A review by unfiltered_fiction
Bliss & Blunder by Victoria Gosling

challenging dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A genuinely stunning book which wormed its way instantly into my heart. This book is an absolutely perfect 21st century answer to the medieval Romance. The way it unpicks questions of sexism, racism and colonialism within the framework of a hyper-online society is phenomenal, as is the philosophical depth of how this is reflected on. The author blends all of the strangeness of myth and technology into one utterly compelling story, and retains all the strangeness and grandeur of epic poetry without forcing the characters into a clear-cut moral code.

Lots of heavy and dark subject matter, but all handled with exceptional talent and emotional intelligence - just be conscious of content warnings.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Violence, and Stalking

Moderate: Fatphobia, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Islamophobia, Pregnancy, Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Body shaming, Car accident, Medical content, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Suicide attempt, Grief, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, War, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Murder, Racism, Rape, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Transphobia, Infertility, Infidelity, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Trafficking, Self harm, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, and Sexual violence

Minor: Adult/minor relationship