaavocado's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book was slow to get started and a frustrating read for the first 100 pages. The final 2/3rds were less of a struggle. I really liked the setting and seeing a queer coming of age story in the 90s.
petite_madeline's review against another edition
4.0
Note: This review is of the ARC
A zombie, werewolf, and "monster" story that explores topics like xenophobia, Islamophobia, transphobia, homophobia, immigration, classism, and racism in an Oregon town.
I enjoyed the mythology of this story, how it described the ways the US government and society would act if zombies, werewolves, shape-shifters, witches, etc. existed in our country, not just as abnormalities, but as visible fixtures in our communities.
The tone of this story may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I love the dark and slow horror feel that could be described as a pacific northwest gothic.
I think the only criticism that I have is that the ending felt confusing and abrupt. The imagery and events of the climactic scene were a bit choppy and hard to follow. The sudden end of the story also felt less like the thrill of a cliffhanger, and more like suddenly hitting a wall. I expected to turn the page and see one last chapter to wrap everything up or lead into a possible sequel, but there was nothing. I'm all here for ambiguous endings, but this felt blunt and unsatisfying (especially after the chaos of the climax!)
Overall, I enjoyed the bulk of this book and I can't wait to see what else Hal Schrieve comes out with in the future!
A zombie, werewolf, and "monster" story that explores topics like xenophobia, Islamophobia, transphobia, homophobia, immigration, classism, and racism in an Oregon town.
I enjoyed the mythology of this story, how it described the ways the US government and society would act if zombies, werewolves, shape-shifters, witches, etc. existed in our country, not just as abnormalities, but as visible fixtures in our communities.
The tone of this story may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I love the dark and slow horror feel that could be described as a pacific northwest gothic.
I think the only criticism that I have is that the ending felt confusing and abrupt. The imagery and events of the climactic scene were a bit choppy and hard to follow. The sudden end of the story also felt less like the thrill of a cliffhanger, and more like suddenly hitting a wall. I expected to turn the page and see one last chapter to wrap everything up or lead into a possible sequel, but there was nothing. I'm all here for ambiguous endings, but this felt blunt and unsatisfying (especially after the chaos of the climax!)
Overall, I enjoyed the bulk of this book and I can't wait to see what else Hal Schrieve comes out with in the future!
shewwimonster's review against another edition
2.0
This was actually a DNF for me which hurts me to say because I'm so into everything this book is trying to do. The world, the inclusiveness, the diversity...all of it was awesome. The writing style is what made me tap out. The prose is choppy and repetitive. The dialogue is incredibly awkward and unnatural sounding. Both things affected characterization, in my opinion (it was hard to see any of the characters as actual people).
kathrinpassig's review
4.0
Vier Sterne ist ein bisschen großzügig, denn auch dieses Buch hat wieder das Problem, dass die Magie alles und nichts kann, je nachdem, was gerade den Plot besser voranbringt. In der ersten Hälfte des Buchs kann Magie nichts und alle haben die Probleme, die man halt so hat, wenn man 14 und nonbinary und ein Zombie ist oder ein Werwolf oder trans oder beides, aber in der zweiten Hälfte lässt sich alles irgendwie durch Anwendung großer Mengen von Magie lösen. Ich fand es trotzdem ganz gut.
the_burnt_human's review against another edition
5.0
Definitely my favorite book of all time, and never been able to find something else quite like it to scratch that niche itch. The details are so vivid and the rep is amazing. Would 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a queer book (or just anyone really)
melles_gothic_reads's review against another edition
2.0
I did quite enjoy the story of this one, when I got past the slog of the first 100 pages I quite enjoyed myself. But I couldn't help but feel extremely annoyed at the very bad world building. At the beginning Z mentions most people use magic nowadays, but then at the end Aysel being a sorcerer makes her 'shoot to kill' the magic at the ending also made me confused since the writer never established any magic rules like aysels mother cant plant magic strawberries but aysel changes the world??
It was a fun read but for a fantasy book the world building was extremely lacking which made for a very confusing lackluster world
It was a fun read but for a fantasy book the world building was extremely lacking which made for a very confusing lackluster world
fairyscairy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
readingtheend's review against another edition
3.0
loved the total weirdness of this! our protagonist is a zombie, which in this world is a known thing that you can be, and as long as they're not losing their mind and trying to chomp on humans, they're tentatively able to be accepted into society. in practice, though, they're facing a lot of nastiness from teachers and classmates, and they have to navigate all of that WHILST trying to solve a maybe-werewolf murder mystery.