A review by stormywolf
Truth of the Divine by Lindsay Ellis

challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 No complicated backstory with this one. I follow the author on YouTube, read the first book, knew the sequel was coming out, and picked it up when it did. After the quasi-cliffhanger we were left, with regard to Cora and Ampersand's newly formed bond, it was really a no-brainer that I'd feel compelled to continue the series. And so I did.

Read my full review at The Wolf's Den

Overall, I am utterly hooked. Despite the tonal shift to a darker and more insular story, and my constant feelings of depression and discomfort, I still appreciated my experience. Make no mistake, there are parts of this book that will infuriate, devastate, and possibly trigger (read the Author's Note!) readers, but I think the story as a whole is excellently crafted and an important reflection on the state of America back in 2008 and today. Even if you're not a big sci-fi fan, I'd recommend this to anyone interested in stories that include American politics, human rights or social justice initiatives (specifically immigration/refugees and freedom of information), mental health struggles, relationship struggles, existential quandaries, or simply an alternate history set in the late 2000s—but, you know, with aliens. I will definitely be back as soon as the next book comes out (hopefully in the next year?) and I'm crossing my fingers for a bit more truth and a lot less devastation the next time around.