Reviews

Those Beyond the Wall by Micaiah Johnson

rheagoveas's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence and Blood

akaspiderlily's review

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad 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

5.0

This is the most exceptional science fiction book I have ever read to date. I read it not knowing it was a sequel, and I was drawn in slowly but surely. The author is so remarkable words in this review don’t do her justice. She knows how to write in Black and she knows how to speak to the nature of a heart and a soul. It is a book fierce in a rage so familiar to me it feels just like love and community.

freya_the_poodle's review

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

5.0

naiadtales's review

dark emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

klturner722's review

adventurous hopeful tense fast-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? No

5.0

clgunning's review

adventurous dark emotional fast-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? No

4.5

scheskie's review against another edition

challenging dark medium-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 I have been so excited about this book ever since I heard there was a sequal to Space Between Worlds.  Johnson's writing is brilliant and this storyline was just as compelling and thrilling as the first book.  I can't say enough about how she has the ability to write in such a raw way that you can tell is personal to her, but still universal about human experience. 

I was so surprised to see Adam back again, and I kind of love how his character turns out.  Definitely a huge surprise when compared to Cara.  I don't think I have quite worked out what Johnson is saying about that and want more time to think about it.  Or I have to convince a friend to read this so I have someone to talk to about it!  I already recommend her books to everyone, so not a hard sell there.  But the end and tearing down the wall was so powerful - it sure isn't subtle about what she is saying about society today.  And I am here for it!  I am so impressed with how she took the world and went further with it, pushing the comparison with America today even more - it is brave and bold and exactly the voice that is needed in the world today. 

 

laurelthebooks's review

adventurous dark

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

“No skin is too precious for violence, regardless of age, gender, color.”

I have absolutely been digging the fierce narrators lately, and while part of me was nervous going in because Scales had such a different tone compared to the last book it absolutely worked for me. Scales brought me into the story and had me invested in the outcome. The world, the imperfect characters that bring blood and passion to the page - just! so! good!

What Those Beyond the Wall by Micaiah Johnson delivers:
- a scathing review of Privilege & Class
- a deep look at how Story informs Belief
- a dive into Family and its connected Trauma
- a breakdown of how Public and Private Identities are built
- a no-holds barred take on Guilt and Responsibility
- incandescent rage

This is fast paced with a distinctive voice for the main narrator. If you enjoy a character with minimum inhibitions and a setting that enables them - look no further!

ninakatzenwuschel's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional 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

4.0

saraaai's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad 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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, War, Death, Racism, Police brutality, and Xenophobia

Minor: Sexual violence