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A review by bex_knighthunterbooks
Wranglestone by Darren Charlton
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
In theory, I loved the idea of this book, with its gay romance in a post-apocalyptic national park setting. Unfortunately, in practice, I found it had some serious flaws and was enjoyable but forgettable.
It was fast-paced, easy enough to listen to, and leant more into the action/thriller/mystery elements than its world building or character depth. I liked the idea of Peter's character - doing crochet at the end of the world, but beyond him I found most of the characters forgettable, which meant when betrayals were revealed they lacked any emotional punch. The plot worked reasonably well in the first half but then ramped up to an ending that felt rushed - packing in too many twists and chaos so that I didn't feel I could keep track of anyone's motivations (e.g. I couldn't understand why lighting a flare when the ice is frozen on the off chance someone sees it, and drawing the dead to the camp was a good idea and not just very reckless! ). I enjoyed the descriptions of the setting, general atmosphere, and initially the mystery elements. It was also refreshing that homophobia didn't really feature, and this wasn't a story where coming out and bullying were plot points.
However, I think the messaging and themes were confusing at best and problematic at worst. The plot seemed to be trying to draw parallels with marginalised groups and slavery but if that's the case the messaging seemed to be that some are useful and should be allowed to survive/rejoin society !?! .
It was fast-paced, easy enough to listen to, and leant more into the action/thriller/mystery elements than its world building or character depth. I liked the idea of Peter's character - doing crochet at the end of the world, but beyond him I found most of the characters forgettable, which meant when betrayals were revealed they lacked any emotional punch. The plot worked reasonably well in the first half but then ramped up to an ending that felt rushed - packing in too many twists and chaos so that I didn't feel I could keep track of anyone's motivations (e.g. I couldn't understand why lighting a flare when the ice is frozen on the off chance someone sees it, and drawing the dead to the camp was a good idea and not just very reckless! ). I enjoyed the descriptions of the setting, general atmosphere, and initially the mystery elements. It was also refreshing that homophobia didn't really feature, and this wasn't a story where coming out and bullying were plot points.
However, I think the messaging and themes were confusing at best and problematic at worst. The plot seemed to be trying to draw parallels with marginalised groups and slavery but if that's the case the messaging seemed to be that some are useful and should be allowed to survive/rejoin society !?! .