Reviews - Burn Down, Rise Up

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649 reviews for:

3.75 Star Rating - An awesome YA story taking on urban horror elements that manifests into an underworld of monsters.

Burn Down, Rise Up was such a phenomenal read given the uniqueness in its approach to horror. The fact that very real themes of displacement, uninhabitable housing stock in marginalized urban communities, redlining, the white fleet, gentrification, and other racist past/present legislations are such an awesome manifestation in this alternate dimension, much like in Stranger Things with The Upside Down. The juxtaposition of past and present voices in this story is what I wish to read more of, especially in the realm of horror as it is important to bring to light the very real realities people have, and continue to go through.

In terms of pacing and approach to the story, some parts felt less fleshed out (especially the ending) and dragged at times - other reviews have worded this quite eloquently. Overall, I think the themes encapsulated still make this a worthy and highly recommended read for anyone who enjoys mystery, thriller, and horror elements through a YA tone that contains LGBT and BIPOC M.C representation.

onetiredwitch's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

rigel's review against another edition

3.0

I'm not an American history buff (because I'm not American so I honestly don't care about it lol) and know even less about a single neighbourhood in one American city, but I found myself really interested in the history of the Bronx that Tirado presented. Is it the real history of the place? I don't know... and don't care enough to do my own research but I wouldn't be surprised if it were.
The Echo is a really interesting concept but I really wish we got more creeps throughout this book. The first time Raquel and Charlize venture into the Echo was so marvelously creepy it got me feeling really uneasy myself. Other than that though I didn't get that creeped-out feeling back.
I'm always apprehensive when men write women in romantic relationship, especially women in relationships with each other, due to their... less than stellar track record with fetishizing us. Tirado thankfully didn't do that and Raquel and Charlize's relationship was quite sweet and not over-the-top in typical male-author fashion. This book checks my box for good representation!