A review by obscurepages
How We End by L.M. Juniper

adventurous challenging slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 Finally, after a month! This put me in a reading slump in February 😅

This was enjoyable and entertaining enough. My biggest issue is somehow it didn't have that "umph" that hooked me or made me obsessed. Like somehow it felt like everything was happening, but also nothing was happening at the same time. The plot and world-building were not as engaging or complex as I hoped they would be. I think I expected it to be more exciting or gripping as a reader, given that it is a zombie/apocalyptic story.

Now, I could have been fine with that. I mean, there were books that I liked where it's kind of confusing and not really plot-driven, but the characters still hook you in. I don't think that was the case for this book. Because while I liked the characters, I feel like the characterization still lacked and seemed like surface level? See I've been reading like half of the book, and I still couldn't care less about some of the characters. Even Jake as the main character felt weird sometimes (it was mentioned that he was a prepper, but it was so unbelievable for me unfortunately 😅) Anyway, yeah it wasn't until close to the end that I got an inkling of backstory from some of them and deeper personality traits.

I think the trans rep was good. It was very subtle though. But I liked that Jake's trans journey was highlighted in one part of the book and showed that not every trans experience is the same.

I think that's it for me really. Entertaining enough, but felt standard and conventional for the most part.

(Read for the Indie Ink Awards 2024!)
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