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katjoyphil's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, and Vomit
joyride's review against another edition
4.75
Objectively, this book is a beautiful masterpiece. The last 1/3rd felt a little bit rushed, but other than that- exquisite. I saw so much of myself in these characters & Solomon wrote these marginalized voices so well (neurodivergent, gender non-comforming, non-cis, etc). Fae explored these themes so well, especially fae explore these concepts in a sci-fi context. In this world, the explicit label of 'nonbinary' is not really a thing, so fae have the creative freedom to express that in this specific context. And fae explore it in some really interesting ways.
However, personally, my enjoyment was dampened by how triggering some of the content was. The content warnings on the book's page is very accurate, but I would add a content warning for mentions of unreality, delusions and intrusive thoughts, specifically by Giselle. Specifically,she believes that there is a poison that can only kill her, that Aster (the main character) is trying to kill her in some scenes, and after being the victim of abuse she refuses to leave her room, saying it is dangerous. She also details some of her intrusive thoughts in a later chapter- she thinks she can't die, that she wants to destroy Aster's plants, wants to set fire to her lab, etc. She struggles against these thoughts, saying she knows that acting on these hurtful impulses will make her feel guilty later, but she still does because it's cathartic.
However, personally, my enjoyment was dampened by how triggering some of the content was. The content warnings on the book's page is very accurate, but I would add a content warning for mentions of unreality, delusions and intrusive thoughts, specifically by Giselle. Specifically,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Gore, Murder, and Sexual assault
therainbowshelf's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this book even though it's more dystopian than I typically enjoy. The world-ship & society are vividly portrayed, & characters are interesting. It's not an easy read, set in a space society where slavery and the subjugation of black people is alive and well. Black people live in terrible conditions in lower decks on the space ship. They are expected to report to work daily in the fields or elsewhere (such as working in the radiation-heavy deck of their small sun), and their lives are closely controlled and monitored by white guards watching their every move and doing nightly headcount to make sure everyone is where they're supposed to be.
I enjoyed having a neuro-atypical protagonist & LGBTQ+ characters. Aster is a delightful character who spends most of her time thinking in very literal and straight-forward ways. Her strong understanding of medical science isn't her only useful skill, and her way of thinking helps her crack tough codes and to survive.
Content warnings for suicide, rape, spousal abuse, oppressive abuse, racism, mental illness, loss of a parent, and other topics that may be difficult for some readers.
I enjoyed having a neuro-atypical protagonist & LGBTQ+ characters. Aster is a delightful character who spends most of her time thinking in very literal and straight-forward ways. Her strong understanding of medical science isn't her only useful skill, and her way of thinking helps her crack tough codes and to survive.
Content warnings for suicide, rape, spousal abuse, oppressive abuse, racism, mental illness, loss of a parent, and other topics that may be difficult for some readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Violence, Sexual violence, Torture, Police brutality, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Slavery
Moderate: Mental illness, Confinement, Sexual content, Ableism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Child death, Death, Gore, Grief, Misogyny, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Terminal illness
Loss of a parent, loss of a friend
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