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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It is unfair that my feelings about this incredible story are dampened by the fact that I am still crawling my way out of a mental health episode that has impacted everything, listening to this audiobok included.
I could have spend more hours just listening to them moving into the beast - the attention to detail as Drayden describes the parasitic relationship (as well as its detailed execution) is both beautiful and terrifying. I love how its interwoven with the cultural norms and spills over into their daily lives. These humans have changed and evolved alongside their environment and challenging that status quo is at the heart of the novel.
I would say the plot itself is not the most unique and there were a few too many convenient actions/plotholes but I was simply too distracted by this world to care much, especially since I enjoyed both Seske's and Andalla's character voices (the narrators, Cherise Boothe and Adenrele Ojo, did a fantastic job) to help bring the emotions to life.
I could have spend more hours just listening to them moving into the beast - the attention to detail as Drayden describes the parasitic relationship (as well as its detailed execution) is both beautiful and terrifying. I love how its interwoven with the cultural norms and spills over into their daily lives. These humans have changed and evolved alongside their environment and challenging that status quo is at the heart of the novel.
I would say the plot itself is not the most unique and there were a few too many convenient actions/plotholes but I was simply too distracted by this world to care much, especially since I enjoyed both Seske's and Andalla's character voices (the narrators, Cherise Boothe and Adenrele Ojo, did a fantastic job) to help bring the emotions to life.
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The concept of this book was so cool and the first half or the first one third of the book was so interesting, the prose was beautiful, and so imaginative but then after like the midpoint stuff started escalating and happening so quickly and the pacing got all fucked up and then there was fricking tentacle sex and impregnation? So did not exptect that - it can be fine but it was so abrupt. The ending as well. The world is cool and so I wanna keep reading the series but not for the characters.
adventurous
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Sexism, Pregnancy, War
Moderate: Gaslighting
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What a weird book. I never thought I would enjoy something like this so much. People living inside a space beast. With everything that entails. There is talk about the anus, the womb and all sorts of places you would likely never want to find yourself. On top of this is a rich class system and so many emotional moments.
While I can't say that this book is a favorite, I can definitely say that the obscurity of this book will stick with me for a while. If weird is what you are looking for, I'd definitely say give this book a shot.
While I can't say that this book is a favorite, I can definitely say that the obscurity of this book will stick with me for a while. If weird is what you are looking for, I'd definitely say give this book a shot.
I loved this story. The adventures they go on in this tale are a great ride. My favorite character was Wheytt
fast-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
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
π ππππππ π
Escaping Exodus by Nicky Drayden
βAll throughout history, we sing of two kinds of women β¦ those born into power and those who disrupt it. I plan on being the latter.β
Synopsis: "An Afrofuturist love story, set inside a giant space-creature, about two women of different castes...top-notch worldbuilding and sharp characterization." - Kirkus Reviews
Usually, I write my own synopses, but seeing as this one could go on forever, I decided to use someone else's words to sum up this story without giving too much away. Overall, I am so glad a good friend of mine recommended this read! It was certainly out of my comfort zone, so I appreciate that. I was also super excited about the LGBTQ representation in not only the MC's but the design of this fantasy world as a whole. In addition to same sex relationships, the hierarchy of the civilization was strongly women-centric which RULED.
I really enjoyed the plot as well - not necessarily a story we haven't heard (forbidden romance between social classes) but with the elements of a F/F relationship, the post-apocalyptic setting, and the fragility of the way of life of both MC's coming to a head really spun a tale as old as time on its head. Another thing I really enjoyed that I could see others possibly not enjoying was the depiction of the civilization inside of a living organism. If you're a fan of body horror and are interested in science fiction, this one you will love. If not, maybe not so much.
The ending of this story was sort of odd and abrupt, so I am excited for the next installment. I also think one or two less characters introduced could have helped us all relate more to the characters that are vital to the plot. Despite the small flaws, I am thrilled to have read this trippy sci-fi fantasy by an author of color! Gimme more of this in my life!
8.5/10 bubble baths. π
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
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