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graceheartsbooks's review
5.0
Edit: As of May 7th, 2024, I have learned things about this author that I don’t feel comfortable supporting so I am removing my review and taking this author off my TBR. I’m very disappointed as I loved their books up until point and I feel gutted knowing that they’ve lied about their identity multiple times. The gist is that they are not a trans latin author and are actually a white woman named Taylor Barton who has made several identities for herself. If you want more info, look at withcindy’s YouTube video posted on April 24th.
[I am only keeping my star ratings on the books so this can hopefully be seen by more people]
[I am only keeping my star ratings on the books so this can hopefully be seen by more people]
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Body shaming, Deadnaming, and Sexual content
Moderate: Transphobia, Deportation, Suicidal thoughts, Cultural appropriation, and Death of parent
Minor: Murder, Xenophobia, Sexual assault, and Pandemic/Epidemic
moonyreadsbystarlight's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I did read this but I no longer feel comfortable recommending anything by this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Religious bigotry, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, Deadnaming, Death of parent, Dysphoria, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Drug use, and Deportation
bangiebangs's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
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? Yes
4.25
4.25*
4/5 spice
Fantastic book, queer rep (esp body dysphoria is really well done, the MC is trans) which I really appreciated. A lot of latinx culture in here, including ghosts and religion, just such a cool read!
the spicy scenes are borderline hard to read (this demon fucks for *his* pleasure), but if you like monster spice you'll be happy.
4/5 spice
Fantastic book, queer rep (esp body dysphoria is really well done, the MC is trans) which I really appreciated. A lot of latinx culture in here, including ghosts and religion, just such a cool read!
the spicy scenes are borderline hard to read (this demon fucks for *his* pleasure), but if you like monster spice you'll be happy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Xenophobia, Blood, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Classism, Grief, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Abandonment, Death of parent, Deadnaming, Drug abuse, and Mental illness
authoroconnor's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow. Where do I even begin? Perhaps with the first thing I wrote in my notes: "Oh my gods?? Amazing?"
I didn't entirely know what to expect when picking up this book. I don't remember adding it to my TBR but when I was gifted it for Christmas I was excited to tuck into the first book I've ever read with a trans or nonbinary protagonist. And I am so glad I did.
From the start, Freydís Moon draws the reader into the main character's world, their prose sharp and powerful enough that we can empathise with Kye Lovato's struggles, their experiences, and their grief -- even if we have not personally been through some of it. While I am not Mexican or even PoC, I was deeply invested in learning tidbits of Kye's culture and history while also sharing some of their trauma and mixed feelings towards their family. The author does an excellent job at making it clear the story is for and about not only trans people, but Mexicans and PoC, and does not hold the reader's hand on the offchance they might not know the culture -- merely conveying the importance of the subplot involving Kye's family Alebrijes business and trusting the reader's intelligence and empathy will do the rest, which I appreciated as someone completely ignorant of the culture but not entitled enough to believe I should be spoon-fed that information.
While some readers might find the nature of the erotica within this book to be disturbing, I immediately latched on to Kye's journey with Eli, absolutely charmed by the way Moon is able to depict all the elements that come with a healthy BDSM relationship -- consent, boundaries, and to what extent it can be used as a coping mechanism and exploration of personal identity. I found a lot of Kye's relationship with sex mirrored my own: the belief that pain was something I deeply needed, the use of 'subspace' to relinquish control in a life that offered me none, putting myself in dangerous situations as a form of self-harm and control-seeking. The evolution of Kye sexual relationship with Eli from relinquishing control to taking it back, all in a safe environment with no judgement, was poignant and resonated deeply with me.
On the subject of trauma recovery, it is easy to believe that this story will end up another "broken protagonist simply needs a good dicking down to be 'cured'" cliche, but Moon takes that narrative by the throat and tears it to pieces. Even when their body is transformed to their most ideal self, the story makes it clear that their dysphoria is not magically cured as it is primarily caused by others' perception of them -- something my fellow trans people will understand intimately. The same can be said for their trauma. Kye's past haunts them from start to finish regardless of Eli's help, allowing the character full agency to take back their power and be reborn in a beautiful metaphor that will resonate with both trauma survivors and trans people alike. The prose and story both contain a beautiful mix of raw, honest truths and sweeping, vivid metaphor that had me utterly engrossed from start to finish, especially with the expert way every theme of the story is interwoven in its metaphors.
The romance within this story is equal parts erotic, thrilling and heartwarming. There were multiple parts that had me smiling like a smitten schoolgirl with how sweet the dynamic between Eli and Kye gets, especially as the story progresses. Their dialogue feels natural, real; like they've known each other for lifetimes. The little bits of Eli's past we get given are tiny tastes of his true motivation that show us just how sincere and invested he is in Kye's life, and the ways they communicate had me chuckling aloud in places. Equally, their rocky, awkward friendship with Esther is adorable and wholesome, even while acknowledging they may never truly know each other closely.
Without spoiling anything, the end of the story is one that quite literally had me grinning at my book at 6 in the morning, unable to put it down for something as paltry as sleep. While the story is primarily character-focused, the conclusion of the family business/ICE plot is so satisfying and thrilling. The post-it I marked the section in my book with literally just says "FUCK YES". Truly the ACAB conclusion we deserve.
From start to finish, With a Vengeance is the trans power fantasy I didn't know I needed. It brought me to laughter, to tears, had me all but kicking my legs and twirling my hair. And right at the end of the book are the Acknowledgements -- their placement there rather than the beginning absolutely genius, as I found myself brought to tears one last time.
To everyone who resonated with Kye Lovato: I see you. Your rage is a gift.
-Acknowledgements
To Freydis Moon: I feel seen. Thank you for making my first read of 2024 an absolute gif
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Violence, Death of parent, Grief, Sexual content, and Death
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cultural appropriation, Deportation, Religious bigotry, Cursing, Sexual violence, Police brutality, Suicide, and Racism
amyreadsitall's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Transphobia, Deportation, and Deadnaming
litematcha's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Dysphoria, Self harm, Sexual content, Transphobia, Religious bigotry, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, Cursing, and Deadnaming
Moderate: Drug use, Blood, and Deportation
Minor: Cultural appropriation, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Gun violence
aromarrie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
this book is so so surreal; i will always love every moment i got to live in it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Sexual content, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Deadnaming, Death of parent, and Transphobia
bonriki's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Police brutality, Blood, Suicide attempt, Transphobia, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Rape and Cultural appropriation
kenzieburke's review
dark
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Deadnaming
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
downtown_kb's review
Kye returns to their childhood home after the death of their mother with their mental health at a breaking point. Estranged from their family for years, returning home puts Kye in an even more fragile place emotionally and mentally. But when the voice they have been battling in their head manifests suddenly as a demon claiming possession and looking to make a deal, Kye recklessly decides to embrace their motto to live fast and die young.
I don’t think this is the right time for me to read this. I want to read Freydis Moon’s full backlog and just started here without too much thought. This is nothing against the writing/storytelling because it is clearly good. Just in 25% there was some great character development and some good steam. I knew it was dark erotica when I started. I didn’t think this would be a problem but it’s very dark horror, the kind I don’t like: psychological horror that is scary because you don’t know if the MC is losing their mind or not. It’s got very heavy themes and apparently my brain is not in the right place for it. Also my petty self got their feathers up every time Kye threw a cigarette butt on the ground. I think I might move on to their other stuff for now and possibly come back to this one day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Transphobia, Dysphoria, and Grief