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taliejane's reviews
20 reviews
Prosperity by Alexis Hall
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Okay so I had a really bizarre experience of listening to this audiobook. I've had a really tenacious cold the last few days and I've been falling asleep randomly in the middle of chapters. Which means I've actually re-listened to multiple passages of this book in order to find my place again đ
This story follows the end days of a town built in the sky, called Prosperity (named ironically as far as I can tell). The narrator is Picadilly, an 18-something rogue gambler with a sweet disposition and a tendency to get wrapped up in sky-pirate misadventures.
In terms of content warnings...idk death? Destruction? Think anything along the lines of a Pirate Adventure Film.
<Spoiler> Spoilers ahead!!
Okay so obviously Alexis Hall is an insanely good writer and there was never a chance this would be a bad story. Also, the audiobook is narrated by Nicholas Boulton, who also spoke Glitterland (my all-time favourite Alexis Hall book).
Glitterland and Prosperity were published around the same time but also share having a character with a strong dialect. As an Irish person, I got on alright with this, but I think it could trip up some readers. The dialect is also from 1863 North England rather than present day, which adds a layer of difficulty. In Prosperity it is the narrator Picadilly who speaks in heavy dialect which means it might make it confusing to understand what's going on at times.
I think Alexis Hall really does characters the best. I mean all his books have an engaging plot obviously... But the characters are always complicated and surprising. In this case, I loved 'Milord'. A terse, verging on amoral chracter at the start who makes an attempt on the protagonists life within the first chapter, Milord somehow became the chracter I was most rooting for by the end??? There are some beautiful, queer, sort of kinky scenes between Milord and his raison d'etre Ruben (a moral righteous hero type character whom the protagonist spends the book hopelessly pining for).
There is also a sort of etheral magical man called Byron and a hilarious, seer/kraken summoner/brothel frequenting lady called Miss Grey. They all make up the crew of an aethership (not to be mistaken for a simple sky ship) which travels through the air in a somehow magical way.
NOW LISTEN. This story doesn't really need to have the world building perfectly explained, because the relationships are the real story. And reader - the relationship had be S U F F E R I N G and I loved it.
However... WHAT IS A SKY HOOK ALEXIS HALL. The ricketty, cobbled together, den of iniquity which is Prosperity is hanging in the air, attached to sky hooks. Hooked into the sky. Do you see my problem? Hooked into WHERE? I'm definitely reading the rest of this series and it will be 80% for the characters and 20% to find out WHAT IS A SKY HOOK. </Spoiler>
4/5 highly recommend.
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I absolutely adored this book from the beginning! I don't usually go for fantasy or dystopia but this book is big in queer bookish spaces so I went for it. I wasn't disappointed!
The story takes place in a fictional dystopia, inspired by various historical Chinese epochs, where female concubines are routinely sacrificed in battle in order to fuel the futuristic war weaponry piloted only by men. Wu Zetian, inspired by the historical Chinese Empress, decides to enlist as a concubine with the intention of murdering the pilot who took her sister's life. However, in a world where power comes from mental fortitude rather than physical, she soon proves herself to be a powerful force to be reckoned with.
TW: Sexual assault, misogyny, alcoholism and Chinese foot binding.
<Spoiler> Spoilerful review:
Wu Zetian immediately subverts expectations of a dystopian heroine, which had me hooked from the start. Whereas usually the Katniss Everdeens of the world are fighting to protect their family or loved ones, Zetian is motivated purely by revenge. Despite knowing it will condemn her entire family to death, despite knowing there are no hopes of survival for herself, she single-mindedly pursues the pilot who murdered her sister.
The pure rage that fuels her throughout the story was so addictive to read. I've seen criticisms of this book which lamented that her feminism was purely violent. So what? I've been sexually assaulted and my feelings afterwards were also violent. I also would have wanted horrible consequences for everyone who hurt me. Zetian gives catharsis to any reader who has ever just wanted to scream and rage against the seemingly untouchable forces in society that hurt them.
