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A review by alexfromistemor
They Ain't Proper by M.B. Guel
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thanks to Bella Books and Netgalley for this eARC!
This was a great concept. I mean, a western where one of the two protagonists is non-binary? Gimme more! And M.B. Guel has so much greatness here. Both Lou and Clem are complex, in depth characters. They've lived through a lot and have the scars (physical or otherwise) to prove it. I really felt for Lou just wanted to exist on their land, simple and free of complicates, free to be themself. I also liked Clem's desires to be out from the situation she'd found herself in since childhood, and to get answers for what happened to her family. The supporting cast was also great, in particular Juanita, the one most willing to give these two stubborn people the kick in the ass they so often need.
Unfortunately, the execution of this story needed a bit of work. Maybe another revision before publishing? The book jumps back and forth between Lou and Clem's POV, which is all fine and good, but several times it kind of jumps from one character to the other between one paragraph and the next, without much indication (other times they use a '***' to show the divide), which can lead to a bit of POV whiplash, especially when it seems like it's something short just so we know the other protag is doing something, when it's safe to assume they're doing something.
The other issue I had was Guel packs their characters with so many things they need sorting out, all while Lou and Clem are also busy falling for one another, and it might have helped to lose a couple subplots because when some are resolved, the payoff is a bit weaker than it could have been if there were less to juggle. I mean, there's the mystery of Lou's past, the looming shadow of Lefty, the bounty hunter after Lou, Clem trying to sort out who sold out her family, Clem's missing older sister and Lou's history (and potential future) with Inez. Probably more that I'm forgetting. And yes, some of those plot threads are tied together (no spoilers), but still they felt like a lot, all while we're supposed to be rooting for these two characters who won't properly communicate with one another to fall in love.
Long story short, great concept marred by execution that needs a little help. 3.5 stars rounded up.
This was a great concept. I mean, a western where one of the two protagonists is non-binary? Gimme more! And M.B. Guel has so much greatness here. Both Lou and Clem are complex, in depth characters. They've lived through a lot and have the scars (physical or otherwise) to prove it. I really felt for Lou just wanted to exist on their land, simple and free of complicates, free to be themself. I also liked Clem's desires to be out from the situation she'd found herself in since childhood, and to get answers for what happened to her family. The supporting cast was also great, in particular Juanita, the one most willing to give these two stubborn people the kick in the ass they so often need.
Unfortunately, the execution of this story needed a bit of work. Maybe another revision before publishing? The book jumps back and forth between Lou and Clem's POV, which is all fine and good, but several times it kind of jumps from one character to the other between one paragraph and the next, without much indication (other times they use a '***' to show the divide), which can lead to a bit of POV whiplash, especially when it seems like it's something short just so we know the other protag is doing something, when it's safe to assume they're doing something.
The other issue I had was Guel packs their characters with so many things they need sorting out, all while Lou and Clem are also busy falling for one another, and it might have helped to lose a couple subplots because when some are resolved, the payoff is a bit weaker than it could have been if there were less to juggle. I mean, there's the mystery of Lou's past, the looming shadow of Lefty, the bounty hunter after Lou, Clem trying to sort out who sold out her family, Clem's missing older sister and Lou's history (and potential future) with Inez. Probably more that I'm forgetting. And yes, some of those plot threads are tied together (no spoilers), but still they felt like a lot, all while we're supposed to be rooting for these two characters who won't properly communicate with one another to fall in love.
Long story short, great concept marred by execution that needs a little help. 3.5 stars rounded up.