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I think everyone should read this book. It is excellent commentary on so many real-world issues told through a riveting story of flawed, raw characters that you want to root for. Wang tackles racism—specifically against indigenous people—, colonization, collective liberation, hypocrisy in religion, corruption in government, "benevolent" complicity, white guilt/tears, and so much more with such finesse. She asks us all to grapple with the questions: what is the cost of our comforts, and what is the effect on our humanity of the denial of those costs?
The story is a page-turner the whole way through, and hooked me within the first chapter. The magic system is extremely unique and interesting, and the world-building is so well-done. Both are intricate without being hard to understand (plus a handy pocket guide is included in the back!). The series of events is realistic as it pertains to the world/characters and the IRL issues the story seeks to tackle.
Graphic: Death, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Cultural appropriation, Colonisation
Moderate: Body horror, Genocide, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Animal death, Gun violence, Homophobia, Infertility, Suicide, Cannibalism, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, War
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Genocide, Gore, Hate crime, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, Gun violence, Infertility, Sexual assault, Vomit, Police brutality, Abandonment, Sexual harassment
Minor: Ableism, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Cannibalism, Pregnancy
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Misogyny, Sexism, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, Cursing, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Classism
Minor: Homophobia, Cannibalism, Death of parent
Graphic: Death, Xenophobia, Death of parent
Moderate: Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment
Minor: Animal cruelty, Homophobia, Infertility, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Cannibalism, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail