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happyhaley's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality
kaiyakaiyo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was extremely heartwarming, with a side of catharsis. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall I loved these characters and love love love that the author didn’t shy away from making these girls feel like natural teenagers: they are allowed to be angry, a little vindictive, naive, kind, happy, all at once
I wish I’d had a book like this when I was actually a teen
I wish I’d had a book like this when I was actually a teen
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Racism, and Xenophobia
le_mur's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
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? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Hate crime, Racism, and Police brutality
mellymel1127's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime and Police brutality
Minor: Self harm and Murder
katharina90's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Unique blend of fantasy elements with real world socio-political commentary on anti-Black racism and police brutality.
Plot, characters and worldbuilding had a lot of potential but felt underdeveloped, and the pace was too slow for my liking.
Plot, characters and worldbuilding had a lot of potential but felt underdeveloped, and the pace was too slow for my liking.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Suicide attempt
Minor: Police brutality and Death of parent
carolined314's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
An inspiring tale of love and sisterhood and using your voice and Black power and strength and resilience. With sirens and gargoyles and more. Great Portland setting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Racism, and Police brutality
Minor: Body shaming and Child death
whatcassiedid's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
I felt like the beginning of the book could've used a bit more worldbuilding but overall really enjoyed it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality and Outing
tatiana_luz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
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
3.5
This is the first book I've read in a while. Overall, it was a fun read. I love a modern fantasy setting. I appreciated the nuance in intersectionality of different magical being, as eloks are not feared or attacked like siren. It was a good metaphor for how white and Black women are treated differently. There is also the concept of how race plays a role in the treatment of sirens, since it only occurs to Black women.
All that said, the pacing and direction were left somewhat lacking. I thought the story would center around Tavia based on the summary, but the latter half seemed to be more about Effie, who I found to be more interesting. It's a shame, because I thought Tavia had a good plot but little time to build on it. The author, understandably, took time setting up the world but ended up sacrificing plot. Regardless, I found this to be an enjoyable read.
All that said, the pacing and direction were left somewhat lacking. I thought the story would center around Tavia based on the summary, but the latter half seemed to be more about Effie, who I found to be more interesting. It's a shame, because I thought Tavia had a good plot but little time to build on it. The author, understandably, took time setting up the world but ended up sacrificing plot. Regardless, I found this to be an enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Police brutality
amberinpieces's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Racism, and Police brutality
Minor: Body horror, Confinement, Hate crime, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Murder
briely's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Minor: Police brutality and Suicide attempt