Her melodramatic inner monologue really worked for me too. She is an epic figure on an epic journey. The tone worked. Especially in contrast to the even-tempered rhetoric of the sages and strategists. Which is obviously just placating bullshit when they actively participate in a system which purposefully sacrifices girls.
I enjoyed the way the weaponry works in this story too. Despite having bound feet, Zetian is poweful because she is powerful in spirit. Maybe that allegory is too obvious for some people, but it really worked for me.
Her relationship to the two love interests was also a really nice counterbalance to the main narrative, and added some complexities to her understanding of her own world.
As someone who doesn't love sci-fi, I found the battle scenes easy enough to follow as well. That meant there weren't scenes were I lost interest and so I can comfortably recommend the book to other non-scifi or fantasy fans.
Where this books lost me a bit was the lore behind the 200 year old emporer. Maybe this was a problem with my own reading comprehension. I thought we needed more time with the nomads and the discovery of the 200 year old man??? for her victory to feel deserved. Maybe this was cut for the length of the book to be more typical but idk. Hopefully the sequel will give this more time.
Ultimately this was definitely a 4.5/5 read for me!
The story takes place in a fictional dystopia, inspired by various historical Chinese epochs, where female concubines are routinely sacrificed in battle in order to fuel the futuristic war weaponry piloted only by men. Wu Zetian, inspired by the historical Chinese Empress, decides to enlist as a concubine with the intention of murdering the pilot who took her sister's life. However, in a world where power comes from mental fortitude rather than physical, she soon proves herself to be a powerful force to be reckoned with.
TW: Sexual assault, misogyny, alcoholism and Chinese foot binding.
<Spoiler> Spoilerful review:
Wu Zetian immediately subverts expectations of a dystopian heroine, which had me hooked from the start. Whereas usually the Katniss Everdeens of the world are fighting to protect their family or loved ones, Zetian is motivated purely by revenge. Despite knowing it will condemn her entire family to death, despite knowing there are no hopes of survival for herself, she single-mindedly pursues the pilot who murdered her sister.
The pure rage that fuels her throughout the story was so addictive to read. I've seen criticisms of this book which lamented that her feminism was purely violent. So what? I've been sexually assaulted and my feelings afterwards were also violent. I also would have wanted horrible consequences for everyone who hurt me. Zetian gives catharsis to any reader who has ever just wanted to scream and rage against the seemingly untouchable forces in society that hurt them.
Her melodramatic inner monologue really worked for me too. She is an epic figure on an epic journey. The tone worked. Especially in contrast to the even-tempered rhetoric of the sages and strategists. Which is obviously just placating bullshit when they actively participate in a system which purposefully sacrifices girls.
I enjoyed the way the weaponry works in this story too. Despite having bound feet, Zetian is poweful because she is powerful in spirit. Maybe that allegory is too obvious for some people, but it really worked for me.
Her relationship to the two love interests was also a really nice counterbalance to the main narrative, and added some complexities to her understanding of her own world.
As someone who doesn't love sci-fi, I found the battle scenes easy enough to follow as well. That meant there weren't scenes were I lost interest and so I can comfortably recommend the book to other non-scifi or fantasy fans.
Where this books lost me a bit was the lore behind the 200 year old emporer. Maybe this was a problem with my own reading comprehension. I thought we needed more time with the nomads and the discovery of the 200 year old man??? for her victory to feel deserved. Maybe this was cut for the length of the book to be more typical but idk. Hopefully the sequel will give this more time.
Ultimately this was definitely a 4.5/5 read for me!
Something Spectacular by Alexis Hall
Spoilerful Review:
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I haven't emotionally recovered from the ending of this book yet so I have no hope this review with be coherent. Alexis Hall you know what you did đĄ
This is the sequel to Something Fabulous (which is really enjoyed too) and this time follows Peggy and her journey to discover herself and what kind of life she wants for herself. Peggy is in unrequited love with her best friend Belle when she meets the opera singer Orfeo (and promptly faints at the sound of their voice). What follows is a heartbreakingly tender love story and journey of self-discovery for all involved, interspersed with the funny, quippy dialogue Alexis Hall is known for.
