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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
Im not going to lie I was a bit sceptical going into this one because Im not big on this era in history and i also don't really do zombies. Ultimately I think I decided that this was a good book, but it was just not for me.
This cover has been haunting me for years. I don't read a lot of historical fantasy in general, but especially not in this time period so the plot and progression seemed really unique to me. In fact I was put off step when the first breach happened at Summerland. I thought that was going to lead into an explosive climax, but the book held on for a little longer, which might make the real climax feel rushed for some readers.
I really enjoyed Jane and Katherine as characters, and loved the queer representation. Jane is really smart, observant, and funny. The history of the world was altered in interesting ways and the action scenes were very compelling.
There was one aspect that was maybe misconsidered: the attendant academies as basically expanded residential schools. For the Black characters, I got the impression that going was voluntary, the bill just funded their establishment. The existing residential schools for indigenous people seemed to just change curriculum from our reality. Obviously there is criticism of residential schools within the text but otherwise it's unclear if these are supposed to be separate entities.
I really enjoyed Jane and Katherine as characters, and loved the queer representation. Jane is really smart, observant, and funny. The history of the world was altered in interesting ways and the action scenes were very compelling.
There was one aspect that was maybe misconsidered: the attendant academies as basically expanded residential schools. For the Black characters, I got the impression that going was voluntary, the bill just funded their establishment. The existing residential schools for indigenous people seemed to just change curriculum from our reality. Obviously there is criticism of residential schools within the text but otherwise it's unclear if these are supposed to be separate entities.
Why was this book so enjoyable? It was so awful at the same time!
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
fast-paced
adventurous
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
aside from [b: Sadie|34810320|Sadie|Courtney Summers|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1534431396s/34810320.jpg|56026767] (which probably shouldn't be classified as YA in the first place with its incredibly dark themes and content), this was the first YA i've read in a while that was truly great. the premise is unbeatable--i mean, african-american teen girls drafted to fight zombies in civil war america? i've never read anything quite like this book. the world-building was fabulous. and our mc, a black bisexual rough-and-tumble, all-around badass teen girl had a strong narrative voice that was both bold and refreshing. there's also a character who you think will be the typical Mean Girl stereotype, but becomes a total subversion of that stereotype and forms a rather lovely female friendship with our mc. i wish there had been a stronger character arc for our mc and a slightly more climactic ending, but all-in-all, i really enjoyed this.
adventurous
challenging
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What a wonderful summerread.