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A review by duesaji
The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book was the epitome of engaging. I had a wonderful time reading this book. It says in its description that it is inspired by Wuxia and old KungFu movies, and you can tell! Reading it felt like watching a movie or a miniseries. You’re constantly switching POVs to see what other characters are up to. I was always sad to leave the main character’s POV but the other ones would rope me in as well.
Water Outlaws is marketed as an LGBTQ+ book, but don’t expect it to be a deep dive into the life experiences and internal journey of what it means to be a queer person. Instead there are many LGBT+ characters that just so happen to exist naturally in this world. Which was really cool to see. There’s disability rep in here too. (I don’t have this particular disability so I can’t speak to its accuracy)
Although I really like this book it isn’t a 5 star read. I’m stingy with my 5 stars. <light spoiler> One of the major character’s POV got grating at times. Her inner world was very tumultuous and she was involved in an abusive situation. I felt like something was missing in her POV to really SHOW her character development. Where she started and where she ended up made sense, but the journey there was a little eh. </light spoiler over>
I would suggest trying this book out if you enjoy action movies and dramatique✨over the top villainous caricatures.
Graphic: Violence, War, and Gore
Moderate: Sexual assault and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Suicidal thoughts