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raisingself's reviews
519 reviews
Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman
2.0
I have to agree with other reviewers, Noughts & Crosses is a wealth of potential but ultimately disappoints in the end. It leaves so many holes and unexplored opportunities for the two main characters, that the ending feels both incomplete and frustrating.
These next SPOILER points is precisely why I am frustrated with what could have otherwise been a top series:
-The trial and death of Callum's father. When Callum's father is saved and opts to take his own life in the literal sense (though it can be argued that an oppressive system of inequality is what truly killed him) and somehow it still makes logical sense for this to be the catalyst for Callum becoming an extremist, though a Cross is the one who paid his father. How?! Also why would the writer have Sephy's mother pay for the trial, share this with the reader but not seem to clarify the material significance to the story, it seems out of place and pointless.
-The time spent on Callum's trial versus his father's and the result. Why so many freaking pages were invested on his father's trail and near execution. Whilst I felt they only summarized Callum's ordeal, this just makes almost no sense to me. I think there was a greater opportunity for social commentary and making an impact on Sephy and Callum's world had the writer to opted for the reverse. Also I would have had the reverse happen, a last minute save for Callum and using his father's execution as a real and viable catalyst for his journey down a dark path.
-They never clarified the point and significance of the double agent. That seemingly significant sting of information is never properly explored and again, a missed opportunity.
-Book should have ended with Callum's arrest. Sephy and Callum's world and romance was truly incomplete and it does not feel like an artistic choice but an editorial error. They truly should have considered ending the novel at his arrest and having the second book be the trial and other hurdles and adventures for a pregnant privileged young activist and a former extremist with information beneficial to both the movement and the government. This was a missed opportunity if I ever did see one.
I think, that had Malorie Blackman been better advised by her editor, this could have been one of the great young adult series of its generation. Great on film and a great opportunity to have alternate universe analysis of racism and hate. Sadly, this missed the mark. I read the summary of the net two books and I am opting not to complete the series. My disappointment is far too great. Is it too late for a rewrite, I really think she should consider it.
These next SPOILER points is precisely why I am frustrated with what could have otherwise been a top series:
-The trial and death of Callum's father. When Callum's father is saved and opts to take his own life in the literal sense (though it can be argued that an oppressive system of inequality is what truly killed him) and somehow it still makes logical sense for this to be the catalyst for Callum becoming an extremist, though a Cross is the one who paid his father. How?! Also why would the writer have Sephy's mother pay for the trial, share this with the reader but not seem to clarify the material significance to the story, it seems out of place and pointless.
-The time spent on Callum's trial versus his father's and the result. Why so many freaking pages were invested on his father's trail and near execution. Whilst I felt they only summarized Callum's ordeal, this just makes almost no sense to me. I think there was a greater opportunity for social commentary and making an impact on Sephy and Callum's world had the writer to opted for the reverse. Also I would have had the reverse happen, a last minute save for Callum and using his father's execution as a real and viable catalyst for his journey down a dark path.
-They never clarified the point and significance of the double agent. That seemingly significant sting of information is never properly explored and again, a missed opportunity.
-Book should have ended with Callum's arrest. Sephy and Callum's world and romance was truly incomplete and it does not feel like an artistic choice but an editorial error. They truly should have considered ending the novel at his arrest and having the second book be the trial and other hurdles and adventures for a pregnant privileged young activist and a former extremist with information beneficial to both the movement and the government. This was a missed opportunity if I ever did see one.
I think, that had Malorie Blackman been better advised by her editor, this could have been one of the great young adult series of its generation. Great on film and a great opportunity to have alternate universe analysis of racism and hate. Sadly, this missed the mark. I read the summary of the net two books and I am opting not to complete the series. My disappointment is far too great. Is it too late for a rewrite, I really think she should consider it.
In the Land of the Long White Cloud by Sarah Lark, D.W. Lovett
2.0
The story starts strong with great potential. Two brave women embarking upon a great adventure with great risk. The detail about the supporting characters is incredible and it had the potential to be epic.
But, once the characters arrive at their locations, the storyline becomes murky. The supporting characters narratives are not clear, edges on confusing, and it starts to drag on.
Pseudo Spoiler
Three things cause me to dislike this book greatly:
• The fetishization or underdevelopment of the native people’s narratives
• Not only is rape used as a significant plot device, but subsequently throughout the rest of the novel, the main character seems to be apologizing or creating excuses for her rapist. I would have much rather the writer wrote this into the clearer narrative of the rapist in his own voice, there was plenty of opportunity to beforehand. I kind of didn’t see it coming at all and would not have understand why if not for the victim having to explain why based on blind assumptions that sounded too much like the victim making excuses for her own assault
• The sexual orientation of a queer male character is written through the ocular of heavy handed stereotypes and the character is not given a real voice
But, once the characters arrive at their locations, the storyline becomes murky. The supporting characters narratives are not clear, edges on confusing, and it starts to drag on.
Pseudo Spoiler
Three things cause me to dislike this book greatly:
• The fetishization or underdevelopment of the native people’s narratives
• Not only is rape used as a significant plot device, but subsequently throughout the rest of the novel, the main character seems to be apologizing or creating excuses for her rapist. I would have much rather the writer wrote this into the clearer narrative of the rapist in his own voice, there was plenty of opportunity to beforehand. I kind of didn’t see it coming at all and would not have understand why if not for the victim having to explain why based on blind assumptions that sounded too much like the victim making excuses for her own assault
• The sexual orientation of a queer male character is written through the ocular of heavy handed stereotypes and the character is not given a real voice
Song of the Spirits by Sarah Lark, D.W. Lovett
1.0
I started the book, but could not finish. The hyper-sexualization and fetishization of the only non-white female lead was just unbearable to me. If I have to hear her skin tone (brown with lots of heavy cream) one more time, I am going to throw up. I love period novels but this one is just under-whelming and kind of demoralizing.