The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
tashba's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Cool concept, questionably executed. I had trouble believing in the sudden rapport among this "traveling band" in the way I felt the author wanted me to. I also don't understand the other characters misgendering of Akash. At first, I thought it might be a translation issue, but I don't know how one could mistranslate "a man in woman's clothing".Â
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Minor: Child abuse and Sexual violence
sacredsapphic's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
such an interesting concept but the execution failed in multiple ways imo. i found most of the character unlikable and i had no idea if i was supposed to feel bad for them. especially knut and susanoo. there were some clever bits about language but apart from that the only thing i like about this books was the cover.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Transphobia
miraveta's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
1.5
Seems to be a very poor translation. I can't even tell if I'd enjoy the original or not. Many of the characters have a dislikeable inner voice and as it's in first person you can't even get some distance from them. Plus the book ends out of nowhere. It comes across like a high schooler's writing assignment. I'm pretty disappointed, I thought from the summary that I'd really enjoy this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia
The trans woman is referred to as a man wearing women's clothes in all other characters' chapters. They all also use he/him pronouns for her. May be a reflection of the translator's internal prejudices.reads2cope's review against another edition
2.75
An interesting concept, but the execution fell flat for me. I didnât like the humor, and there were too many plot holes to really connect with the setting. The ending was abrupt. By the last page, I felt like I needed an explanation about how the obsession with sex connected to the other themes. The treatment of Akash was also confusing - the other characters were so language-obsessed, was their refusal to see her as a woman an example of their prejudice? Or is the author just transphobic?Â
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Cultural appropriation, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Death of parent, Abandonment, Xenophobia, Racism, and Sexual content
br00k3a133n's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
While I adored the concept of this work, as well as the multiple perspectives, it just ended up falling flat for me. Also, it was really difficult reading from Akash's perspective about being a trans woman and then still having everyone around her view her as a man. I feel that is part of life as a trans person sometimes, but seeing it through this lens really dulled the book for me. I don't think that they needed to go as hard on Akash as they did in their views of her at all :-(
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
regipunk's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Transphobia
There is a character that is a trans woman. When she describes herself she describes herself as a woman, but when other characters refer to her, they use he/him pronouns. I donât think this is transphobia on the authorâs part, but rather a commentary on how the characters see this trans person. Hopefully it is addressed in the sequel.misty_kb's review
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
cass_lit's review against another edition
2.75
Iâm torn because I really, truly loved the plot and this story. The commentary on globalization and language was fascinating. However, the continuous, blatant transphobia and racist remarks throughout the book really ruined it for me. The racism was somewhat related to the themes of the book (still wasnât necessary), but the transphobia was pointless and brought up so much that I canât help but think it was an intentional topic of the authorâs. Why give us ONE (early) pov of Akashâs making clear sheâs a trans woman just to then misgender her and make comments on her appearance for the rest of the book? I would love to continue with the series and the characters, but I wonât be because Iâm so turned off. Â
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Deadnaming, and Racism