Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - Bitter

this book properly nailed it in that I've almost grown out of YA. it's good for someone young who is into human rights storylines and themes, but literally everything felt a little underdeveloped. maybe it was because so much was going on. this book was too thin for an in-depth look into a revolution; I would've loved this if it was longer and spent time exploring the different topics discussed.

but overall this wasn't bad! I preferred Pet due to its focus into a fewer selection of themes and how much more it explored them

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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective 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? No

4.5

Bitter is a really powerful YA fantasy, clearly speaking to contemporary issues like police brutality and Black Lives Matter. I loved the way this book highlighted the power of young people and the power of art to effect social change. The point that activists can burnout and need to rest was well made, as was the fact that not everyone is suited to being on the frontline and that is okay. I was particularly captured by Emezi’s take on vengeance and the nuanced way this theme was approached and explored.

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miniingrid's review

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

Si os ha gustado Mascota, tenéis que leer Bitter. Y si no habéis leído Mascota, no sé a qué estáis esperando.
Es duro, pero no se recrea ni hurga en el dolor. Y te recuerda que la esperanza es una disciplina, es algo que se tiene que trabajar y por lo que vale la pena hacerlo.

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kbairbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious reflective tense 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? Yes

5.0

I’m not sure what to say. Pet was an incredible read and I had some trepidation as to whether Bitter would be able to follow through. Well, it absolutely did. Wow! I am blown away. Akwaeke once again has proven what masterful storytelling they are capable of. The way they intertwine real problems, and the human condition, with magic, soul, and heart. Brava.

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l_prelas's review

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I loved the worlds of Pet and Bitter, their characters, and overall points and politics. However, Bitter is much less focused. It is simultaneously painfully slow and too rushed. The pacing is awkward, world-building lacking. Regardless, the world Emezi built has a special place in my heart.

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