A review by hanideeu
The Death I Gave Him by Em X. Liu

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A sci-fi Hamlet retelling with the intrigue of a locked room murder and a very curious AI named Horatio.

Everything about the book gives me the greatest joy. Everything flows smoothly, it’s presentation is cohesive and Hayden, despite his inner turmoil and conflicts, is successfully written as a character you can deeply empathize with. A murder leads the characters to the pondering and wondering on the theme of grief, love, depression, mortality and existential crisis. All the characters are given proper amount of space to be explored without dragging the the progression of the plot. The story is fast paced and characters expressed themselves in dialogue that flows naturally while balancing their inner turmoil and struggles perfectly, giving the characters; mainly, Hayden and Felicia, depths and dimensions. I also liked that the book is presented in the form of a research project made by a student who is interested in the events. It keeps me locked in, for the lack of a better word to describe it.

I like the book immensely so there’s not much else to say. Highly recommended.