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emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Reynolds did a great job with the atmosphere of this novel. The world felt very empty and uniquely dystopian in that alien way. In terms of characters, the queer and autistic rep in Izzy was so fantastic to see! And Raven was a wonderful SC. I loved how in tune he was with himself and his self-expression. He was kind and gentle, too. I so appreciate that we have characters like him in middle-grade.The relationship between him and Izzy was special. They just felt very dependable and connected. I liked that they set boundaries and asked how they could support one another. Akka really stole the show, though. Even though his speech seemed a bit millennial (which isn’t inherently a bad thing, but felt a bit jarring considering Izzy is Gen Z), he was absolutely adorable!
There were, unfortunately, a handful of negatives. Firstly, it’s never explained why the aliens wanted to invade, or what happened to them after Izzy and Raven freed humanity, not is it clear if everyone in the world was abducted or just those locally. Secondly, the reasoning behind the answers to the musical clues sometimes came across as a little convoluted. Thirdly, the plot was repetitive, in that it cycled between an ugly attack or solving a musical clue until the climax.
Rep: queer autistic MC with anxiety and depression, queer SC with anxiety, asthma, and Lyme disease
Rep: queer autistic MC with anxiety and depression, queer SC with anxiety, asthma, and Lyme disease
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Suicide
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Violence
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Excrement, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Abandonment, Ableism, Blood, Bullying, Cancer, Car accident, Child abuse, Dementia, Self harm, Terminal illness, and Vomit
Major: apocalyptic scenario Moderate: description of autistic overwhelm Minor: loss of a loved one, hurricane, menstruation, earthquake
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