A review by zoiejanelle
The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood

adventurous dark emotional funny tense fast-paced
  • 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? No

4.0

(another audio rental from the library) 

overall, the plot was pretty convoluted and i think i would have enjoyed this more as a physical book where i would ‘t miss any details. at times i wasn’t sure why each character was where or what they were doing, but in the second half everything came together and it was absolutely a wild ride. 

despite the pacing issues and the time-skips, this was such a fun read. i genuinely had so much fun experiencing the character interactions and individual plots. Csorwe has my ENTIRE HEART and i will be thinking about her and Shuthmili every second of every day until i die. i love fantasy lesbians in space. (Tal was also fucking hilarious and i can’t wait to read more of him in the next book.) 

i also loved the non-human protagonist and a style that combined  DnD and sci-fi tropes. it was a really unique book—style and thematically—and i’m so glad i decided to read it. (based off one review that said “unrealistic. not EVERY character can be gay!”) 

the messaging of each of our lived belonging to ourselves and the important of freedom really hit home for me. Csorwe and Shuthmili’s experiences in their religious cults and their unique reactions to their upbringings really touched me, and i wonder if the author has has her own experience with religious extremism or indoctrination. 

i loved this, especially the end, and i am moving right along into the next one!!! 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings