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simixfe's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
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? No
4.75
The only thing I didn't love were the "inspirational" and "deep" quotes the author threw in at random
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Racism, Sexual harassment, Torture, Violence, and Vomit
Moderate: Alcohol and Death of parent
lessthelonely's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.25
4.25/5 stars.
Read my review here: https://lonelylesspage.wordpress.com/?p=699
Read my review here: https://lonelylesspage.wordpress.com/?p=699
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
Moderate: Kidnapping, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Death, Confinement, Homophobia, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Blood, Chronic illness, Vomit, Torture, Sexism, and Racism
anyepagan's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I received an advanced listener's copy read by a synthetic voice of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Shaun David Hutchinson book, and I can say that I enjoyed it. However, as much as I tried, I think the synthetic voice hindered my experience a bit.
"Before We Disappear" is a queer ahistorical light fantasy novel set in early 1900s Seattle during the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exhibition. It follows Wilhem and Jack, who are both the assistants of two ambitious, rival magicians, who are showcasing their talents in the exhibition. While doing their jobs, Wil and Jack find themselves growing closer to each other and falling in love despite the rivalry between their employers.
Truly, the strength of this novel is Hutchinson's character work. The book features a diverse cast of characters, who are interesting and loveable in their own rights. Wil and Jack were rather well developed, and I loved how sweet and nice Wil was. However, at times, Teddy, Wil's "employer," seemed a bit too cartoonishly evil. I wish this copy would have been narrated by two different people in order to keep better track of the characters and connect with them even more. It's my understanding that it will be released that way.
The plot of the book was interesting. My only experience reading about magicians beforehand has been in comic book format with Zatanna. The illusions were also interesting and the hint of real magic included was nice. While this is light fantasy, it's closer to magical realism, so it would appeal to readers who do not want to become invested in a long high fantasy novel.
However, given the length of the book, I would have liked the novel to play more with or incorporate more of its historical setting. Sometimes, it was difficult to remember that this was supposed to be set in the 1900s.
I did enjoy the discussions on freedom since it was a theme present throughout the book and explored with different characters as well as the meaning we give to family.
CW: kidnapping, abuse
Expected publication: September 28, 2021
This was my first Shaun David Hutchinson book, and I can say that I enjoyed it. However, as much as I tried, I think the synthetic voice hindered my experience a bit.
"Before We Disappear" is a queer ahistorical light fantasy novel set in early 1900s Seattle during the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exhibition. It follows Wilhem and Jack, who are both the assistants of two ambitious, rival magicians, who are showcasing their talents in the exhibition. While doing their jobs, Wil and Jack find themselves growing closer to each other and falling in love despite the rivalry between their employers.
Truly, the strength of this novel is Hutchinson's character work. The book features a diverse cast of characters, who are interesting and loveable in their own rights. Wil and Jack were rather well developed, and I loved how sweet and nice Wil was. However, at times, Teddy, Wil's "employer," seemed a bit too cartoonishly evil. I wish this copy would have been narrated by two different people in order to keep better track of the characters and connect with them even more. It's my understanding that it will be released that way.
The plot of the book was interesting. My only experience reading about magicians beforehand has been in comic book format with Zatanna. The illusions were also interesting and the hint of real magic included was nice. While this is light fantasy, it's closer to magical realism, so it would appeal to readers who do not want to become invested in a long high fantasy novel.
However, given the length of the book, I would have liked the novel to play more with or incorporate more of its historical setting. Sometimes, it was difficult to remember that this was supposed to be set in the 1900s.
I did enjoy the discussions on freedom since it was a theme present throughout the book and explored with different characters as well as the meaning we give to family.
CW: kidnapping, abuse
Expected publication: September 28, 2021
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Kidnapping
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