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A review by micareads123
Metal from Heaven by August Clarke
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book took some work to get through, but I knew what I signed up for. Ultimately, I found it a very entertaining, if unhinged, SFF with great political intrigue/commentary.
Marney is lustertouched. This is an affliction experienced by the children of those who mine ichorite, a metal deposited deep in the earth and widely exploited by the world’s dominating industry. Being lustertouched, Marney can manipulate ichorite, but at a cost. It causes her great pain to be in contact with the metal.
Throughout the book, being lustertouched is equated to being “allergic to ichorite.” I didn’t know I needed to read about allergies being a cursed superpower, but I did. The way ichorite is increasingly used in everything, making the world less and less inhabitable for the lustertouched (who are the workers fuelling the industry), and the industry’s total lack of regard for their lives, let alone well-being, sends a powerful message about ableism.
Marney is a complex character who is steadfast in her determination to effect change and spur a better “Hereafter.” She is loyal to a fault (relatable) and inspiring in her commitment to her cause.
While this book is definitely unique in its delivery, I would recommend it to those who have enjoyed books like the Locked Tomb series, the Broken Earth Trilogy, The Spear Cuts Through Water and The Traitor Baru Cormorant.
Marney is lustertouched. This is an affliction experienced by the children of those who mine ichorite, a metal deposited deep in the earth and widely exploited by the world’s dominating industry. Being lustertouched, Marney can manipulate ichorite, but at a cost. It causes her great pain to be in contact with the metal.
Throughout the book, being lustertouched is equated to being “allergic to ichorite.” I didn’t know I needed to read about allergies being a cursed superpower, but I did. The way ichorite is increasingly used in everything, making the world less and less inhabitable for the lustertouched (who are the workers fuelling the industry), and the industry’s total lack of regard for their lives, let alone well-being, sends a powerful message about ableism.
Marney is a complex character who is steadfast in her determination to effect change and spur a better “Hereafter.” She is loyal to a fault (relatable) and inspiring in her commitment to her cause.
While this book is definitely unique in its delivery, I would recommend it to those who have enjoyed books like the Locked Tomb series, the Broken Earth Trilogy, The Spear Cuts Through Water and The Traitor Baru Cormorant.