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andromeda_1998's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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
3.5
Wings of ebony is one of those books that you want to love but even though you still liked it you feel like something is missing. It least it’s one of those books for me. Before I go into the book any further I want to put in a disclaimer: “I’m European, I have lived my whole life in a country that might not be perfect but where we can still 95% of the time trust the government to look out for us. I’m not going into the representation of this book since I do not have the knowledge to talk about his subject.”
Okay, with that been said what are my thoughts about this book?
The plot
Wings of ebony is about Rue. After her mom was killed she found herself in a strange magical country (Ghizon) where she had to learn to embrace her magic and deal with a father she has never known. We meet Rue a year after her mothers death. She found her way back to America to give her sister a birthday present but she ends up having to save her sisters life. When her sister touches her, rue breaks one of many rules of Ghizon. This starts a manhunt for Rue and she has to travel dangerous waters to keep herself and her sister safe.
The books storyline focuses heavily one Racism and police brutality. The storyline is actually pretty amazing and I really wanted to love it but the book has some flaws. The plot never really goes into a lot of different plotpoints. It is a lot of telling instead of showing. Rue is constantly telling that the block she comes from us fam, but we never actually get to explore her connections to the home she used to live in. We meet just 3 characters she knows and one she vaguely knows since he is the popular boy in school. I would have loved to see more of the connections between the main character and her home to make the reader understand the bond she feels with her community. I understand this is heavily inspired from real life but in the book itself it has no real foundation. There are more instances this happens but those are heavy spoilers so if your interested you can find them further below.
Worldbuilding
The worldbuilding is sloppy, we don’t actually get any worldbuilding about Ghizon. We just have to believe it exist but we don’t really get an explanation about who the world works. We also don’t really get to explore the magic. Magic was something the characters more really talked about than used and we never really got to see Rue grow into her powers or an explanation to the boundaries of the magic used in the book. We don’t even get an full explanation about how the magic works. Her is a piece of onyx, good luck! The history we do get doesn’t even cover the basics of the magic system.
Writing style
The writing is terrific! It’s fast paced and action pact. I’m not sure about the placing of the flash backs but some of the more emotional scenes have been done very well. I
Characters
Rue is a fun character she is a bit typical ya, she misses some major red flags but hé, she is young enough to learn. She is a really strong female character and I would have loved to she her grow.
Recommend, it’s a good book. I just miss a lot of explanation that could have made the book even better. I am a bit frustrated about that….
Other plot points that could have used more explanation:
1. The whole gang plot on the block… what does the chancellor and the governor win from selling drugs And power in a country they do not care for and don’t need to have controle over for there plans to actually work. They only endanger their ambitions with there connection with America. If it was only to hurt Rue than the did that in the most round about stupid way imaginable.
2. The father plot, we didn’t see them grow. She just hated his ass till he got killed. There is no relationship there and that’s her fault.
3. The romance plot, it basically was a case of: “o look, a dark skinned boy with dimples and magic, I’m willing to sell my soul for him now” we read one scene between them before the boy was willing to risk his life for his “queen”. This was a big case of telling and no showing. It’s a shame. Give us some bounding before making them randomly kiss. <spoilers>
Okay, with that been said what are my thoughts about this book?
The plot
Wings of ebony is about Rue. After her mom was killed she found herself in a strange magical country (Ghizon) where she had to learn to embrace her magic and deal with a father she has never known. We meet Rue a year after her mothers death. She found her way back to America to give her sister a birthday present but she ends up having to save her sisters life. When her sister touches her, rue breaks one of many rules of Ghizon. This starts a manhunt for Rue and she has to travel dangerous waters to keep herself and her sister safe.
The books storyline focuses heavily one Racism and police brutality. The storyline is actually pretty amazing and I really wanted to love it but the book has some flaws. The plot never really goes into a lot of different plotpoints. It is a lot of telling instead of showing. Rue is constantly telling that the block she comes from us fam, but we never actually get to explore her connections to the home she used to live in. We meet just 3 characters she knows and one she vaguely knows since he is the popular boy in school. I would have loved to see more of the connections between the main character and her home to make the reader understand the bond she feels with her community. I understand this is heavily inspired from real life but in the book itself it has no real foundation. There are more instances this happens but those are heavy spoilers so if your interested you can find them further below.
Worldbuilding
The worldbuilding is sloppy, we don’t actually get any worldbuilding about Ghizon. We just have to believe it exist but we don’t really get an explanation about who the world works. We also don’t really get to explore the magic. Magic was something the characters more really talked about than used and we never really got to see Rue grow into her powers or an explanation to the boundaries of the magic used in the book. We don’t even get an full explanation about how the magic works. Her is a piece of onyx, good luck! The history we do get doesn’t even cover the basics of the magic system.
