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A review by annemaries_shelves
Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
adventurous
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? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars
What a fun, campy revenge horror story... all about rape culture and teen life and trying to exert a modicum of control when, as a teen girl in today's society, there's very little control.
It gave me The Secret History and Mean Girl vibes - if the teen girls were hungry werewolves preying on the worst of teen boys. The art style and use of progressively darkening colour palettes was also really effective in creating tension and atmosphere.
Despite the focus on straight relationships, there's still queer characters (their Chem teacher uses the honorific/title Mx.) and our MC is gay.There's also a happy queer relationship between Becca and Marley and it made me so happy!
I also appreciate that the author tried to diversify what I imagine was the inspiration - a straight (presenting), majority white, rich neighbourhood/town.
And my main critique - that no one clued in on the disappearing teen boys for way too long - ended up being addressed in the second half of the text. I think the ending wrapped up nicely with a satisfying outcome for certain characters.
After enjoying Squad, I'm definitely interested in Tokuda-Hall's other works - especially any other graphic novels she may do (hopefully with the same amazing illustrator).
CW: sexual assault/harassment (nothing graphic but it's on page), violence, blood and gore, murder, underaged drinking. Disordered eating is also discussed.
What a fun, campy revenge horror story... all about rape culture and teen life and trying to exert a modicum of control when, as a teen girl in today's society, there's very little control.
It gave me The Secret History and Mean Girl vibes - if the teen girls were hungry werewolves preying on the worst of teen boys. The art style and use of progressively darkening colour palettes was also really effective in creating tension and atmosphere.
Despite the focus on straight relationships, there's still queer characters (their Chem teacher uses the honorific/title Mx.) and our MC is gay.
I also appreciate that the author tried to diversify what I imagine was the inspiration - a straight (presenting), majority white, rich neighbourhood/town.
And my main critique - that no one clued in on the disappearing teen boys for way too long - ended up being addressed in the second half of the text. I think the ending wrapped up nicely with a satisfying outcome for certain characters.
After enjoying Squad, I'm definitely interested in Tokuda-Hall's other works - especially any other graphic novels she may do (hopefully with the same amazing illustrator).
CW: sexual assault/harassment (nothing graphic but it's on page), violence, blood and gore, murder, underaged drinking. Disordered eating is also discussed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body shaming, Alcohol, Body horror, Death, Gore, Murder, Sexual assault, and Violence
Moderate: Eating disorder, Lesbophobia, and Fatphobia