Disclaimer: I'm already a big fan of this author.
CW: Orfeo is a castrato and wrestles with their own value as a person in that context. The subject might be triggering in the context of gender identity or bodily mutilation.
So I immediately fell in love with Peggy. She is just the loveliest MC and as someone who often carries the burden of responsible for many people in my life, I felt for her so much. Accompanying her through understanding what kind of life she yearns for and then ultimately finding a way to her HEA was beautiful and really gratifying.
Orfeo is also a delightful character. I didn't know anything about the horrific Castrati tradition before reading. It was a really interesting perspective on identity and gender (and really heartbreaking at times). Orfeo's patron is a real SOB and the scene of their reunion was incredibly difficult to read (honestly I was nearly crying). But I just loved how they have moments with Peggy where they are allowed to stop performing and just be themselves. They are given the space to have some autonomy and to be seen as more than a sort of beautiful artifact.
Alexis Hall always does this thing where you think you're just reading a fun regency romp and then BAM your heart is shattered into one million pieces and you just lie in bed for a few hours staring at the ceiling?
The Tarleton's are back for more shenanigans. Honestly, I think because I related so much with Peggy in this book, Belle and Bonny really bothered me at some points. I mean they are as wonderfully ridiculously as in the first installment, and Belle has a difficult arc of self-discovery which I totally emphasised with, but OH MY GOD can you maybe not kidnap someone AGAIN and make it everyone's problem AGAIN? Peggy deserved some freedom as her own person, untethered to the whims of the Tarletons, and I am SO HAPPY she got there in the end. Anyway I would die for Peggy.
Of course, Valentine and Bonny are delightful as ever. We even see some really tender moments from Valentine which added a lot to pur understanding of him as a generally asexual/demisexual character, desperately in love with one man in particular đ.
Overall, this is another 5 star AJH read. The dialogue? Hilarious. The character development? Emotionally devastating. The side characters? Fantastic. The insane regency surnames? A gift.
I was wondering throughout this book, since we meet the Duke and Duchess of Marshalsea, if maybe regency books from the perspective of the working classes might become a thing. It's increasingly difficult to empathise with the wealthy (we live in a society) and I really enjoyed the brief discussion of classism and inequality!
Content Warnings
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia and Body horror
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
4.5
Felix Ever After really captures that terrifying phase of transition between childhood and adulthood everyone faces around 17 or 18, where you are trying to understand your own identity and how who you are fits into the wider wolrld. It is a heart warming and at times heart wrenching story of first love, friendship, community, discrimination, and identity.
I give this 4.5/5 but round up to 5/5 for Goodreads. (The half star comes from a slightly irregular pace toward the end of the book).
Felix is attending a summer arts program at his school, trying to work up the courage to begin his portfolio for his college applications, when he comes into school one day to find a gallery of his pre-transition photographs and dead name in the lobby for everyone to see.
Shaken and enraged by this, he sets out to find the person who targeted him. Supported by his best friend Ezra, he begins to navigate the process of figuring out who could possibly hate him so much and why, all the while also struggling to figure out how on earth to get started on an art portfolio that can prove he is a valuable person no matter what his bully thinks.
Themes: Identity, Friendship, Romance, Coming Of Age,Transphobia.
Content warning â ď¸
There is depiction of a hate crime (old photos and deadname being publicised) towards the trans main character and explicit use of transphobic language.
Spoilers below!
This book really reminded me how scary those last few years of school were! Not because I (thank goodness) ever experienced the discrimination Felix does, but because I also struggled immensely with deciding where to go for college, what dreams to pursue, and whether I was even good enough for any of it! There is a unique anxiety in being in a phase of understanding your own identity, while also having to go to school every day in a mini, insular community of your peers who are also all desperately trying to figure out who they are and how they relate to the world.