Writing style
The writing is terrific! It’s fast paced and action pact. I’m not sure about the placing of the flash backs but some of the more emotional scenes have been done very well. I
Characters
Rue is a fun character she is a bit typical ya, she misses some major red flags but hé, she is young enough to learn. She is a really strong female character and I would have loved to she her grow.
Recommend, it’s a good book. I just miss a lot of explanation that could have made the book even better. I am a bit frustrated about that….
Other plot points that could have used more explanation:
1. The whole gang plot on the block… what does the chancellor and the governor win from selling drugs And power in a country they do not care for and don’t need to have controle over for there plans to actually work. They only endanger their ambitions with there connection with America. If it was only to hurt Rue than the did that in the most round about stupid way imaginable.
2. The father plot, we didn’t see them grow. She just hated his ass till he got killed. There is no relationship there and that’s her fault.
3. The romance plot, it basically was a case of: “o look, a dark skinned boy with dimples and magic, I’m willing to sell my soul for him now” we read one scene between them before the boy was willing to risk his life for his “queen”. This was a big case of telling and no showing. It’s a shame. Give us some bounding before making them randomly kiss. <spoilers>
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Colonisation, Classism, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Genocide, Gun violence, Murder, Violence, Racial slurs, and Police brutality
meluhnie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Murder, and Grief
Moderate: Racism, Cultural appropriation, Gun violence, Violence, Colonisation, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Drug use, Kidnapping, Police brutality, and Religious bigotry
foreverinastory's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this debut!
Wings of Ebony follows Rue after the fatal shooting of her Moms. Her estranged father comes and takes Rue to a land called Ghizon where its inhabitants have magic. Rue is stranded there for a whole year. But with the help of her genius best friend, she's able to transport herself back to Earth without being tracked. What starts out as a simple task to deliver a birthday gift to her sister, becomes increasingly more complicated when Tasha is almost killed in a car crash. Not only that but something is infiltrating East Row with drugs and murdering young Black kids. Rue knows the police are no help, so it will be up to her and the other occupants of East Row to figure out what's happening.
Y'all this book was so good! I really enjoyed the portal fantasy type world going on here. There's also so much going on in terms of colonisation, and systemic racism. J. Elle put so much into this book. I loved getting to know more about Rue's home of East Row, and the magical world of Ghizon. Rue is such a strong and relentless character, I loved her so much. She is fierce in her determination to protect those she loves and cares for. I was rooting for Rue 200% of the time, I wanted to see her succeed.
The world building is done so well in this book. But it is more of a slow build. We don't get all of the mechanics of Ghizon right away. The other thing is that the history of Ghizon has been written by the victors, which have secrets to hide. So if you're confused about how things work, just keep going. Trust me.
I loved how much family plays a role in this story. J. Elle didn't pull any punches either when it comes to the emotional side of things. I definitely was traumatized by a particular scene in the end. I can't wait to see what else J. Elle writes!
Rep: Black and Indigenous (to a fantasy land based off Africa) female MC, Black and Indigenous side characters.
CWs: Abandonment, blood, car accident colonisation, death, death of parents, gaslighting, fire, grief, gun violence, injury/injury detail, murder, racism, violence.
Wings of Ebony follows Rue after the fatal shooting of her Moms. Her estranged father comes and takes Rue to a land called Ghizon where its inhabitants have magic. Rue is stranded there for a whole year. But with the help of her genius best friend, she's able to transport herself back to Earth without being tracked. What starts out as a simple task to deliver a birthday gift to her sister, becomes increasingly more complicated when Tasha is almost killed in a car crash. Not only that but something is infiltrating East Row with drugs and murdering young Black kids. Rue knows the police are no help, so it will be up to her and the other occupants of East Row to figure out what's happening.
Y'all this book was so good! I really enjoyed the portal fantasy type world going on here. There's also so much going on in terms of colonisation, and systemic racism. J. Elle put so much into this book. I loved getting to know more about Rue's home of East Row, and the magical world of Ghizon. Rue is such a strong and relentless character, I loved her so much. She is fierce in her determination to protect those she loves and cares for. I was rooting for Rue 200% of the time, I wanted to see her succeed.
The world building is done so well in this book. But it is more of a slow build. We don't get all of the mechanics of Ghizon right away. The other thing is that the history of Ghizon has been written by the victors, which have secrets to hide. So if you're confused about how things work, just keep going. Trust me.
