A review by alyxbeau
Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

I don't rate this lowly because it is a bad book, but because I did not enjoy it. This does not mean you will not! Especially if you enjoy books with huge political/social commentary as part of the messaging. I personally do not look for messaging when picking books to read. I get enough from social media and friends/family. This becomes a detractor for me when what i am looking for is an escape. 

I also dont enjoy most sci-fi. This is absolutely that. 

The rest of my review I feel should be in spoiler tags. Read at your own risk. 
The book did not go where I thought it would, and ulimately that is the only thing that kept me from DNFing at 40ish percent. However, it didnt lean into the redo over and over scheme enough for me to have enjoyed it. I really should have quit at 20 percent in when I was just uncomfortable listening to the brainwashed Kyr. She never does become entirely likable. 
The book covers a lot of massively disturbing concepts- and it covers them from the mind of a blindly accepting cult. Its VASTLY unnerving and uncomfortable. Eugenics, Child/adult relationships and assault of minors, forced childbearing, militant control and brainwashing. Truly heinous. 


I do not reccomend this  book to people who read for enjoyment only. This book is meant to be critiqued, not pleasantly enjoyed in an evening or two. You will walk away disturbed chapter after chapter. 
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