The author establishes the summery atmosphere immediately. It's beautiful to imagine Felix and Ezra enjoying their summer in New York, smoking and eating together, watching films and cuddling up on their one mattress in Ezra's enormous empty apartment. The setting of a summer arts program, the complicated group of queer friends, the eccentric teachers, and the high school parties was fun and nostalgic at once.
Although there were heart-warmingly romantic scenes of friendship and first love, the themes of transphobia and bullying were also explored with sharp accuracy. The impact being the victim of a hate crime has on Felix is described so well the reader experience is visceral. Many of the young characters experience parental abandonment in one form or another, and the deep lonliness and insecurity triggered when we don't receive that crucial parental love and attention.
The story is immediately engaging and by the end of the book, it is a real page-turner. I found the romantic relationships are developed well, but I did think the jump between love-interests felt slightly rushed towards the end. An additional chapter to explain Felix's realisation about whom he truly wants to be with would have felt more evenly paced to me personally. That being said, it was otherwise truly delightful and exciting to watch the love story unfold.
Overall, I highly recommend this beautiful book đđ
I give this 4.5/5 but round up to 5/5 for Goodreads. (The half star comes from a slightly irregular pace toward the end of the book).
Felix is attending a summer arts program at his school, trying to work up the courage to begin his portfolio for his college applications, when he comes into school one day to find a gallery of his pre-transition photographs and dead name in the lobby for everyone to see.
Shaken and enraged by this, he sets out to find the person who targeted him. Supported by his best friend Ezra, he begins to navigate the process of figuring out who could possibly hate him so much and why, all the while also struggling to figure out how on earth to get started on an art portfolio that can prove he is a valuable person no matter what his bully thinks.
Themes: Identity, Friendship, Romance, Coming Of Age,Transphobia.
Content warning â ď¸
There is depiction of a hate crime (old photos and deadname being publicised) towards the trans main character and explicit use of transphobic language.
This book really reminded me how scary those last few years of school were! Not because I (thank goodness) ever experienced the discrimination Felix does, but because I also struggled immensely with deciding where to go for college, what dreams to pursue, and whether I was even good enough for any of it! There is a unique anxiety in being in a phase of understanding your own identity, while also having to go to school every day in a mini, insular community of your peers who are also all desperately trying to figure out who they are and how they relate to the world.
The author establishes the summery atmosphere immediately. It's beautiful to imagine Felix and Ezra enjoying their summer in New York, smoking and eating together, watching films and cuddling up on their one mattress in Ezra's enormous empty apartment. The setting of a summer arts program, the complicated group of queer friends, the eccentric teachers, and the high school parties was fun and nostalgic at once.
Although there were heart-warmingly romantic scenes of friendship and first love, the themes of transphobia and bullying were also explored with sharp accuracy. The impact being the victim of a hate crime has on Felix is described so well the reader experience is visceral. Many of the young characters experience parental abandonment in one form or another, and the deep lonliness and insecurity triggered when we don't receive that crucial parental love and attention.
The story is immediately engaging and by the end of the book, it is a real page-turner. I found the romantic relationships are developed well, but I did think the jump between love-interests felt slightly rushed towards the end. An additional chapter to explain Felix's realisation about whom he truly wants to be with would have felt more evenly paced to me personally. That being said, it was otherwise truly delightful and exciting to watch the love story unfold.
Overall, I highly recommend this beautiful book đđ
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Bullying
They Hate Each Other by Amanda Woody
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
This story beautifully combines a love story that will have your heart racing with every story beat, with a poignant exploration of the protective love between siblings and heavy burden of responsibility which that love can produce.
Dylan and Jonah have been archenemies since they were eleven. Unfortunately, they share a friend group and everyone is convinced they have AMAZING chemistry and are destined to fall in love. After accidentally falling asleep in the same bed following homecoming, their friends' nagging reaches unbearable levels and they devise a plan to fake date to get them off their case once and for all.
Themes: Romance, LGBT, Bisexuality, Transgender character, Friendship, Siblings, Family, Abuse, Anxiety and Panic.
Trigger warning â ď¸
There are very good depictions of panic attacks and anxiety which could be triggering. There is also mention of child abuse, although it is not explicit. Violence and alcoholism in guardians and parental figures is also featured.
Spoilers below!
I really expected this book to be your classic enemies to lovers story (with a queer main couple) and thus everything I love in a romance book. It completely delivered on that front, however I did not expect to connect so deeply with the story.
The love story which unfolds between the main characters is lovely, cute, funny, and exciting. You enjoy watching them slowly develop feelings for each other, despite trying to cling to their mutual hatred as long as possible. Both Jonah and Dylan are lovable and kind, and you are truly rooting for both of them by the end of the story.
In the background, both characters are facing complicated challenges in their own families. Although, this is primarily a romance, the author has woven a poignant exploration of sibling and parental relationships around the central love story. I recognised so many of my own experiences in those of the characters. As the characters come to terms with their feelings towards their family, I felt small parts of myself heal along with them. I think the way the theme of family is handled is truly the triumph of this book.
Bisexuality and homosexuality are so beautifully represented. This is not a coming out story, nor do the characters face any homophobia. The lack of discrimination doesn't feel unrealistic, characters discuss the difficulties of having a marginalised identity and the intersections between race, sexuality and class, but it isn't a part of THIS particular story. As a bisexual woman, it was so beautiful to read a story where two bisexuals were just existing in their community.
I also found the depictions of panic and anxiety incredibly accurate. The story is written in dual POV, and so we experience both the perspective of characters being guided through a panic attack and helping someone else with one. The story discusses the ways in which trauma can emerge at times we least expect it to, and how we can overcome trauma when we feel safe to open up about our experiences. I found the author really understood these feelings and depicted them perfectly.
Overall, this story is funny and engaging. It is paced extremely well, keeping the story flowing and balanced well between dialogue and prose. The plot is realistic and the outcomes all feel earned. There were moments where my heart was beating so fast, and I think I read the last third of the book in a ridiculous amount of time - something like 45 minites. I cannot recommend this book enough! I really think it will be the next big book in queer romance đ
Dylan and Jonah have been archenemies since they were eleven. Unfortunately, they share a friend group and everyone is convinced they have AMAZING chemistry and are destined to fall in love. After accidentally falling asleep in the same bed following homecoming, their friends' nagging reaches unbearable levels and they devise a plan to fake date to get them off their case once and for all.
Themes: Romance, LGBT, Bisexuality, Transgender character, Friendship, Siblings, Family, Abuse, Anxiety and Panic.
Trigger warning â ď¸
There are very good depictions of panic attacks and anxiety which could be triggering. There is also mention of child abuse, although it is not explicit. Violence and alcoholism in guardians and parental figures is also featured.
I really expected this book to be your classic enemies to lovers story (with a queer main couple) and thus everything I love in a romance book. It completely delivered on that front, however I did not expect to connect so deeply with the story.
The love story which unfolds between the main characters is lovely, cute, funny, and exciting. You enjoy watching them slowly develop feelings for each other, despite trying to cling to their mutual hatred as long as possible. Both Jonah and Dylan are lovable and kind, and you are truly rooting for both of them by the end of the story.
In the background, both characters are facing complicated challenges in their own families. Although, this is primarily a romance, the author has woven a poignant exploration of sibling and parental relationships around the central love story. I recognised so many of my own experiences in those of the characters. As the characters come to terms with their feelings towards their family, I felt small parts of myself heal along with them. I think the way the theme of family is handled is truly the triumph of this book.
Bisexuality and homosexuality are so beautifully represented. This is not a coming out story, nor do the characters face any homophobia. The lack of discrimination doesn't feel unrealistic, characters discuss the difficulties of having a marginalised identity and the intersections between race, sexuality and class, but it isn't a part of THIS particular story. As a bisexual woman, it was so beautiful to read a story where two bisexuals were just existing in their community.
I also found the depictions of panic and anxiety incredibly accurate. The story is written in dual POV, and so we experience both the perspective of characters being guided through a panic attack and helping someone else with one. The story discusses the ways in which trauma can emerge at times we least expect it to, and how we can overcome trauma when we feel safe to open up about our experiences. I found the author really understood these feelings and depicted them perfectly.
Overall, this story is funny and engaging. It is paced extremely well, keeping the story flowing and balanced well between dialogue and prose. The plot is realistic and the outcomes all feel earned. There were moments where my heart was beating so fast, and I think I read the last third of the book in a ridiculous amount of time - something like 45 minites. I cannot recommend this book enough! I really think it will be the next big book in queer romance đ
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Violence
Glitterland by Alexis Hall
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Mini review đđ
As I'm brand new to Goodreads, I've decided to start posting short reviews of my favourite books "retrospectively". These are books I loved but where it's been a while since I've read them and so a comprehensive review might need to wait for the reread!
If you've ever asked me what my favourite contemporary romance is, you'll know how special Glitterland is to me đđ The main character's experience of depression and anxiety, but also the shame around suffering from those illnesses and feeling like a burden, immediately spoke to me. Small warning: panic is written extremely realistically and I certainly felt it physically myself as the reader. But the complex experience the mc Ash has of identity and pride and self-loathing...I think will be very relatable to anyone who has ever felt like they were floundering in the sea of their own life.
Darian, the love interest, is a spark of hope (literally, he glitters đ) in the book. Ash feels awkward about how his friends would usually look down on someone like Darian - a sort of walking Essex stereotype. But what happens when someone with a strict idea of what a valuable person, a person worthy of love and respect, is confronted with unapologetic self-exceptance! With someone living authentically as themselves and ACCEPTING Ash too! Wellllll my favourite book ever happens basically đđđ It is beautiful and fantastic.
As I'm brand new to Goodreads, I've decided to start posting short reviews of my favourite books "retrospectively". These are books I loved but where it's been a while since I've read them and so a comprehensive review might need to wait for the reread!
If you've ever asked me what my favourite contemporary romance is, you'll know how special Glitterland is to me đđ The main character's experience of depression and anxiety, but also the shame around suffering from those illnesses and feeling like a burden, immediately spoke to me. Small warning: panic is written extremely realistically and I certainly felt it physically myself as the reader. But the complex experience the mc Ash has of identity and pride and self-loathing...I think will be very relatable to anyone who has ever felt like they were floundering in the sea of their own life.
Darian, the love interest, is a spark of hope (literally, he glitters đ) in the book. Ash feels awkward about how his friends would usually look down on someone like Darian - a sort of walking Essex stereotype. But what happens when someone with a strict idea of what a valuable person, a person worthy of love and respect, is confronted with unapologetic self-exceptance! With someone living authentically as themselves and ACCEPTING Ash too! Wellllll my favourite book ever happens basically đđđ It is beautiful and fantastic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Okays SPOILERS AHEAD:
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Genres: Romance, Fantasy, LGBTQ, Latinx, Magic.
Themes: Love, Trans Rights, Coming of Age, Family, Identity, Acceptance, Death and Loss.
Plot Summary:
Cemetery Boys follows the story of Yadriel, a sixteen year old boy growing up in a community of witches (Brujx) in Los Angeles. Girls and boys in his community are usually granted their full powers and magical duties when they turn fifteen, but Yadriel was denied this right as a trans boy. Desperate to prove himself to his family and community, he sets off on a mission, with his fierce and loyal cousin Maritza as back-up, and accidentally summons the ghost of a former schoolmate. Now racing against the clock to prove himself before the big Dia de Muertos celebration in a few days, Yadriel and Maritza also need to figure out how to help Julian pass on to the land of the dead.
Review:
Before I get to any spoilers, I want to say this book is beautiful in every way. It is a coming of age story, filled with the innocence of teenage love and the complexities of personal identity and community. The characters are intriguing and yet familiar, and the plot is gripping. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a queer romance filled with trans joy, hope, optimism, and acceptance. The struggles of being trans are very much rooted in reality, but the characters are allowed to live unapologetically and be seen for who they are. And have a happy ending. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I usually struggle with fantasy stories. Complicated world building and fantasy rules can tend to take me out of the flow of the story. This isnât a flaw in that genre, itâs just a personal thing. So when this story began with Yadriel and Maritza preparing to perform a magical ceremony, I was initially a bit worried I would have similar problems with this book. But I neednât have worried. This book drew me in immediately (and then held me in tight, comforting hug throughout and devastated me but thatâs by the byâŚ).
Yadriel and his family belong to the brujx community in Los Angeles, USA. Brujx is the gender neutral plural term used in the book to mean witches (unfortunately in English we donât really have a group noun for witches and wizardsâŚmaybe wix?). The author uses the imagery of the cultural practices of the brujx, informed by the real Mexican festival of Dia de Muertos, to illustrate the setting. Throughout the story, the magical community is preparing for the return of their ancestors to the land of the living, so the cemetery which they all live beside, is filled with the activities of preparation. I felt this constant energy added a lot of momentum to Yadriel's quest, naturally raising the stakes as all of the characters busily worked towards the approaching festival.
The setting being a cemetery sounds a bit strange maybe, but the story never feels dark or gloomy. The subject of death is consistently surrounded by a feeling of optimism. Death, loss and grief are important themes throughout, but the brujx are so sure of the beauty of the next life that the plot doesnât feel distinctly sad. Of course, they also know they will see their loved ones once a year. Death, personified by the deity Lady Death, is a friend and protector to the brujx. For Yadriel, she is a universal force which confirms his gender and his purpose, when others in his community have not yet. The only time Lady Death becomes an adversary, is in the final act. When Tio Catrizâs plan is revealed, Yadriel and Maritza decry the unfairness of Miguel, Julian, and the other two vicitimâs unnatural deaths. I particularly loved Maritzaâs reaction here, but more on that later. Also, Catrizâs death is punishing, a direct result of his evil plot. He is the only character denied a hopeful death.
The imagery of the festival is beautiful throughout. The golden and oranges of the marigolds, the portajes which the brujos carry, the papel picado and on and on.
Inside the gates, it was like walking into another world of golden light and color.
They (the author) even uses smells like the apple smell of the marigolds or the sour smells of death, as an effective shorthand for when Yadriel feels comfort and family, connection to his culture and to his ancestors, or when he feels fear and loss, or threatened. Gold doesnât only enliven the plot, it also represents life itself in the text. Julianâs life escapes him in golden wisps of smoke. When Lady Death appears, she brings marigold petals and the smell of apples.
I always felt like the details of the magical elements in the story complimented the flow of the plot and the characterâs personal development, rather than taking me out of their journey. Basically, the imagery made me FEEL the scenes with Yadriel. It added colour to them.
The characters are also beautifully written. I canât stop using the word beautiful for this review, sorry! But thatâs just how it felt.
Yadriel is a delightful main character. Responsible, loving and yet brave and rebellious. His community and traditions are deeply important to him, and yet he also doesnât shy away from criticising his Lady Death when he sees injustice
Yadriel to lady death Anger and betrayal boiled in Yadrielâs gut. âThen why did you even come?â he spat.
Yadriel values the acceptance of his family more than anything, and desperately craves inclusion as a brujo. Something Julian canât understand at first.
âJust because Yadriel had forgiven {his family} didnât mean he did.â
Julian chose his family. I loved how the boys come to understand each otherâs definitions of family and how it strengthens their own understandings of each other too. The found family Julian loves so much is supportive and inclusive, a real example of how many queer people find everything they deserve in people they choose rather than those they found themselves with.
One of Julianâs first lines is âWho let me in a church?â. I love my son so much. He is caustic and sassy, but also empathetic and caring. He supports and defends Yadriel, despite a lot of the other characterâs describing his tough guy exterior. When Yadrielâs classmates share some unkind rumours about Julian, he is deeply hurt and clearly used to defending himself and his close ones from prejudice and stereotypes. I found it interesting, and quite sad at times, that Julian seemed more concerned with his family and friends being bad-mouthed than his own fate. In fact, Julian is strangely accepting of his own death.
Acceptance is the other big theme that runs through this story. Yadriel seeks acceptance as a brujo. Catriz is motivated by the rejection of his community. The community and Yadrielâs father and grandmother learn to accept Yadriel. Acceptance of his friends is one of the things that warms Yadriel to Julian, after he was generally more cautious about the boy's more caustic nature.
There are moments throughout the plot here Julian shows Yadriel how things can be seen differently. Like family vs found family. Proving himself vs demanding to be himself no matter what etc. That Yadriel doesnât necessarily need to be accepted by his family to be himself. Julian is more unapologetic about taking up space in the world than Yadriel. Which is ironic because for most of the story heâs literally a ghost.
âYou ready?â Julian asked, a curious look on his devastatingly handsome face.
âNo,â Yadriel confessed, his voice tight.
Julian grinned. âDo it anywaysâ.
I also absolutely ADORED Maritza. She is fierce and unapologetically herself. She has magic but refuses to be a bruja if she has to use animal blood. Her respect must be earned, even by deities. One of my favourite passages was when she was shouting at Lady death,
âSome goddess you are!â a familiar voice all but screamed. {âŚ} âYouâre nothing but a coward!â.
Iâve already mentioned that the pacing of this story is very well done, and I found the plot flowed very comfortably. The dialogue is also written brilliantly. The quippy back-and-fourths between Yadriel, Julian, and Maritza throughout add humour and a lightness to the story. Julian tends to be relaxed where Yadriel is not. They balance each other well, which lends to their gradual warming to one another and growing closer. But Julian needed someone to remind him how valued he is by those he loves, something Yadriel knew about himself.
I would have liked to see more of Diego. The theme of brotherhood and siblings is touched on a bit with Rio (Julianâs brother and guardian). Yadriel feels misunderstood by Diego, who is a full brujo and clearly closer to their father. But this isn't explored much in the plot (and honestly, there probably wasnât enough room for it) and might be an interesting element for the sequel.
Family and the different understanding and concepts of family is a big theme.
Catriz notes that his victims were easy to find, because they were people no one would notice were missing. People with no homes or family.
Yadriel draws strength from his motherâs love and acceptance for him. It motivates his ultimate sacrifice for Julian and Miguel. Also, when Yadrielâs father and grandmother ultimately realise how important it is that their community grows in acceptance of Yadriel, they are apologetic and loving. This was a really beautiful way of showing how generations can progress and accept each other, and traditions can evolve and change.
The question of falling out of the gender binary was still open by the end of the story for me. I wonder how the Brujx would treat a non-binary wix?
I feel like I could make this review so much longer but I better stop. I gave this but a well deserved 5/5 and cannot wait to read more from Aiden Thomas!!!
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence
Wolfsong by TJ Klune
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.5
This book had me to intensely in its grips, at one point I caught myself acting out the dialogue. The inner journey the main character goes through to accept himself as a valued family member, overcoming the insecurities instilled in him by a callous father, is beautifully developed organically throughout the story. The characters are vibrant and come to life. You love every member of the family by the end. The main love story is so beautiful. At first, the characters are very young, so the actual relationship doesn't begin until the latter half of the story. This lends to a great amount of depth and intricacy in their connect to one another.
Basically, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves queer adventure stories with werewolves (and who doesn't mind crying over two boys who are being dumb but also cute).
Basically, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves queer adventure stories with werewolves (and who doesn't mind crying over two boys who are being dumb but also cute).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Violence
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
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