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i NEEDED to read this book exactly right now.
make no mistake, as stated in the dedication this one is specifically for the trans community.
as the rights of trans children across the USA are being attacked and destroyed, i needed to read a sweet, inspiring, hopefully story about a motely crew of "monster" children under attack by a goverment focused on "keeping humans safe" to the detriment of all other beings.
i really enjoyed the first book in the series, but i absolutely LOVED this one.
to be able to feel a tiny amount of the frustration, fear, anger and disgust i have been holding onto for months and focus it on the close-minded and hateful characters in this book was a really healthy and helpful exercise in being present with my emotions.
i spoke out loud to the characters, shouted in frstration, and cried happy tears multiple times while reading.
the beauty and complexity of the characters, the depth of the trauma exploration, the reminder that change- drastic change- is possible, all wound up in an adorable, hilarious, and at times supremely silly bow, was exactly what the dr. prescribed.
thank you for the reminder that critical hope is a magical, transformative force, TJ Klune.
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, Sexism, Transphobia, Violence
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Physical abuse, Xenophobia
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Cursing, Homophobia, Sexism, Transphobia, Fire/Fire injury
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Sexism
Graphic: Child abuse, Xenophobia
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Death of parent
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Genocide, Hate crime, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Outing, Abandonment, War
My only criticism is that the ending felt a bit abrupt and rushed, with a lot thrown at the reader in a very short space of time. However, the rest of the book, and the deep love I have for Arthur, Linus and their kids kept this from being too detrimental to the story. At the end of the day, I love everything that this book represents, and salute the Anti-J.K. Rowling for continuing to put these important stories out into the world. I'll be revisiting Marsyas Island for years to come, and will be encouraging as many people as I can convince to do the same.
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Gaslighting
Minor: Sexism
Themes: 4 stars
Characters: 4.5 stars
Plot: 3.5 stars
Worldbuilding: 3.5 stars
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Gaslighting, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Violence, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Abandonment, Classism
Minor: Animal death, Body shaming, Genocide, Homophobia, Sexism, Transphobia, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, War
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Xenophobia, Gaslighting
Moderate: Body shaming, Confinement, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment
Minor: Cursing, Death, Fatphobia, Genocide, Hate crime, Homophobia, Self harm, Sexism, Transphobia, Kidnapping, Toxic friendship, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Sexism, Death of parent
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, Violence, Grief, Gaslighting
Minor: Sexism, Excrement, Religious bigotry