Reviews

Invert by Clinton W. Waters

endemictoearth's review

challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.25

I read this for the 'Outside my Comfort Zone' square on the Trans Rights Readathon bingo card and it fulfilled the brief. A very plausible alt-historical dystopian that left me with a feeling of sinking dread and horror, so . . . definitely not my usual jam. Very well done, though! 

I have a number of other books by this author on my e-reader, so I will continue reading through the backlist. I do want to re-read ~30~ at some point, as well, which was my introduction to this author, and had similarly devastating (but maybe just a touch more brilliant) ending. 

thosemedalingkidsss's review

5.0

Fuuuuuuuuck this one hurts. For romance friends, this isn't a romance (but does have queer relationships on page).

Major CWs for conversion therapy and homophobia, really appreciated the authors note at the front.

This is set in a past historical world where a division of the government has spies and snoops to "weed out" queer people, and either kill or ship them off to conversion therapy camps. This was fucked on so many levels. It's a 5/5 painfully heartwrenching, heart hurting, need to go read something happy star read.

gloomyboygirl's review

5.0

DAMN?? This reminded me so much of 1984 in the good ways

erinsbookshelves's review

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

4.0

samanthaeatonwrites's review

5.0

Invert felt like a punch in the face from start to finish. In an alternate post war America, Greer and his wife Alice live in an alarmingly plausible dystopia. They live a double life as “reformed” homosexuals and model citizens and need to conceive a child so they won’t be sent back to conversion therapy. Greer works as an agent with the Department of Virtue, and has to train a new partner. When his superiors send that new partner to live with Greer and Alice, things get much more complicated. This story of survival and staying true to oneself despite the consequences is a harrowing look at the world we could slip into. Waters tells the story well and weaves in a vicious plot twist that turns the entire narrative upside down. Heartbreaking and raw, INVERT is absolutely worth the read.

cloudjupiterreads's review

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

5.0

This story BROKE ME. It’s been hours since I finished it and it’s still the only thing on my mind. It’s outside my preferred genre and yet it was the quickest read I’ve had this year. I was hooked from the beginning of the story and the world building kept its claws in me. INVERT is a one of a kind experience that I wish I could relive again and again. What a wonderful afternoon spent devouring this tale!! Can’t wait to read more from this beautiful mind.