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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Racism, Rape
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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:
Yes
dark
mysterious
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:
Yes
dark
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH! I’ve been highly anticipating all of Rivers Solomon’s works, and this did not disappoint. I feel like their work is getting darker each book, and the ghostly/horror elements in this made it impossible to put down.
The story of 15-year-old Vern and her twin children escaping an abusive cult, as she is developing an illness that causes what seem to be hallucinations. In a way this felt like Lakewood mixed with Mexican Gothic but very much written by Rivers Solomon.
I will never get over the way they can write themes of gender fluidity, queerness, and the Black experience so effortlessly in a way that feels easy but deeply personal.
Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for the ARC
The story of 15-year-old Vern and her twin children escaping an abusive cult, as she is developing an illness that causes what seem to be hallucinations. In a way this felt like Lakewood mixed with Mexican Gothic but very much written by Rivers Solomon.
I will never get over the way they can write themes of gender fluidity, queerness, and the Black experience so effortlessly in a way that feels easy but deeply personal.
Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for the ARC
(3,5 stars)
I really loved Solomon’s writing, but sadly the story wasn’t really what I was hoping for. There was less surviving in the woods with children and a mutating body, and more surviving after living in the woods with your children and mutating body. The mutation was very convoluted and fairly deus ex machina-esque. I enjoyed the reading experience, though! Vern was also a great protagonist, so flawed and frustrating at times, but very real and interesting. Also, thank gods for all the gay shit!! The book really made me want to read more of Solomon’s work.
I really loved Solomon’s writing, but sadly the story wasn’t really what I was hoping for. There was less surviving in the woods with children and a mutating body, and more surviving after living in the woods with your children and mutating body. The mutation was very convoluted and fairly deus ex machina-esque. I enjoyed the reading experience, though! Vern was also a great protagonist, so flawed and frustrating at times, but very real and interesting. Also, thank gods for all the gay shit!! The book really made me want to read more of Solomon’s work.
