A review by ninahuynh
The Queen of the Cicadas by V. Castro

dark emotional tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Saw this book at the Last Bookstore a while back and was eager to read it. And it delivered!! The tragedy, the horror, the revenge: all beautifully written and encapsulated a legend that feels real and retold well. There were a few typos and hiccups, but the storyline got me to overlook them. <<Be sure to read trigger warnings before reading, as one would do for horror genre.>>

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, Torture, Body horror, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Racism, Sexual content, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, Xenophobia, Hate crime, Racial slurs, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Lesbophobia

Minor: Vomit, Car accident, Deportation, Violence, Alcohol, Bullying, and Animal cruelty