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shanig 's review for:
For Whom The Belle Tolls
by Jaysea Lynn
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Complicated
I knew this would be good, but I don’t think I realized just HOW freaking good this was.
First off, I have to give Jaysea so much credit for writing a phenomenal book that expands on the lore/world of her hit Hell’s Belles skit series AND seamlessly introduces newcomers to it. If you haven’t seen the series prior to reading the book, there’s no getting lost; and if you have, then the book is filled with moments that resonate a little deeper for fans who know what’s to come. That can be such a hard balance to find, but she struck it flawlessly.
Second. It’s very rare that I read a book that so perfectly encapsulates in words certain experiences around trauma, religion and identity. Jaysea DID IT. I found myself crying numerous times while reading this, usually because it was surreal to feel so seen and understood by someone who GOT IT. Like “oh my god, this is exactly how it felt but I couldn’t find the words myself to explain it.” While my experiences weren’t totally identical to Lily’s, there were enough similarities that watching Lily (and Sharkie, and Bel) heal felt like a part of myself was finally able to heal, too. Like someone was giving me permission I didn’t realize I was waiting for.
I absolutely LOVED every second I spent reading this book, and I can’t wait for more!!
First off, I have to give Jaysea so much credit for writing a phenomenal book that expands on the lore/world of her hit Hell’s Belles skit series AND seamlessly introduces newcomers to it. If you haven’t seen the series prior to reading the book, there’s no getting lost; and if you have, then the book is filled with moments that resonate a little deeper for fans who know what’s to come. That can be such a hard balance to find, but she struck it flawlessly.
Second. It’s very rare that I read a book that so perfectly encapsulates in words certain experiences around trauma, religion and identity. Jaysea DID IT. I found myself crying numerous times while reading this, usually because it was surreal to feel so seen and understood by someone who GOT IT. Like “oh my god, this is exactly how it felt but I couldn’t find the words myself to explain it.” While my experiences weren’t totally identical to Lily’s, there were enough similarities that watching Lily (and Sharkie, and Bel) heal felt like a part of myself was finally able to heal, too. Like someone was giving me permission I didn’t realize I was waiting for.
I absolutely LOVED every second I spent reading this book, and I can’t wait for more!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Grief, Religious bigotry, War
Minor: Child death, Self harm, Suicide attempt