A review by destynee
So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • 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

5.0

The cover of this book alone had me. Then all of a sudden goodreads is doing a giveaway and somehow I win a copy making this not only my first read of the year but also my first ARC…Where to begin…So Let Them Burn is full of many things including two of my most favorite things: Black girls and dragons. It’s a complex story with complex characters. Some things are easy to guess and others aren’t. They all make for a wonderful story full of twists and turns that make you think about what you would do to save a loved one. Would you betray your country? The gods? What wouldn’t be off limits??? This book also gives insight into the effects of colonization and how the oppressor doesn’t just leave. They’ll try to keep their claws sunk into their prey as best as they can. San Irie may be a fictional island but it is based off of Jamaica and the lasting effects of colonization in both cases are very real. I would also say that this book shows what happens when children are forced to grow up too quickly while in these situations. They are forced to fight to be free, whether they be chosen ones like Faron or ordinary like Elara, and it has long lasting effects on them.
Both sisters have moments where they are dealing with ptsd from fighting in a war they didn’t want but that they had to fight in in order to gain their freedom and the freedom of their people.
I will definitely be getting another copy but I’m already in love with this story and I cannot wait for book 2 😫.
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