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shlymiller's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Police brutality, and Racism
Minor: Suicide attempt and Death of parent
michaelion's review
hopeful
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.25
I'm not a fan of this style of mixing fantasy and reality. Like, why would the Disney princess Ariel exist in this universe? If mythical creatures are real, why in the real world would you call them mythical beings? Surely there would be some other term. Also, the writing tries to be mysterious to be point where it's confusing. Like. Just tell us what's happening instead of telling us what happened 3 pages later. Also!!! A quarter into the book, my journal entry for page 73 is "medusa?!" I guessed it that quick! Which isn't bad but is funny. In a world where "mythical creatures" are real and there's real stigma around them, even though no one's ever seen a gorgon or whatever why didn't they think of that?! I did!!! But anyway. It really hooked my attention after the halfway point, which isn't good, but I had fun. The fantasy element just clearly wasn't thought out thoroughly enough, but before the book was over I rented out the sequel at my library because I wanted to keep the ball rolling!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Murder, Racism, Police brutality, and Child abuse
Moderate: Death of parent, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Bullying, Stalking, Self harm, Body horror, Grief, Abandonment, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Ableism and Terminal illness
rae_bookmarkchronicles's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This is a really wonderful story about family, friendship, the struggles of Black women, activism and so much more. I don't know what I was expecting going into this but I am pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
readingwithsierra's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.75
This was such a good exploration into mythology and how many Black people don’t see themselves inside mythological stories. I enjoyed the social commentary as well especially when it came to Black girls using their voice to speak up. There were a few areas where it would cut to a past scene and sometimes these were so long or went on many tangents that I forgot what was happening at the present time, so that made putting the entire story together a bit harder. Overall, I thought this was pretty good. I love mythology and the lore surrounding it so to see it be presented with Black characters and Black girl magic made it all the more special.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Hate crime, Police brutality, Racism, and Cultural appropriation
Minor: Violence and Self harm
donttouchmyfeet's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Police brutality
Minor: Mental illness, Bullying, and Death of parent
aus10england's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
1.75
I unfortunately couldn’t get into this one. Had a hard time understanding the differences in the dual POV’s.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
shellroch285's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.25
IT’S MERMAIDCORE SUMMER!!! I loved this book so much! The dynamic Tavia and Effie had was so lovely,m. I also appreciated how the story built upon previous ideas of what an eloko and a siren can be. This book gives strong commentary about racism and how society in the United States views protesting and activism today. Cannot recommend enough!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
ashleibby613's review
emotional
mysterious
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
2.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide, Racism, Police brutality, and Suicide attempt
rubybastille's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
3.5
I loved the use of mythical creatures as a mirror/allegory for real-world racism, but the story itself felt thin and unfocused. Characters who were meant to come across as sympathetic (or at least complicated) felt unlikable to me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Racism, and Body horror
Moderate: Child death, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
guessgreenleaf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Racism