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jareadforfilth's review against another edition
- 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
The trans/queer representation here is impeccably executed and while the struggles of our trans teen protagonist are a large focus of the book, Thomas does an outstanding job of letting Yadriel have an identity beyond just his transness and his struggle for acceptance. Yadriel is such a vivid, wonderful character who shines in his convictions and his tenacity. Julian is such a goof and I fell in love with him and his excitement for life and reckless abandon. Maritza is such a baddy and she is the kind of friend and family that we should all be lucky enough to have.
Lastly, the cultural richness of this book is so beautiful. Centering largely around the preparations for and celebration of Día de Muertos, the colors and vibrancy of the holiday were so paramount and honestly took on an almost character of their own. The spirituality and reverence were wonderful and beautiful and I’m so grateful to have been able to witness that on these pages.
This book is an absolute must-read!
Graphic: Death, Transphobia, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Deadnaming
merah's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I felt every single emotion while reading this book.
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Racism, Suicide, Transphobia, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Dysphoria, and Deportation
Minor: Cancer, Confinement, Deadnaming, Terminal illness, Vomit, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, and Classism
loads of knives, blades, cuts and stabbingseve81's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Deadnaming, Death, Torture, Transphobia, Violence, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
Moderate: Self harm
kalzeb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Death, Transphobia, Blood, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Deadnaming and Death of parent
Minor: Animal cruelty, Cursing, Grief, Car accident, and Cultural appropriation
braveprincess11's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
It’s beautifully written, has a diverse cast of characters, the representation is incredible… and the story! The story is so gripping; I fell in love with Yadriel and his family from the moment they were introduced. His relationship with Maritza is so heartwarming and beautiful. Watching Yadriel and Julian’s friendship grow throughout the book, and seeing Julian’s relationship with his friends…
I can’t wait to see what else Aidan Thomas comes out with; Sunbearer Trials has officially skyrocketed up my tbr
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Deadnaming, Transphobia, Kidnapping, and Car accident
agnela's review against another edition
- 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? No
2.25
Maybe im too old but I think there are more important things in the world than to prove yourself, for example, actually deeply caring for your family member who you know through supernatural ties, is dead and missing. Or not holding a hot ghost boy on earth if he asks you to release his spirit just because you don't want to.
And how about actually making the last big sacrifice count, huh? How about we don't fix everything just because we have magic, how about if a character does this huge thing and finally does something selfishly unselfish, we let them have it, and if they're saved, we make sure there's consequences?
I missed explanations about the magical system. Indeed it was explained shallowly and the plot moved on. But I would have loved to actually explore tradition, how it changed, how the old traditions of native Latin Americans who worshipped a death goddess were influenced by Catholicism, why it's a danger and a rosary and not something more pagan and ancient. Why men's magical item had pagan roots while women's took a more modern approach.
It felt like the author loved her characters and the plot a bit too much to make it interesting, as a self insert usually keeps you from doing it.
Graphic: Child death, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Deportation
tinyjude's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Younger me would have loved this even more 😭 it was healing to read specially in such an uncertain and terrifying time for trans lives and lgbt+ folks in general
Graphic: Deadnaming, Death, Transphobia, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Homophobia, Blood, Kidnapping, Car accident, Dysphoria, and Deportation
moniipeters's review
- 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
Graphic: Cursing, Deadnaming, Death, Gore, Homophobia, Transphobia, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Deportation
sunsorbit's review
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Transphobia, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Deadnaming, Homophobia, Car accident, and Deportation
sam_gartley91's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Moderate: Death and Blood
Minor: Kidnapping