The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
innerweststreetlibrarian's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I found the parallels between this post-alien contact earth and Cuba quite fascinating, and that is what drove me to finish.Â
The things I didnât like, were the sloppy editing (so many typos), the use of the term âsocial workerâ to describe sex workers, and the really strong sexist tone throughout the book that really dates it.Â
Graphic: Sexual content, Addiction, Body horror, Colonisation, Death, Sexual violence, Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, Gore, Misogyny, Police brutality, Rape, Physical abuse, Sexism, Blood, Classism, Genocide, Slavery, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Racial slurs, Suicide, Alcohol, Death of parent, Gun violence, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Medical content, Self harm, Xenophobia, Child abuse, Infertility, Medical trauma, Animal death, Cannibalism, Trafficking, Murder, Pregnancy, Suicide attempt, Torture, Racism, Toxic relationship, and War
goatsrsexy's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
5.0
It takes place in a dystopian future where earth has been colonized and oppressed by the rest of the universe and it's much more technologically advanced beings. It's an analogy for Cuban politics in the 90s which I'll admit I don't know enough about to understand the references, but there's lots I did pick up on, and even without that context the stories are breathtaking.
This book made me laugh, cry and at times feel like I was literally gonna pass out. The world building is immaculate and the characters are so nuanced. No one in this book is really a villain, even if they seem like they might be at first.Â
I would recommend reading this book quickly so that you don't forget previous chapters and can recognize recurring characters. I would also recommend checking trigger warnings as there are a LOT. But if you can stomach it, this book is so so so worth it.
Graphic: Violence and Gore
Moderate: Pedophilia, Sexual violence, Trafficking, and Xenophobia
Minor: Sexual violence