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fionamclary's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was fun but not quite what I expected. I think the author has a lot of potential.
Some things that would have improved this book:
-a map
-consistent spelling of Tangata/Taangata/Tāngata
-not saying "it was the worst pain she ever felt" every time Yat experiences some kind of magical injury
Otherwise, there was a lot of inventive world-building that sometimes held together only with vibes but was nonetheless engaging. I liked the inspiration from Maori culture and hope that SFF only sees more influence and authors from various world cultures.
Some things that would have improved this book:
-a map
-consistent spelling of Tangata/Taangata/Tāngata
-not saying "it was the worst pain she ever felt" every time Yat experiences some kind of magical injury
Otherwise, there was a lot of inventive world-building that sometimes held together only with vibes but was nonetheless engaging. I liked the inspiration from Maori culture and hope that SFF only sees more influence and authors from various world cultures.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Police brutality, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Animal cruelty, Biphobia, Cursing, Misogyny, Self harm, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Confinement, Sexual violence, Suicide, Vomit, Acephobia/Arophobia, Outing, Alcohol, Colonisation, and War
wordsareworlds's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. The worldbuilding was exquisite, the characters were super well crafted, and the writing had me hooked. Even when I wasn't sure what was going on (and there were several times), I rolled with it because I knew the payoff would be worth it, and it was.
The politics were there but pretty light-handed, the book focuses more on what we see through our PoV characters and how their understanding of the world, which changes as they learn through the course of the plot. I adored Yat, for all her flaws, and loved how her anxiety was portrayed throughout the book. Her powers are not a magic cure for it, but she does gain tools to manage and use it, and it was a perspective I appreciated a lot.
The ending was satisfying while also leaving a major AHHHHH moment for the last few pages that makes me want the next book RIGHT NOW. I can't wait to see the ripple effects of what happened in this book play out, and see more of all these characters.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a queer, action-heavy, weird as hell bio-punk story that knows exactly how to draw you in and make you want more RIGHT NOW.
The politics were there but pretty light-handed, the book focuses more on what we see through our PoV characters and how their understanding of the world, which changes as they learn through the course of the plot. I adored Yat, for all her flaws, and loved how her anxiety was portrayed throughout the book. Her powers are not a magic cure for it, but she does gain tools to manage and use it, and it was a perspective I appreciated a lot.
The ending was satisfying while also leaving a major AHHHHH moment for the last few pages that makes me want the next book RIGHT NOW. I can't wait to see the ripple effects of what happened in this book play out, and see more of all these characters.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a queer, action-heavy, weird as hell bio-punk story that knows exactly how to draw you in and make you want more RIGHT NOW.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, Lesbophobia, War, Classism, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Ableism, Drug use, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
jessereadsthings's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, and Police brutality
Moderate: Ableism, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Transphobia, and Xenophobia
Minor: Animal death and Suicide
rosyapple's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Homophobia, and Violence
Moderate: War
Minor: Blood
christina_ro's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.5
It was weird, I loved it. I feel like it’s one of those books that I’ll reread at some point and make a ton of connections that I didn’t notice the first go around. Some of the world building felt a little heavy at the beginning, but I really loved how unique this world was to anything else I’ve ever seen. It was a fantastic blend of science fiction and fantasy. There were some poignant moments of fear and war and the consequences of very real issues. If you’re looking for something that is pure queer happiness, this probably isn’t for you, as hate and oppression are present. However, it isn’t gratuitous, and personally I felt there was more love and joy explicitly written than hate. I can’t wait for a sequel!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Homophobia, and War
Minor: Addiction
hobbithopeful's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
5.0
A truly outstanding and stand out biopunk queer read, The Dawnhounds has some of the best worldbuilding I've ever seen, diverse characters, and a story that will make you cry one page and feel hopeful the next.
It's a toss-up between what I love more, the eclectic characters, or the world they live in. Wajet is my favorite character in this, I don't care that Yat didn't like him he's so damn charming. The whole premise of using plant life to live and build instead of steel or other materials is so fascinating. The mushroom houses are alive and feed off the sweat and dead skin cells of their inhabitants. My mind is just blown thinking about it.
The whole concept of immortality and losing yourself bit by bit is a trope I want to read more of. It is so well done in The Dawnhounds. The different Gods and myths meddling, there is so much symbolism and foreshadowing I want to reread it again to see what I missed.
Stronach's writing feels almost dreamlike and ethereal in certain moments. It's not so much you feel like you are transported into the world, but more so as different characters lose their minds you feel just as lost and trapped too. It is truly a book with so much heart and hope, no matter how tough it gets and how dire the situation seems, Yat never gives up.
There's also a cat in this book, so that's such a bonus.
This is a rare moment where I feel like the blurb didn't do the book justice at all. It is quite a dark and heavy book, I wish it mentioned that. (Also it's just freaking fantastic!) Yat is a drug addict, and has lost faith in literally everything, she is just basically on autopilot.
The inclusion of so many powerful queer characters is one of my favorite parts of this, called a "degeneracy" by so many, it is just so emotional. It's not often I see bisexuality depicted as well as Stronach does here.
I almost wish I had read the audiobook instead, only because I felt like I was butchering so many words in my head because I didn't know how to pronounce anything.
This is definitely not a shut-your-brain-off-and-read book. If anything with science fiction books like this you really have to pay attention to what's going on otherwise you'll get lost in descriptions, names, and people. I also put off reading this because Yat is a cop, and I was nervous it was going to be copaganda. I wish I had read it sooner.
Check your tws! There is a LOT of body horror, gore, blood, death, drugs, corruption, and homophobia!
I have so many theories for the next book! I need to discuss this for hours just to share all my theories, questions, and love for it.
I absolutely 10000% recommend this book, perfect for people who loves books you can sink your teeth into! I can't wait for the sequel to come out next year! MOSTLY BECAUSE I WANT TO MEET WAJET'SHUSBAND!
I actually like this cover better than some of the other editions. It is really cool to see what the houses look like, and it gives it such a great otherworldly scifi vibe.
It's a toss-up between what I love more, the eclectic characters, or the world they live in. Wajet is my favorite character in this, I don't care that Yat didn't like him he's so damn charming. The whole premise of using plant life to live and build instead of steel or other materials is so fascinating. The mushroom houses are alive and feed off the sweat and dead skin cells of their inhabitants. My mind is just blown thinking about it.
The whole concept of immortality and losing yourself bit by bit is a trope I want to read more of. It is so well done in The Dawnhounds. The different Gods and myths meddling, there is so much symbolism and foreshadowing I want to reread it again to see what I missed.
Stronach's writing feels almost dreamlike and ethereal in certain moments. It's not so much you feel like you are transported into the world, but more so as different characters lose their minds you feel just as lost and trapped too. It is truly a book with so much heart and hope, no matter how tough it gets and how dire the situation seems, Yat never gives up.
There's also a cat in this book, so that's such a bonus.
This is a rare moment where I feel like the blurb didn't do the book justice at all. It is quite a dark and heavy book, I wish it mentioned that. (Also it's just freaking fantastic!) Yat is a drug addict, and has lost faith in literally everything, she is just basically on autopilot.
The inclusion of so many powerful queer characters is one of my favorite parts of this, called a "degeneracy" by so many, it is just so emotional. It's not often I see bisexuality depicted as well as Stronach does here.
I almost wish I had read the audiobook instead, only because I felt like I was butchering so many words in my head because I didn't know how to pronounce anything.
This is definitely not a shut-your-brain-off-and-read book. If anything with science fiction books like this you really have to pay attention to what's going on otherwise you'll get lost in descriptions, names, and people. I also put off reading this because Yat is a cop, and I was nervous it was going to be copaganda. I wish I had read it sooner.
Check your tws! There is a LOT of body horror, gore, blood, death, drugs, corruption, and homophobia!
I have so many theories for the next book! I need to discuss this for hours just to share all my theories, questions, and love for it.
I absolutely 10000% recommend this book, perfect for people who loves books you can sink your teeth into! I can't wait for the sequel to come out next year! MOSTLY BECAUSE I WANT TO MEET WAJET'S
I actually like this cover better than some of the other editions. It is really cool to see what the houses look like, and it gives it such a great otherworldly scifi vibe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Biphobia, Body horror, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Death of parent
sofipitch's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
3.5
I wanted to like this more, the beginning was really good, I saw some reviews complaining it was slow to start but I actually thought the beginning was good, it's when it starts to pick up it starts to go too fast to follow. I thought maybe because I had a lot going on while reading it was dulling my comprehension, or maybe I'm just dumb, but other reviews also saying it was hard to follow made me feel better that it wasn't just me. The politics/themes are excellent, only good cops out there quit the force. Lots of cool concepts, world building, had interesting stuff to say, it's the plot that it gets wrapped up in that's "huuuhhh?" And it goes from gritty and smart to unserious and silly
Edit: listening to a podcast covering this book and the hosts point out that the cover is very deceiving, if you attracted bc you think the mushroom houses look cute it might not be for you
Edit: listening to a podcast covering this book and the hosts point out that the cover is very deceiving, if you attracted bc you think the mushroom houses look cute it might not be for you
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
Minor: Death of parent
augustar14's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.25
I loved the characters and their connections. I loved this world built with life itself, yet lacking fundamental connections to life and other. That was intriguing and well developed. The bin chicken insult- delightful. The characters and their relationships are well established. The world building is well done.
Spoiler: The only thing I didn't get was why Sibby was so mad at the main character for going back, as if the antagonist wouldn't have started releasing the spores and killing the city if she hadn't (cause he already was).
Spoiler: The only thing I didn't get was
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Sexual content, Violence, Police brutality, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Addiction, Biphobia, Sexism, Suicide, Blood, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Outing
kumquats87's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Gore, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Violence, Police brutality, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Outing, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Addiction, Cancer, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Transphobia, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, and War
emmjay's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
An interesting world that I think was held back at times by the writing. The writing isn’t bad, just a bit confusing. There were a lot of elements here: pirates and biotech and fungi and magic and zombies and Gods and immortality and a religious maybe-cult and a rigged election and homophobia and police brutality that I think the world building suffered a bit from being a little too scattered. I don’t feel like I really got a good sense of any one element of the world because there were so many. I found Yat’s pieces of the story much more compelling than Sen’s though Sen as a character was far more competent and seemed to have stronger motivation. Several of the descriptions, particularly of the magic use, became a bit repetitive while remaining a bit unclear in terms of what was actually going on in the scene. Interesting premises, I wish it had been refined and focussed so the unique world could have shone.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Gore, Homophobia, and Police brutality