Scan barcode
riverleafing's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Unfortunately, lots of different POVs mixing in--although somewhat related acceptance of life matters--ultimately took away any potential depth from everyone else and the BIG topics of Katrina's life.
It felt like characters from different books were interrupting Katrina's with whole "hey, samsies!" bits. e.g. The lutier's POV
Too many detailed other ppl's stories going on in Katrina's life for the length of book. But good job making it unique (if a little unsubtle): Demons, aliens, and POC human transness
Graphic: Dysphoria and Transphobia
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Body shaming, Classism, Cursing, Homophobia, Misogyny, Murder, Rape, and Sexual content
jhbandcats's review against another edition
- 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
The backstory of Katrina and the agonies of being trans is wrenching. When I read something like this, I realize yet again how lucky I have been to have had a peaceful life of acceptance. It’s rewarding to see her growth from cowering victim to self-confident performer.
The more fantastical and funny bits about the doughnut shop (spelled donut), the space aliens, and the frog-faced demon offset the seriousness of Katrina’s history. My only quibble is how often we hear about Lucia being told she’s unworthy because she’s a daughter - about half the mentions would have been enough.
Overall a charming and lovely book about otherness and acceptance, including accepting ourselves as we are.
Graphic: Child abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Outing, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Transphobia, and Misogyny
jaimc's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Dysphoria and Transphobia
Moderate: Bullying, Sexism, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual harassment, Outing, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
Minor: War
lilly_anne's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Deadnaming, Self harm, Racism, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, and Transphobia
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Homophobia, Death, Domestic abuse, and Misogyny
Minor: Suicide
leanne_miron's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Deadnaming, Outing, Rape, Racism, Sexual harassment, Child abuse, Transphobia, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Hate crime, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Homophobia, and Misogyny
queersicles's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
That all being said, I felt frustrated by the ending.
Moderate: Transphobia, Violence, Xenophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Classism, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Body shaming, Bullying, Deadnaming, Domestic abuse, Dysphoria, Blood, Child death, Child abuse, Self harm, Sexism, Death, Hate crime, Homophobia, Outing, Racial slurs, Sexual harassment, Murder, and Physical abuse
s0ph1e_a's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book works SO well. The characters are likeable and develop in beautiful ways, they have flaws and are rounded people. They experience difficulties - transphobia, domestic abuse and sexual assault are exploded openly in this book, not in a way I’d consider trauma porn but they are actively touched on multiple times. Aoki does a wonderful job introducing a wonderful cast of character, you root for them all and want them to be happy and well.
I’d definitely recommend this book to others, tho I would mention how openly it discusses heavier topics like transphobia and domestic abuse.
Graphic: Transphobia, Domestic abuse, and Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual assault
ruthlessreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I wanted to like this book much more than I actually did. There were parts that I really enjoyed (the relationship between Lan & Shizuka, watching Katrina grow more confident, etc.) but overall I felt that the author was trying to weave too many disparate stories together. At least 2 storylines I do not feel needed to be included at all and there's at least one POV that I think could have been much more limited. It felt like some of these storylines petered out, without impacting the story in any real way. This could have been two books that tie into the same universe, rather than one book trying to smash as much into it as possible.
That said, I really enjoyed the relationships between all the characters and, as a trans & queer reader, there were so many parts that were emotionally impactful in ways that I especially appreciated. This book could be enjoyed by anyone though, especially given the right information before starting. If I'd had different expectations going in, I may have enjoyed it more!
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Homophobia, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Transphobia, War, Physical abuse, Drug use, Violence, and Hate crime
Moderate: Child death, Self harm, Alcohol, Death, Murder, Sexual harassment, Drug use, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Racism, Grief, and Pandemic/Epidemic
bookwormbi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Rape, Racism, and Misogyny
ka_ke's review against another edition
I also think this book would benefit from a content warning in the beginning regarding the fmc’s body dysmorphia, suicidal thoughts, sex work etc.
Graphic: Transphobia, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Dysphoria, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Trafficking, Sexual assault, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Addiction, Deadnaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Sexual violence, Violence, Outing, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexual content, Racial slurs, War, and Xenophobia