Scan barcode
A review by virgilsinferno
Take All of Us by Natalie Leif
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A fun but downright spooky at times novel featuring queer, disabled teens left behind in an emergency evacuation. Together this rag-tag group attempt to find out what's really going on in their small town and learn to live selfishly for once. Overall, I absolutely loved this novel.
The disability and queer representation feels real, in fact I found a lot of my own experience as a teen in one of the characters. I loved how characters are described between the tapping of a characters cane, the flat voice of another, or the way seizures are described. The arc our man character goes through to put aside his selfless, martyr ways and take up space for once got me to reflect on my own life. I did feel the end reveal of what's happening to be a bit out of left field but I still enjoyed it as a plot element. I didn't quite understand why oil was so prevalent and it felt at times set up to make the end confrontation easier. But the things I disliked are few and far between compared to how much I enjoyed everything else.
I'd highly recommend this book to any disabled person, queer person, or anyone who just likes fun YA horror. Definitely going to be purchasing a copy on release!
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
The disability and queer representation feels real, in fact I found a lot of my own experience as a teen in one of the characters. I loved how characters are described between the tapping of a characters cane, the flat voice of another, or the way seizures are described. The arc our man character goes through to put aside his selfless, martyr ways and take up space for once got me to reflect on my own life. I did feel the end reveal of what's happening to be a bit out of left field but I still enjoyed it as a plot element. I didn't quite understand why oil was so prevalent and it felt at times set up to make the end confrontation easier. But the things I disliked are few and far between compared to how much I enjoyed everything else.
I'd highly recommend this book to any disabled person, queer person, or anyone who just likes fun YA horror. Definitely going to be purchasing a copy on release!
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death of parent and Child abuse