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amandas_bookshelf's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Colonisation, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
elwirax's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Change is good. Change is necessary. Change is needed
I don't think YA thrillers/ horrors are for me anymore. Most of the time they end up being a miss and unfortunately White Smoke was no exception.
The pacing and direction were slightly off. The first half was a slow build up and it wasn't until the final quarter where it really started picking up. But just as the story was finally getting interesting it abruptly came to a dissapointing conclusion. As well as this,
Mari was neither bright nor particularly likeable as a character and her relationship with Yousef seemed a bit insta lovey ( although I'm glad it ended up staying a "like" sort of relationship rather than an actual romantic one)
I think the biggest merits in White Smoke were the themes, gentrification, religious deceit and the criminalization of marijuana being some of the most prominent. It was interesting seeing how Jackson portrayed the impact of these aspects on families (especially kids) and close knit communities, particularly the Black community.
Overall, this was a solid read. There was nothing particularily terrifying about it but the atmosphere was perfectly suited for spooky season and it was a quick read. I appreciate that Jackson stepped out of her comfort zone in terms of genres and I will definitely pick up more of her work in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Addiction, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Fire/Fire injury
vicktorea's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
WHAT IN THE EVER-LOVING FUCK?????
I'm so creeped out right now and this is how a good thriller should make the reader feel afterwards (and throughout...because believe me, I was creeped the hell out from start to finish)!
Tiffany D. Jackson has done it again; crafted another brilliant and educational story (covering topics from mental health and addiction to gentrification and environmental racism) that makes the reader genuinely feel a whirlwind of emotions that sweeps them along for the ride with the main character. Creeped out aside, I found myself angry, nervous and freaking out - it truly felt like everything I was reading was unfolding in front of me like a movie.
Our narrator, Marigold (Mari), feels unreliable given her past which is explored throughout the novel. She left me wondering if I could trust her, and, as infuriating as she could be, I also found myself sympathizing with her and identifying with her in some aspects; Jackson writes her Black characters for her Black audience - there's always a relatable aspect to them and I adore that about her writing.
White Smoke is an incredibly intense, creepy, atmospheric and thought-provoking read; perfect for the lovers of spooky szn! I dare you to try reading it at night right before bed!
Big thank you to Harper Collins Canada / HCC Frenzy & NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so creeped out right now and this is how a good thriller should make the reader feel afterwards (and throughout...because believe me, I was creeped the hell out from start to finish)!
Tiffany D. Jackson has done it again; crafted another brilliant and educational story (covering topics from mental health and addiction to gentrification and environmental racism) that makes the reader genuinely feel a whirlwind of emotions that sweeps them along for the ride with the main character. Creeped out aside, I found myself angry, nervous and freaking out - it truly felt like everything I was reading was unfolding in front of me like a movie.
Our narrator, Marigold (Mari), feels unreliable given her past which is explored throughout the novel. She left me wondering if I could trust her, and, as infuriating as she could be, I also found myself sympathizing with her and identifying with her in some aspects; Jackson writes her Black characters for her Black audience - there's always a relatable aspect to them and I adore that about her writing.
White Smoke is an incredibly intense, creepy, atmospheric and thought-provoking read; perfect for the lovers of spooky szn! I dare you to try reading it at night right before bed!
Big thank you to Harper Collins Canada / HCC Frenzy & NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Blood, Body horror, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Racism and Vomit
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