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bi_n_large's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Abandonment, Genocide, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Misogyny, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Fatphobia and Racism
lira_the_recluse's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Aliens are consistent, and well crafted. Story has many twists, turns, and mysteries. Alien tech is powerful, almost seeming like magic, and there are several visceral scenes when humans get in the way, or when aliens are fighting one another.
Overall 4.5, good book, but not one I will likely reread.
Graphic: Violence and Death
Moderate: War and Body horror
elizabethblue's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Honestly did not expect the surprise partner bonding between Cora and Ampersand. I probably should have seen it coming, knowing the author from her YouTube content, but it was a very welcome surprise!
Minor: Body horror and Kidnapping
tomas_lw'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
4.0
Moderate: Genocide and Death
Minor: Body horror
huckleberryrk's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Gore
Moderate: Body horror, Violence, Death, and Murder
Minor: Suicide and War
gwendolynaudrey_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Abandonment, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Genocide, Addiction, and Suicide
forthesanityof1's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved the MC, she was relatable without drifting too far away from the narrative. Additionally, there were times where she was so painfully human and reflected an experience I had also personally experienced that I literally had to set my book down and take a breath. I've never seen those parts of me in a book before and I loved how it was handled. Empathy and understanding in the narrative even if characters didn't understand her actions.
The plot was super interesting if a bit messy at some points (most of my gripes are about the plot) and difficult to follow. The actual family dynamics I felt were supposed to have a lot of impact and did at some points but got lost behind the plot-heavy focus. I have a feeling it will come up in the rest of the series and I'm interested to see how it plays out.
The actual aliens themselves were so freaking cool. I loved the development of them and how we learned their world along with the MC. They were unique and stood out among the few other alien based stories I've read. None can touch this one. I also adored seeing how both the MC and the alien got along with each other and how that relationship evolved into something so intriguing. The soft moments really got to me and I'm borderline desperate for the next book.
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
avadore's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Blood, Death, and Panic attacks/disorders
stormwise's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
I really enjoyed how the aliens were presented - I liked the main character's awareness of the human tendency to anthropomorphise. I also loved the discussion of linguistics within the text and found the way alien communication was portrayed very interesting.
I'll admit that the book took a little while to set itself up and the tone felt a bit "young adult" at the beginning, but once the action started it really picked up steam and I found myself completely absorbed. Overall I thought the writing was excellent and incredibly effective at conveying horror, tension and anxiety in certain scenes.
I'm very excited for the sequel! I'd recommend this to any sci-fi fans who like aliens, government conspiracies, and mid-2000 pop culture references.
Graphic: Body horror, Blood, Car accident, Confinement, Death, Gore, Medical content, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Gore, Kidnapping, Stalking, Vomit, and Torture