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imstephtacular's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Classism, Sexism, Misogyny, Violence, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Torture, Terminal illness, Stalking, Medical content, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Child abuse, Murder, Mental illness, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Death, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, and Cursing
Minor: Grief and Bullying
notabookseller's review
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
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
Harley Quinn: Reckoning is one of the best science/mystery/girl gang/origin stories I’ve ever read. Ever.
Basically, Harleen Quinzel is participating in a prestigious science program at Gotham University where she meets peer and fast friend Bernice; after they were both assaulted at a Gotham U frat party they decide that if the university won’t do anything then it’s up them to protect each other and all other women silenced by violent men and the systems that keep those men in positions of power.
Throughout this novel we get to learn so much about Harley’s life and her childhood; we get to see what her home life is like and watch her fall in love and find her family and her purpose all while battling the darkness that she knows exists inside of her, but she refuses to let get in the way of her dreams. The events of this novel ring so true with what it means and feels like to exist as a woman in today’s society and what it’s like tone a woman/non-male person working in STEM/STEAM fields.
The cast of characters is full and varied and complex and they work together in the best ways to create a story that you can really lose yourself in and also provides potential for future stories in this universe. The mystery aspect is intriguing and engaging and it is woven together with the antics and adventures of a vigilante girl group in a way that does not detract from either aspect. I highly recommend this book to fans of Harley Quinn and other DC comics and readers who are looking for stories about queer love, mysteries, found family, and vengeance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Harley Quinn: Reckoning is now available for purchase and at your local libraries.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Confinement, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual assault, Blood, Child abuse, Death of parent, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Rape
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