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A review by cassianlamb
The Transition by Logan-Ashley Kisner
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I received an e-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I got the privilege of being one of the early reviewers for Old Wounds as well, and I honestly liked this one more. It's a similar type of horror, but with one POV and fear going beyond just the risk of death. It's definitely triggering, so please pay attention to the trigger warnings Kisner provides at the beginning.
I believe that Kisner is good at reflecting what trans kids are most scared of. Between Old Wounds being about being outright killed and this one about forcible transition, he clearly knows what it is the trans community needs to see dealt with. While he as one person cannot fix this country, he can take that fear and turn it into a monster. I think that is what we need as we try to get through this.
Hunter is not a perfect character, but he is realistic, and is allowed to change. I especially loved the casual representation in this book, as it is always a great surprise to find something like that that you don't expect.
My main issue is there are some factual/medical inaccuracies that I assume won't be changed before final publication. The main characters are teenagers so a lot of it can be forgiven I think, but it was something that irked me. They in no way truly impacted the book.
Overall, this is a book well worth reading. While I think a lot of people will enjoy it once it comes out.
I got the privilege of being one of the early reviewers for Old Wounds as well, and I honestly liked this one more. It's a similar type of horror, but with one POV and fear going beyond just the risk of death. It's definitely triggering, so please pay attention to the trigger warnings Kisner provides at the beginning.
I believe that Kisner is good at reflecting what trans kids are most scared of. Between Old Wounds being about being outright killed and this one about forcible transition, he clearly knows what it is the trans community needs to see dealt with. While he as one person cannot fix this country, he can take that fear and turn it into a monster. I think that is what we need as we try to get through this.
Hunter is not a perfect character, but he is realistic, and is allowed to change. I especially loved the casual representation in this book, as it is always a great surprise to find something like that that you don't expect.
My main issue is there are some factual/medical inaccuracies that I assume won't be changed before final publication. The main characters are teenagers so a lot of it can be forgiven I think, but it was something that irked me. They in no way truly impacted the book.
Overall, this is a book well worth reading. While I think a lot of people will enjoy it once it comes out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Transphobia, Blood, Medical trauma, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Child death, Death
Minor: Cursing, Deadnaming, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Sexual harassment