Reviews with content warning for Death - With A Vengeance

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With A Vengeance by Freydís Moon

4 reviews

authoroconnor's review

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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

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salemander's review

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freydis moon i worship at the altar of your fuckin literature.

UPDATE: NEVERMIND!!! FUCK YOU “FREYDIS MOON” YOU LYING RACIST ASSHOLE!!! hope you never sell another book again.

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youshouldreadthisif's review

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fast-paced

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krystalg's review against another edition

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dark fast-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

5.0

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