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cseanread 's review for:
The Bright Lands
by John Fram
The horror aspects of this book were enjoyable. There was a creeping sense of dread throughout the story, teased with the various moments of visceral horror. I thoroughly enjoyed that (though I could've done with a few more instances of gore, but that's just me).
The drug use was.... eh. I could've lived without it. I recognize that drug use can be a problem in the queer community, but this seemed to play into poor stereotypes that I could've done without.
That said, I did like the commentary on how so many people will live in the closet and the ways in which people find their pleasures where they can. The ending of the book was simultaneously heartbreaking and infuriating.
Another point in its favor -- the multiple viewpoints. I don't typically care for a story that shifts perspectives each chapter. But this one worked really well. It allowed the author to feed us more information about the murder and the happenings of the town, keeping us intrigued by the mystery throughout the book. Good use of that tool there.
Overall this was a good read. I'm glad I pushed through the initial off-putting stereotype of Joel to see the rest of the story through.
The drug use was.... eh. I could've lived without it. I recognize that drug use can be a problem in the queer community, but this seemed to play into poor stereotypes that I could've done without.
That said, I did like the commentary on how so many people will live in the closet and the ways in which people find their pleasures where they can. The ending of the book was simultaneously heartbreaking and infuriating.
Another point in its favor -- the multiple viewpoints. I don't typically care for a story that shifts perspectives each chapter. But this one worked really well. It allowed the author to feed us more information about the murder and the happenings of the town, keeping us intrigued by the mystery throughout the book. Good use of that tool there.
Overall this was a good read. I'm glad I pushed through the initial off-putting stereotype of Joel to see the rest of the story through.