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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
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:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Cursing, Gore, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Police brutality
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
This fast-paced book wrapped a compelling YA horror story in a fascinating urban environment. The author's commentary on social and political issues faced by many POC helped ground the story in gritty realism. The high-stakes action and queer female MC made it thoroughly enjoyable.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
informative
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
I was sent a free copy of this book by the author, and I'm so glad I reached out. I loved this book.
Burn Down, Rise Up combines trains, alternate dimensions, and a good dose of horror to make a thrilling book that I thoroughly enjoyed the lore of. The characters were all enjoyable and the pacing was perfect. I loved the voice/writing style, to the point I actually have a favorite quote from the book that sticks out in my mind even now, days after I've finished reading it. The author sets up the mystery and twists of the Challenge well, always leading the audience up to a new clue or new contextualizing tidbit of information without revealing too much.
The interpersonal conflicts between the characters were central to the story without taking center stage. I liked the development of Raquel's relationship with her father, although when it came to her argument with her bestie, I could really only take her side in it (sorry bro). The theme of refusing to name the cops was funny.
I enjoyed the way history was woven with the Echo, and as the protagonists became more in tune with their homes, the more they understood about the Echo and the higher their chances of survival.
I have very few gripes with the book. One thing I don't understand is why the rules say "flip a coin three times to choose between two directions" and the characters only ever flipped a coin once to choose. However, I don't have any issues besides that. Highly recommend.
Burn Down, Rise Up combines trains, alternate dimensions, and a good dose of horror to make a thrilling book that I thoroughly enjoyed the lore of. The characters were all enjoyable and the pacing was perfect. I loved the voice/writing style, to the point I actually have a favorite quote from the book that sticks out in my mind even now, days after I've finished reading it. The author sets up the mystery and twists of the Challenge well, always leading the audience up to a new clue or new contextualizing tidbit of information without revealing too much.
The interpersonal conflicts between the characters were central to the story without taking center stage. I liked the development of Raquel's relationship with her father, although when it came to her argument with her bestie, I could really only take her side in it (sorry bro). The theme of refusing to name the cops was funny.
I enjoyed the way history was woven with the Echo, and as the protagonists became more in tune with their homes, the more they understood about the Echo and the higher their chances of survival.
I have very few gripes with the book. One thing I don't understand is why the rules say "flip a coin three times to choose between two directions" and the characters only ever flipped a coin once to choose. However, I don't have any issues besides that. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Moderate: Death, Racism, Blood
Minor: Cursing
Smart and scary, full of characters you love talking to each other in language you believe. Part of a recent spate of Black horror that incorporates the traumas of racism as tangible terrors - in this case the generational trauma of intentional neglect in the Bronx. I won’t spoil the inventive ways author Vincent Tirado plucks out specific details of the Bronx’s bad old days, illuminating long-term effects while calling out those responsible, all the while scaring the crap out of you.
Social justice plus some sci-fi-ish horror. Super unique and I wanted to see how it played out. 3.5 rounded up.
Thank you to Libro.fm and Tantor Media for the audiobook.
Thank you to Libro.fm and Tantor Media for the audiobook.