A review by sshabein
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

I respect the world-building and inventive takes on African folklore here, the writing has some good moments, and I liked seeing queer characters in this fantasy setting, but this book wasn't really for me. The violence is toe-curling, the prevalence of rape or talk of it is a LOT, and the point of view is so... Male? I guess I am not really enjoying the dick-swinging, both literal (and sometimes Spider-y?) and in attitude. Definitely not a bad book, but I won't be reading the sequel.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings