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wngwendy's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Have you read 1984?” With a clearing of the throat the professor declared: “What you’re doing is dystopia PR.”
Utopia PR is a comedy-dystopia that follows the story of Blake Hamner at his Crisis communication job, while he tries to balance his job with his personal life.
I enjoyed this book, it's a short novel that engages the reader in Blake's dystopian world. Some positives of this novel: Firstly, there was some amazing criticism on current society and how bureaucracy & PR works. The replaciveness of personnel in dystopian regimes and how a lot of people work hard behind the scenes to manipulate facts were good points of criticism. The diversity in this book was also done well. The book even made me laugh out loud at times.
However, this book did have some flaws in my opinion. I was really hoping that there would be more exploration on 'Our Leader' himself, everyone who works for him just seems to roll with everything he does. Blake doesn't seem to question the morality of his own actions and just does everything that's asked of him without reflecting on his own actions. Secondly, Victoria's character arc wasn't well explored and felt very rushed. There wasn't any good reason for Scott and Blake to massively hate on Victoria in the beginning.
Lastly, the ending and the reveal also seemed very cookie-cutter and felt very unrealistic. This ending felt like a Disney-happy ending.
This ARC copy was provided to me by Netgalley
Utopia PR is a comedy-dystopia that follows the story of Blake Hamner at his Crisis communication job, while he tries to balance his job with his personal life.
I enjoyed this book, it's a short novel that engages the reader in Blake's dystopian world. Some positives of this novel: Firstly, there was some amazing criticism on current society and how bureaucracy & PR works. The replaciveness of personnel in dystopian regimes and how a lot of people work hard behind the scenes to manipulate facts were good points of criticism. The diversity in this book was also done well. The book even made me laugh out loud at times.
However, this book did have some flaws in my opinion. I was really hoping that there would be more exploration on 'Our Leader' himself, everyone who works for him just seems to roll with everything he does. Blake doesn't seem to question the morality of his own actions and just does everything that's asked of him without reflecting on his own actions. Secondly, Victoria's character arc wasn't well explored and felt very rushed. There wasn't any good reason for Scott and Blake to massively hate on Victoria in the beginning.
Lastly, the ending and the reveal also seemed very cookie-cutter and felt very unrealistic. This ending felt like a Disney-happy ending.
This ARC copy was provided to me by Netgalley
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder
linkdoesread's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
informative
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
What happens when the Dr of Spin, gets spun out? Blake Hamner (the n is silent), is the best of the best, from his days of writing his blog to working for the President, there is no problem he can't fix. That is until a masked avenger starts causing trouble for Blake and his communication team.
I really enjoyed the growth of Blake and his realisation that maybe somethings are more important than work. Maria is a firecracker and my hero in this story. I will say there are often too many references to Blake being fat and his eating habits, so if that is a trigger for you please be warned. Overall an enjoyable and quick read.
I really enjoyed the growth of Blake and his realisation that maybe somethings are more important than work. Maria is a firecracker and my hero in this story. I will say there are often too many references to Blake being fat and his eating habits, so if that is a trigger for you please be warned. Overall an enjoyable and quick read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
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