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A review by alotte
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
I received this book as a giveaway from the publisher. This review is of an advanced reader copy, not the final book.
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love is a generally lighthearted romp. The characters in question are not the Arthur and Guinevere of legend, but young people living in the shadow of the myth. There's some really interesting things in here, like the treatment of religion, but everything doesn't quite hang together smoothly. There are some things that are, for lack of a better word, handwaved just to get the plot rolling and keep it going. This is disappointing and could likely have been avoided.
Additionally, there is a graphic battle scene near the end of the book. While the events are foreshadowed, the actual violence is surprising given what has come before it.
Gwen and Art is a fun light read for those looking for a book with just a tinge of Arthurian legend and a heaping helping of queer goodness.
Nitpick: Most of the anachronisms read totally fine, but there are some that stand out as odd. For example, maracas are referenced in this book. Although there appears to be an impressive level of mobility in this imagined past, I didn't notice anything else that suggested that the characters were aware that the Americas exist. Why not just say "rattle"?
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love is a generally lighthearted romp. The characters in question are not the Arthur and Guinevere of legend, but young people living in the shadow of the myth. There's some really interesting things in here, like the treatment of religion, but everything doesn't quite hang together smoothly. There are some things that are, for lack of a better word, handwaved just to get the plot rolling and keep it going. This is disappointing and could likely have been avoided.
Gwen and Art is a fun light read for those looking for a book with just a tinge of Arthurian legend and a heaping helping of queer goodness.
Nitpick: Most of the anachronisms read totally fine, but there are some that stand out as odd. For example, maracas are referenced in this book. Although there appears to be an impressive level of mobility in this imagined past, I didn't notice anything else that suggested that the characters were aware that the Americas exist. Why not just say "rattle"?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Homophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore, Alcoholism, and Blood