A review by clawfulneutral
Stardust Family by Aki Poroyama

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.25

Absolutely spectacular and deeply melancholy speculative fiction about a dystopic future where Japan lisences all parents in order for them to legally raise children. A short but emotio ally swnse story, lots of space to reflect in the narrative. Happy hut open-ending with room to draw your own conclusions about the social issues discussed.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Fire/Fire injury

Moderate: Child abuse

Minor: Child death, Pedophilia, Murder

CW: Brief scenes show or imply the abuse the MC and other investigators face while evaluating families including sexual and physical abuse. They are forced into sevitude and considered property. They are inhuman but sentient and clearly suffer from the traumatic events. Mentioned past infanticide. Proceed with caution if these topics are triggering.