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annamorgan27's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Death
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual content
booksthatburn's review against another edition
It’s hazy and dream-like in a way that made it hard to hang on to what’s happening. The premise is interesting, but I expected a mystery, not an existentialist meditation.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content, Cursing, Blood, Grief, Violence, Medical trauma, and Death
Minor: Murder and Sexual content
orangesquidbooks's review
mysterious
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
4.0
Very interesting prose
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Sexual content
bookishyarn's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, and Sexual violence
Minor: Alcohol, Self harm, and Drug use
thelittlestmermaid's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
* Thanks to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! *
I have never read a story like And What Can We Offer You Tonight. It was shorter than most books I read and it didn't dive very deep into character development or world building but it was still enjoyable.
The story opens with the main character Jewel, a courtesan, grieving the loss of her friend Winfield after she was murdered by a client. However, at the funeral Winfield comes back from the dead with the intent to get revenge for her own murder. Then Jewel has to decide whether or not to keep herself safe in a high-stakes world or help Winfield.
The setting is a world in the far future mostly destroyed by late stage capitalism. People are heavily modified with horns, wings, bionic breasts, and the like. If you're lucky enough to have a purpose and a job then you're safe but if not then you're at risk of being culled. Law no longer exists and those with money get away with whatever they want.
The cast of characters was very interesting. Jewel is a very passive main character and for most of the story is unable to make up her mind on anything she wants to do. The other two main characters were more interesting to me and yet we barely learn anything about either of them.
The stream of consciousness narration in the story is very dreamlike and poetic. There is some beautiful imagery, however at times it is hard to discern exactly what is happening. When Jewel's thoughts become confused or upset it becomes confusing to read.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and will likely end up purchasing a physical copy when it comes out. I do wish it were longer, if only to to understand the world and surrounding characters better. I think that this story will appeal to fans of the dystopian and science fiction genres.
3.5 Stars
I have never read a story like And What Can We Offer You Tonight. It was shorter than most books I read and it didn't dive very deep into character development or world building but it was still enjoyable.
The story opens with the main character Jewel, a courtesan, grieving the loss of her friend Winfield after she was murdered by a client. However, at the funeral Winfield comes back from the dead with the intent to get revenge for her own murder. Then Jewel has to decide whether or not to keep herself safe in a high-stakes world or help Winfield.
The setting is a world in the far future mostly destroyed by late stage capitalism. People are heavily modified with horns, wings, bionic breasts, and the like. If you're lucky enough to have a purpose and a job then you're safe but if not then you're at risk of being culled. Law no longer exists and those with money get away with whatever they want.
The cast of characters was very interesting. Jewel is a very passive main character and for most of the story is unable to make up her mind on anything she wants to do. The other two main characters were more interesting to me and yet we barely learn anything about either of them.
The stream of consciousness narration in the story is very dreamlike and poetic. There is some beautiful imagery, however at times it is hard to discern exactly what is happening. When Jewel's thoughts become confused or upset it becomes confusing to read.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and will likely end up purchasing a physical copy when it comes out. I do wish it were longer, if only to to understand the world and surrounding characters better. I think that this story will appeal to fans of the dystopian and science fiction genres.
3.5 Stars
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Violence
Minor: Alcohol and Drug use
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In this whirlwind of a novella, readers are welcomed into a House of courtesans in a dystopian future where the once sparkling Winfield has ruined her funeral by coming back from the dead. Murdered by a client, Win will use her second chance to become an antihero vigilante seeking vengeance. But actually, our protagonist is the practical, routine Jewel rather than the fiery Win. Jewel is both worried about and drawn to her friend Win's chaos, wanting justice for the many tragedies inflicted on the courtesans as a matter of course, while also fearing the loss of her livelihood.
I found the story to be a biting commentary on capitalism in this future world where society has collapsed but the increasingly stark differentiation between the rich and poor persists. I think Jewel's turmoil shows the internal struggle with revolutionary change-- a yearning for something better mixed in with a fear of lost safety and the dangers of a fight for survival. She's a sympathetic character and a worthy guide.
My only complaint with this one is the world-building. It's a quick read, and I think the author relies on the overwhelming similarities between our world and this possible future to skip explaining things about how it functions. While I was more than happy to skip an info-dump, I had to choose not to fixate on unfamiliar terms that came up as unnecessary distractions from the meat of the story. Once I started dismissing them rather than poking and prodding at them, I had a much better time of it.
I recommend this to readers seeking a fast, gritty dystopian story peopled by complex characters facing down the capitalist system that keeps them downtrodden.
Thanks to Neon Hemlock Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this gripping novella, out 7/20.
I found the story to be a biting commentary on capitalism in this future world where society has collapsed but the increasingly stark differentiation between the rich and poor persists. I think Jewel's turmoil shows the internal struggle with revolutionary change-- a yearning for something better mixed in with a fear of lost safety and the dangers of a fight for survival. She's a sympathetic character and a worthy guide.
My only complaint with this one is the world-building. It's a quick read, and I think the author relies on the overwhelming similarities between our world and this possible future to skip explaining things about how it functions. While I was more than happy to skip an info-dump, I had to choose not to fixate on unfamiliar terms that came up as unnecessary distractions from the meat of the story. Once I started dismissing them rather than poking and prodding at them, I had a much better time of it.
I recommend this to readers seeking a fast, gritty dystopian story peopled by complex characters facing down the capitalist system that keeps them downtrodden.
Thanks to Neon Hemlock Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this gripping novella, out 7/20.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, Physical abuse, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
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