I loved how much family plays a role in this story. J. Elle didn't pull any punches either when it comes to the emotional side of things. I definitely was traumatized by a particular scene in the end. I can't wait to see what else J. Elle writes!
Rep: Black and Indigenous (to a fantasy land based off Africa) female MC, Black and Indigenous side characters.
CWs: Abandonment, blood, car accident colonisation, death, death of parents, gaslighting, fire, grief, gun violence, injury/injury detail, murder, racism, violence.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Colonisation, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Racism, Violence, and Car accident
teri_b's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was a blast and truly YA, I would like to say.
We have a very strong main character who grew up in East Row with her mom and her younger sister until the moment her mother got killed and Rue got brought to this other place, where she is now to be educated as she is not only human, but also half god.
When she decides to return on the anniversary of her mother's death to the street she grew up in and meet up with her sister, she sets a series of events in action she could not foresee.
And as the world around seems to tumble down Rue has to understand more about her magic, her origins and also make sure that she keeps her sister and the friends she has found on the way, safe.
Absolutely compelling story telling. One of the best books I read this year.
Loved the narrator of this story. I felt, she got the voices of her characters just so right.
We have a very strong main character who grew up in East Row with her mom and her younger sister until the moment her mother got killed and Rue got brought to this other place, where she is now to be educated as she is not only human, but also half god.
When she decides to return on the anniversary of her mother's death to the street she grew up in and meet up with her sister, she sets a series of events in action she could not foresee.
And as the world around seems to tumble down Rue has to understand more about her magic, her origins and also make sure that she keeps her sister and the friends she has found on the way, safe.
Absolutely compelling story telling. One of the best books I read this year.
Loved the narrator of this story. I felt, she got the voices of her characters just so right.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Cultural appropriation, Death of parent, Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Murder, and Racism
elwirax's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
3.0
PROS:
Rue was such a strong character. She went through so much and still found the strength to fight for her family and justice. She didn't feel the need to change herself and was proud of the hood she grew up in and the people who made it home.
J.Elle comments on racism and colonialism in a raw and blunt way. She addresses privilege and the need for white people to fight against systemic racism without making the whole thing about themselves or being coddled by Black people. Racism must be called out as racism and nothing else. This is the strongest message in "Wings of Ebony" and one which is very much applicable to our society.
CONS:
The world building and magic fell flat in some aspects especially regarding Ghizon. I had a hard time picturing Houston alongside this magical city. However, "Wings of Ebony" is the first book in a duology so this may be expanded upon in the next book.
The romance was really insta-lovey and served no purpose to the overall book. I think the book would've been better if the romance was left out entirely. There was also an inkling of a love triangle which I really don't like and hope the duology does not go in that direction ( this is just a personal preference though)
The pacing felt a little off. Some parts were really well written while others not so much. As well as this, many of the characters lacked the proper characterisation needed to be well rounded and ultimately felt really flat.The dialogue between these characters was clunky and strange in some parts which meant I was not invested in any of them.
Objectively this was a good book with important commentary that needs to be adressed. I wish I could say it was a 5 star book but it simply didn't feel as such. It's dissapointing that I didn't love it as much as I'd hoped. Despite this, I would still recommend it. It's debatable whether or not I'll pick up the next book when it comes out but it's definitely not off the table.
Rue was such a strong character. She went through so much and still found the strength to fight for her family and justice. She didn't feel the need to change herself and was proud of the hood she grew up in and the people who made it home.
J.Elle comments on racism and colonialism in a raw and blunt way. She addresses privilege and the need for white people to fight against systemic racism without making the whole thing about themselves or being coddled by Black people. Racism must be called out as racism and nothing else. This is the strongest message in "Wings of Ebony" and one which is very much applicable to our society.
CONS:
The world building and magic fell flat in some aspects especially regarding Ghizon. I had a hard time picturing Houston alongside this magical city. However, "Wings of Ebony" is the first book in a duology so this may be expanded upon in the next book.
The romance was really insta-lovey and served no purpose to the overall book. I think the book would've been better if the romance was left out entirely. There was also an inkling of a love triangle which I really don't like and hope the duology does not go in that direction ( this is just a personal preference though)
The pacing felt a little off. Some parts were really well written while others not so much. As well as this, many of the characters lacked the proper characterisation needed to be well rounded and ultimately felt really flat.The dialogue between these characters was clunky and strange in some parts which meant I was not invested in any of them.
