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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The Shutouts is a beautiful dystopian book where nearly every character is queer, and their queerness is not the focus of the story. It just is. What a refreshing read!
Jumping back and forth across timelines, main characters and storytelling styles (a good chunk is told through letters), there is the potential for confusion, but I never felt that way. Gabrielle Korn is excellent at weaving things together, and I had a few "aha!" moments when I realized how a character in the past connected to a character in the future.
This is cli-fi at its finest, showing the different paths humanity could take in the face of a warming world. There is ugliness (corporate greed, classism, cults) but also hope as the characters forge a life and build new found families. The scientific ideas are exciting--if any of these could be truly realized in the real world, maybe we can avoid reaching the world Korn writes.
This is the second book Korn sets in this dystopian world, and (full disclosure) I have not read the previous book. However, I don't think it's necessary to read that one first, as I still enjoyed The Shutouts. I will go back and pick up the previous book next!
Thanks to the publisher St. Martin's Press for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review. The Shutouts is available in December!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Abandonment, Classism
Minor: Addiction, Deadnaming, Sexual assault, Abortion
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I got this as an ARC. 2 timelines are in this story. 2041 - a series of letters written by Kelly to her daughter. 2078 - several different character trying to survive. Climate change is occurring and the governments around the world seem to be just giving in to the inevitable destruction coming. There is a cult that has isolated itself from the rest of the US and has set up basically a survivalist camp. This cult appears in both timelines. The general story is ok but some of the people showing up seems a bit unrealistic in a dystopian world. Found it hard to engage and like the characters.
Gabrielle Korn's "The Shutouts" is a masterful queer dystopian novel set in a near-future America ravaged by climate change and political turmoil. In this compelling sequel to "Yours for the Taking," Korn weaves a complex narrative that follows characters on the fringes of society as they navigate a treacherous landscape in search of safety and connection.
Set in 2041, the story revolves around multiple timelines and perspectives. Kelly, a mother desperate to reunite with her daughter after seven years, braves deadly storms and wildfires to return to a family she left behind for a cause she no longer believes in. Simultaneously, Ava and her daughter Brook flee from a climate change relief program, the Inside Project, where they have been treated as lab rats for over two decades. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they meet a woman from Ava's past, leading to a profound exploration of survival and humanity in a desolate world.
"The Shutouts" brilliantly intertwines these narratives with another storyline set in the far North, where worsening weather conditions force a settlement to seek greener pastures, leaving behind two members bound by circumstance and mystery. Korn's ability to create a richly detailed world filled with diverse and deeply human characters is impressive. The novel is a poignant reflection on the struggles of those left outside the perceived safety of society, their resilience, and their interconnectedness.
This novel is a standout in the dystopian genre, blending themes of climate change, survival, and queer identity with remarkable skill. Korn's writing is both captivating and thought-provoking, making "The Shutouts" a must-read. Whether you're drawn to the dynamic characters, the intricate plot, or the pressing themes of environmental and social justice, this book delivers on all fronts. It’s an exceptional follow-up to "Yours for the Taking" and a powerful conclusion to Korn’s dystopian saga.
I received an advanced copy through Goodreads giveaways. This is my honest review
Set in 2041, the story revolves around multiple timelines and perspectives. Kelly, a mother desperate to reunite with her daughter after seven years, braves deadly storms and wildfires to return to a family she left behind for a cause she no longer believes in. Simultaneously, Ava and her daughter Brook flee from a climate change relief program, the Inside Project, where they have been treated as lab rats for over two decades. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they meet a woman from Ava's past, leading to a profound exploration of survival and humanity in a desolate world.
"The Shutouts" brilliantly intertwines these narratives with another storyline set in the far North, where worsening weather conditions force a settlement to seek greener pastures, leaving behind two members bound by circumstance and mystery. Korn's ability to create a richly detailed world filled with diverse and deeply human characters is impressive. The novel is a poignant reflection on the struggles of those left outside the perceived safety of society, their resilience, and their interconnectedness.
This novel is a standout in the dystopian genre, blending themes of climate change, survival, and queer identity with remarkable skill. Korn's writing is both captivating and thought-provoking, making "The Shutouts" a must-read. Whether you're drawn to the dynamic characters, the intricate plot, or the pressing themes of environmental and social justice, this book delivers on all fronts. It’s an exceptional follow-up to "Yours for the Taking" and a powerful conclusion to Korn’s dystopian saga.
I received an advanced copy through Goodreads giveaways. This is my honest review
With the nature of the world it’s a surprise I still enjoy dystopian reads but I do! Set in the same world as Yours For the Taking these book creates an epic dystopian world. I’d love to see this one on the big screen.
.
Thank you #StMartinsPress and #NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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:
Complicated
I got this book from Netgalley, not realizing it is set in the same world as an already existing book that I have not read (Yours For The Taking). Luckily, I don't think it is vital to have already read it to enjoy The Shutouts.
All of the characters here are interesting, even when they are making decisions that literally had me saying YIKES aloud. Set in the near-ish future, when all our climate change problems have somewhat passed the point of no return, each of these people are just trying to survive the best way that they can. The environmental concerns are very realistic, and I hope it makes readers give our potential impending disasters some thought. Even if we can mitigate damage, even if our future doesn't shake out exactly like this, it's going to be difficult nonetheless.
All of the characters here are interesting, even when they are making decisions that literally had me saying YIKES aloud. Set in the near-ish future, when all our climate change problems have somewhat passed the point of no return, each of these people are just trying to survive the best way that they can. The environmental concerns are very realistic, and I hope it makes readers give our potential impending disasters some thought. Even if we can mitigate damage, even if our future doesn't shake out exactly like this, it's going to be difficult nonetheless.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Misogyny, Sexual assault
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes