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laurenleigh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-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? No
4.5
I got this paperback as a “blind date with a book” at my local independent bookstore. Lucky me to come across this wild ride of a YA fantasy novel! Bear with me if you’re not a Supernatural fan, but remember when Sam and Dean go back in time to the Wild West? This book, with its western setting and monster hunting plot, reminded me a lot of that episode, in the best way. It was constantly exciting, full of brilliant characters, fantastic monsters, and some epic fight scenes. Also I thoroughly enjoyed the “finally fight the big bad boss monster at the end” plot structure. But the heart of this novel made me love it much more deeply. Watching Nellie Lonesome explore her gender identity, learn about the spectrums of human sexuality, and come into her own power had me cheering her on the whole time. Books like this are so valuable to have in the hands of young readers. I feel like I have a lot of other books in the queue next, but I’m tempted to switch it up and read the sequel immediately!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Sexual assault, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Pregnancy, Sexism, and Racism
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
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