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scorpioreads_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, and Sexism
Minor: Kidnapping and Death of parent
erin_362's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
It was super cool and I loved the magic/historical fiction stuff going on, it was great.
Honestly I loved every single character in this book except for Teddy and George (Evangeline wasn’t great either but she was slightly better than they were and she was interesting)
Jack and Wil are adorable and every time one of them was in danger I was so scared, this was really really good I really loved it :)
Graphic: Physical abuse and Blood
Moderate: Torture, Toxic relationship, and Kidnapping
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, and Vomit
nicsnovellife's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Torture, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Chronic illness, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder, Lesbophobia, and Sexual harassment
simixfe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Racism, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent and Alcohol
lessthelonely's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Read my review here: https://lonelylesspage.wordpress.com/?p=699
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Homophobia, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Chronic illness, Racism, Sexism, Torture, Blood, and Vomit
anyepagan's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was my first Shaun David Hutchinson book, and I can say that I enjoyed it. However, as much as I tried, I think the synthetic voice hindered my experience a bit.
"Before We Disappear" is a queer ahistorical light fantasy novel set in early 1900s Seattle during the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exhibition. It follows Wilhem and Jack, who are both the assistants of two ambitious, rival magicians, who are showcasing their talents in the exhibition. While doing their jobs, Wil and Jack find themselves growing closer to each other and falling in love despite the rivalry between their employers.
Truly, the strength of this novel is Hutchinson's character work. The book features a diverse cast of characters, who are interesting and loveable in their own rights. Wil and Jack were rather well developed, and I loved how sweet and nice Wil was. However, at times, Teddy, Wil's "employer," seemed a bit too cartoonishly evil. I wish this copy would have been narrated by two different people in order to keep better track of the characters and connect with them even more. It's my understanding that it will be released that way.
The plot of the book was interesting. My only experience reading about magicians beforehand has been in comic book format with Zatanna. The illusions were also interesting and the hint of real magic included was nice. While this is light fantasy, it's closer to magical realism, so it would appeal to readers who do not want to become invested in a long high fantasy novel.
However, given the length of the book, I would have liked the novel to play more with or incorporate more of its historical setting. Sometimes, it was difficult to remember that this was supposed to be set in the 1900s.
I did enjoy the discussions on freedom since it was a theme present throughout the book and explored with different characters as well as the meaning we give to family.
CW: kidnapping, abuse
Expected publication: September 28, 2021
Graphic: Child abuse and Kidnapping