Reviews with content warning for Suicide - Some Desperate Glory

I greatly enjoyed the setting and worldbuilding of this story, however as other reviewers have noted, I had significant problems with the pacing. Big moments, such as

Mags’ death, or Avi murdering trillions

were written so quickly that I as a reader did not have the chance to resonate with them, or to sit with their gravity. Additionally, at times the plot did feel a little convenient, with things happening to Kyr rather than Kyr taking an active role in moving the story forward. Finally, I found myself getting occasionally annoyed with Kyr’s inconsistent fighting ability. It seemed she was only a competent fighter when it would help the plot. Other times, she lost what felt to me like very win-able fights for no obvious reason. While these all did feel like pretty significant issues to me, the fascinating setting and technology explored throughout did compensate enough for me to make this an enjoyable read.

Content Warnings

alyxbeau's review against another edition

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challenging dark sad tense medium-paced

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

1.5

I don't rate this lowly because it is a bad book, but because I did not enjoy it. This does not mean you will not! Especially if you enjoy books with huge political/social commentary as part of the messaging. I personally do not look for messaging when picking books to read. I get enough from social media and friends/family. This becomes a detractor for me when what i am looking for is an escape.

I also dont enjoy most sci-fi. This is absolutely that.

The rest of my review I feel should be in spoiler tags. Read at your own risk.

The book did not go where I thought it would, and ulimately that is the only thing that kept me from DNFing at 40ish percent. However, it didnt lean into the redo over and over scheme enough for me to have enjoyed it. I really should have quit at 20 percent in when I was just uncomfortable listening to the brainwashed Kyr. She never does become entirely likable.
The book covers a lot of massively disturbing concepts- and it covers them from the mind of a blindly accepting cult. Its VASTLY unnerving and uncomfortable. Eugenics, Child/adult relationships and assault of minors, forced childbearing, militant control and brainwashing. Truly heinous.

I do not reccomend this book to people who read for enjoyment only. This book is meant to be critiqued, not pleasantly enjoyed in an evening or two. You will walk away disturbed chapter after chapter.

Content Warnings

jessicalou_mn's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

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

3.5

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