Reviews tagging 'Police brutality'

The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope

25 reviews

mal_reads_books's review against another edition

adventurous emotional 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

4.0

This was one of the more interesting stories I've read in a while. I loved how rich and immersive the setting was. It felt authentic and was full of fun, dynamic, unique characters. To me, this was the most enjoyable aspect of the book. 

The side characters’ abilities and their backstories involving the deals they made with the spirits were also interesting. I actually preferred these characters over the protagonist, Clara, whom I didn't care much for. I loved how they were all misfits who banded together and became a "found family." I liked how the story included cameos of real Black historical figures like Langston Hughes. Even Clara was based on a real person.

Additionally, the author did a good job weaving themes of classism, colorism, and racism into the story. She handled these heavy topics well, approaching them with nuance.

While the writing was generally engaging, the story had pacing issues in that it lost my attention at times. This was usually whenever a new character was introduced with an introductory chapter; it would take me out of the story for a bit.

And while I did like the characters, I felt they could've have been better developed. Not sure why, but I kept getting two of the side guys, Aristotle and Jesse Lee, mixed up.

All in all, it was a pretty good, thought-provoking read. It has room for improvement, but is worth checking out. I'd love to see a movie adaptation for this.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Classism and Racism

Moderate: Violence, Gun violence, Police brutality, and Slavery

Colorism is mentioned; this goes hand in hand with classism among African-Americans.

lottiegasp's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful 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? Yes

4.5

This is an exciting and well-written novel set in 1920s Washington DC. It has spirits making mischievous deals with humans, a heist to save the wave of lower class Black folks who have suddenly gone missing and a fun, romantic storyline. 

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism, Gun violence, Police brutality, and Classism

Minor: Slavery

While it deals with serious issues of racism and colorism, I found that it did so in a cathartic rather than heavy or upsetting way

lizzie24601's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

So so so so so so good!! A great cast of characters and a thrilling adventure. And as someone from DC, loved exploring a 1920s version of the city.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Gun violence, Classism, and Police brutality

puttingwingsonwords's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Slavery, Death, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Trafficking, Ableism, Police brutality, Racism, Racial slurs, Violence, Confinement, Alcohol, and Classism

Minor: Homophobia

alisylvi's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

3.25

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Classism and Racism

Moderate: Police brutality, Slavery, and Violence

Minor: Racial slurs

nrogers_1030's review against another edition

emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Classism, and Kidnapping

Moderate: Bullying, Police brutality, Racism, Slavery, and Violence

Minor: Alcohol

saricostanzo's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny hopeful mysterious reflective 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

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Police brutality, Racism, Slavery, Confinement, Classism, Trafficking, and Violence

mandkips's review against another edition

emotional 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

4.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism, Police brutality, and Racial slurs

Moderate: Abandonment and Gun violence

Minor: Violence and Homophobia

regans's review against another edition

adventurous informative lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Police brutality and Racism

ms_sarah621's review against another edition

adventurous 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

4.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism and Police brutality

Moderate: Slavery