Objectively this was a good book with important commentary that needs to be adressed. I wish I could say it was a 5 star book but it simply didn't feel as such. It's dissapointing that I didn't love it as much as I'd hoped. Despite this, I would still recommend it. It's debatable whether or not I'll pick up the next book when it comes out but it's definitely not off the table.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Gun violence
Moderate: Genocide, Death of parent, and Murder
thenovelmaura's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
4.0
I wish I hadn't waited so long to write my review, because I'm afraid I won't be able to do this book justice! Wings of Ebony was a magical debut novel with a protagonist who is full of life. Unlike when characters wish they could be whisked away to a magical world, this exact thing happened to Rue and she wasn't having any of it. She'd rather be with her sister and the tight-knit community in her Houston neighborhood than learning how to wield magic in Ghizon. For this reason, East Row felt much more real to me than the fantastical Ghizon, especially since Rue chose to ignore most of what she was taught there. J. Elle was generous enough to attend our book club's discussion and said that the sequel will be based almost entirely in Ghizon, so I'm looking forward to learning more about this world in that book.
There were quite a few great character arcs in this book that I can't talk about without spoiling anything, but Rue's friend Bri and her father were the standouts for me. Even when their choices were painful to read about, Rue was both honest with them and gave them room to change, which I loved. The ending makes a powerful statement about restorative justice that was appropriate for a YA audience. I'm in awe of Elle's ability to address issues of racism, colonization, cultural appropriation and performative allyship in the context of an action-packed urban fantasy novel, and I can't wait to read more from her!
There were quite a few great character arcs in this book that I can't talk about without spoiling anything, but Rue's friend Bri and her father were the standouts for me. Even when their choices were painful to read about, Rue was both honest with them and gave them room to change, which I loved. The ending makes a powerful statement about restorative justice that was appropriate for a YA audience. I'm in awe of Elle's ability to address issues of racism, colonization, cultural appropriation and performative allyship in the context of an action-packed urban fantasy novel, and I can't wait to read more from her!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Racism
Moderate: Gun violence, Police brutality, and Murder
queer_bookwyrm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
5.0
"Moms raised a diamond. And diamonds don't crack."
I was gifted an arc copy of Wings of Ebony by J. Elle. Wow. Just wow. This book is the perfect blend of urban fantasy and social justice novel. I devoured this book in two days.
We follow Rue in East Row, where we see the desolation that gang and drug activity can reduce a hood to. Rue is trying to see her younger sister Tasha from a distance on the anniversary of their mother's death. Rue isn't supposed to touch any human now that she lives and Ghazan and has magic. Tasha is almost in a car accident until Rue intervenes, touching Tasha.
A whole bunch of problems ensue for the sisters, but we get to see Rue grow and learn about her abilities and her true history in Ghazan. It was so nice that romance was a main piece of the plot! There were hints of maybe romance to come, but this story was about getting justice.
This book was also about the importance of family; sticking together. And just blood family. "The whole block fam." I loved the way Elle depicted Bri struggling with her privilege, and the nuance she brought to the conversation without apologizing for it. We also see the ill effects of colonialism depicted in Ghazan along with an oppressive caste system.
It was also refreshing to have a book that ends with the racist getting exactly what he deserves. I loved this book so much, but I don't want to say much more for fear of spoilers. Just read this book! I seriously hope there is a second book coming!
The only thing I didn't like was the way the author made everyone stutter all the time. It took me out of it every time. Such a minor issue that it didn't impact my rating. I would have liked to see more of the world building, but maybe that happens in a later book?
I was gifted an arc copy of Wings of Ebony by J. Elle. Wow. Just wow. This book is the perfect blend of urban fantasy and social justice novel. I devoured this book in two days.
We follow Rue in East Row, where we see the desolation that gang and drug activity can reduce a hood to. Rue is trying to see her younger sister Tasha from a distance on the anniversary of their mother's death. Rue isn't supposed to touch any human now that she lives and Ghazan and has magic. Tasha is almost in a car accident until Rue intervenes, touching Tasha.
A whole bunch of problems ensue for the sisters, but we get to see Rue grow and learn about her abilities and her true history in Ghazan. It was so nice that romance was a main piece of the plot! There were hints of maybe romance to come, but this story was about getting justice.
This book was also about the importance of family; sticking together. And just blood family. "The whole block fam." I loved the way Elle depicted Bri struggling with her privilege, and the nuance she brought to the conversation without apologizing for it. We also see the ill effects of colonialism depicted in Ghazan along with an oppressive caste system.
It was also refreshing to have a book that ends with the racist getting exactly what he deserves. I loved this book so much, but I don't want to say much more for fear of spoilers. Just read this book! I seriously hope there is a second book coming!
