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A review by tinyelfarcanist
Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A group of continually hangry teenagers fight predatorial behaviour... without addressing their inner misogynistic issues.
Squad operates on the premise of a new mixed-race student trying to fit in by joining an all-girls gang with "Mean Girls" mechanics. It misses being the feminist commentary it tries to be when the protagonist and her abused peers by a Regina George figure are portrayed solely as victims. You can't sympathise with them as they are still toxic to others when not in the presence of their aggressor.
In the end, most problems aren't solved and are kind of played down when the main obstacle is sorted out.
Squad operates on the premise of a new mixed-race student trying to fit in by joining an all-girls gang with "Mean Girls" mechanics. It misses being the feminist commentary it tries to be when the protagonist and her abused peers by a Regina George figure are portrayed solely as victims. You can't sympathise with them as they are still toxic to others when not in the presence of their aggressor.
In the end, most problems aren't solved and are kind of played down when the main obstacle is sorted out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Violence, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Animal death, Rape, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Lesbophobia