Reviews tagging 'Religious bigotry'

Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall

1 review

robinsong's review

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

This book had SO much potential and fell flat and then continued to fall down several flights of stairs. The concept of the curse and the living and widely accepted gods is such a delightful idea, I just wish the execution wasn't so bad.

Positives:
  • Setting/world building

The idea of the different gods and goddesses being very much Real and Tangible is so fun and wonderful. My absolute favorite parts of the book were the descriptions of how the magic system works in this universe and how the temperaments of supernatural beings changed how they dealt with mortals was genuinely a great time. I especially liked the descriptions of the curses and how the various attacks against Maelys got progressively worse.

Negatives:
  • Character voice

The characters in this book are each very distinct from each other, but in ways that felt cheap and silly. The main character, Maelys, felt very flat throughout the story. Her cousin, John, exists only to say "no" to silly ideas and further one (1) plot point.
He also gets the bonus role of taking us to Transphobia Club: where gay and gender non-conforming men gather to invalidate trans women.
Miss Bickle is exceedingly silly, and feels overall akin to the straight girl in highschool who eagerly joined GSA in order to get permission to say homophobic slurs. Lastly, Lady Georgiana, the main love interest, has the personality of wet cardboard. Someone who is suspected to be a wicked, murderous, lesbian witch seems like they might be a fun and interesting character to interact with, but she mostly likes to leave scenes without saying much.

  • Homophobia/transphobia

My God. Where do I begin. In historical romance, especially queer historical romance, I expect to read about homophobia and transphobia. It comes with the territory and is a regular point of friction both in stories and reality. The brand of homophobia in Mortal Follies is a very, very particular one. "Let my gays marry" "I support gay couples as much as normal couples" type shit. The objectification of queer characters for straight amusement is prevalent throughout. About 50% of Mae's interactions with Miss Bickle show this kind of ~scandal~ and it is exhausting. The constant pressing to make Mae confess her feelings, to show or discuss physical affection, and to "test" her attractions leaves a horrible taste in my mouth. There was also a scene towards the beginning of the book that felt completely out of left field and ended up being hideously transphobic. CW: transmisogyny in spoiler
Mae's cousin goes to an old gay haunt of his and talks to other gay men and drag-queens. They are pissed at one of their former friends bc she is now a priestess and has essentially transitioned. They say that she has betrayed them bc she's denying that she'll "always be a man". Literally horrific
Why, in a world where magic exists, where beings are able to change form at will, and where curses and blessings bear real strength; WHY would this be said? And why in the current political climate would it be necessary to include this scene other than to share your blatant disrespect for trans women? Do better.

  • Narration

I became tired of the cheeky fae narrator 10 pages in. I would sooner lay down in the middle of the road than continue to endure a fae creature complaining about first world problems.

  • The Ick

Any time a character talks about sex outside of the sex scenes I want to break my feet with a hammer. I have no desire to read 19 year olds sexual fantasies. Also, making up silly ye olde terms for shipping your friends is just as cringe as telling your real life friends that you ship them. 

The rub:
  • Pacing

The first half of the story moved on at a decent clip and kept momentum well. The biggest issue was each time a new major conflict arose it was just "AAAH MORTAL PERIL" and the stakes weren't there by the end.

  • Desperate attempts to not seem problematic 

There were SEVERAL moments throughout the book where it felt like the author paused and turned to face the reader to say Worry Not Dear Reader, My Wealthy British Aristocrats Are Not Bigots Or Racists. They all feel just as shoehorned as you might imagine. This adds nothing and just exists to relieve some imagined hand-wringing over whether the characters are acceptable by modern standards.

Overall, this book was fun briefly and in spurts. I wish the characters didn't make me want to rip my hair out. I also wish that it wasn't so fucking weird to gay and trans people. 2/5 stars.
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