The only thing I didn't like was the way the author made everyone stutter all the time. It took me out of it every time. Such a minor issue that it didn't impact my rating. I would have liked to see more of the world building, but maybe that happens in a later book?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Genocide, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Murder, Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
stormywolf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
fast-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
4.0
I believe I found this one through Facebook and/or new release emails from my library. Since reading Legendborn last year I'm really interested in reading fantasy woven into and around Black traditions and experiences. Other than reading the summary blurb, I really had no idea what I was getting into, or just how much this book would dig its claws into me.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I highly recommend this book. This was the first book about the Black experience and systemic racism that had me legitimately questioning my own views and prejudices by offering some conflicts in shades of gray. As a debut novel, there are some rough edges still to be worked out, but I'm trusting details (like with magic and the title of the book) will be further addressed in the upcoming sequel(s). If you're interested in or looking to get into YA fantasy, social justice reform, Afrofuturism, or other subjects concerning Black experiences, this one is definitely worth a read. I, for one, am definitely going to be returning to this series as soon as I can.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I highly recommend this book. This was the first book about the Black experience and systemic racism that had me legitimately questioning my own views and prejudices by offering some conflicts in shades of gray. As a debut novel, there are some rough edges still to be worked out, but I'm trusting details (like with magic and the title of the book) will be further addressed in the upcoming sequel(s). If you're interested in or looking to get into YA fantasy, social justice reform, Afrofuturism, or other subjects concerning Black experiences, this one is definitely worth a read. I, for one, am definitely going to be returning to this series as soon as I can.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Racism, Racial slurs, Death, Death of parent, Gun violence, and Murder
Moderate: Blood and Genocide
Minor: Bullying, Child death, and Grief
leahsbooks's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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 one of the 2021 debuts that I was really looking forward to, and I’m glad to say that it did not disappoint. You know when you start reading a book and know right away that it’s just going to be amazing? Yep. That’s what happened here.
It’s a crossover between urban fantasy, taking place in the hood of Houston, and fantasy, in Ghizon, which is an incredibly well-crafted world. The world building is done beautifully, with an entire caste-based society, history, language, magic system, and holidays/customs all described in such a clear and intriguing way. Just like any other society, Ghizon has a dark side to it as well, and involves discrimination.
J. Elle doesn’t shy away from portraying Rue’s Houston neighborhood realistically either, displaying both the good and the bad. While it’s clear that there is no trust between the people and law enforcement, media doesn’t show any interest in what happens to the residents of East Row, and the people living there are no strangers to drugs, violence, and death, the community is more than just neighbors — they’re family.
I loved the emotional impact this book had. Rue dealt with some heavy emotions throughout the entire story, but her feelings were all so realistic. She was dealing with grief, fear, anger, frustration, hurt, and loneliness. Rue is angry but channels it to create positive change for herself, her family, and her community, and even brings that change to wider circles. She faced an uphill battle, leaving a predominantly Black community that functioned as a supportive family after a traumatic event, and then being transported to a society where she’s basically an outcast and one of two Black people.
Rue wasn’t the only character who showed growth during the book. So many of the main characters had amazing growth arcs over the course of the story, and that wasn’t even the best part! The story itself was exciting, and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I was actually disappointed when I had to adult and put the book down, and would count the time down until I could start reading again. The author wasn’t afraid to discuss racism, empowerment, hate, social justice, family dynamics, and forgiveness, and I can only hope that the next book in this series come out soon, because I’m here for it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Murder, Grief, Death of parent, and Gun violence
Minor: Child abuse, Genocide, and Drug use
daniellestarredpages's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
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
2.5
I think this book could've shone better if it was longer. Which would've given more time for the story to develop. The beginning of the story was rushed and the pacing was off for the entire book. Towards the middle of the book when the story began to get intriguing, that's when they pacing issues became really prominent. The setting kept switching from one place to another and there was no cool of time between one action scene that ended in disaster for the characters to another scene. The resolution was also very rushed and unbelievable. The way Rue just handed out Ghizon technology to the people on her row and used that to solve the problem was one of the most unbelievable things. And I don't think the casual way that Rue exposed the magic at the end to the entire world was a good idea, considering the fact that her people at Ghizon worked so hard to hide themselves originally. However, Rue's dedication to her family was very admirable and her drive was really easy to root for. The other characters while not fleshed out entirely was enjoyable for the time they were on the page. The themes of racism, and white people making themselves the victim in the Ghizoni setting were well handled.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death of parent, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Death, Blood, Murder, Racism, and Racial slurs