A review by youshouldreadthisif
The Dawnhounds by Sascha Stronach

adventurous challenging slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I started this during the #TRR24 via audio and, 30% in, decided to restart it because I had absolutely no clue what was going on. I quite liked the narration and so decided on a tandem audio/ebook format. I’m confident that I would have disliked this book if I’d finished it via audio. I’m so, so glad I made the decision to switch formats because it became clear how very much I had been missing out on when solely listening to it. 

 

There’s so much going on in here, and much of it is Fun: biotech, homes constructed in massive mushrooms, pirates with secrets, super cool old gods. But I think my favorite part of this book is what Stronach did with Yat, a former street kid who was recently demoted after being caught in a gay club, and the police system. There is a really interesting exploration of poverty, criminal punishment, how easy it is to be complicit, and the critical importance of community as a resource to escape and do something about the system through Yat’s character. 

 

It’s best enjoyed if you resign yourself to going along for the ride (hence the GIDEON THE NINTH comps). But by the end, when I’d mostly figured out what’s happening, I was having a great time. It’s clear that Stronach has an overarching plot in mind, and this book only solves the first, most immediate, problem in this world. I was thrilled when I put together the clues to figure out significance of 2 particular characters. 

 

This is an ambitious, expansive book that ultimately pulled through nicely for me. I’m really looking forward to reading more in this solarpunk, Māori-inspired queer fungal fantasy series about old gods at war and the people caught up in the madness.