librarianmage's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Blood
Moderate: Death and Violence
lauraglovestoread's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Ooh I really liked this disturbing short story. Don't read the description! It gives too much away.
"The Sufficient Loss Protocol" follows Ifiok, a captain in the employ of the Conglomerate, an affiliation which ostensibly unites a bunch of corporate bodies but within which they fight - violently - for the opportunity to exploit planets and asteroids. The reader is put in Ifiok's first person perspective, which is an uncomfortable one to occupy given the casual way Ifiok describes having murdered large groups of civilians. There's a lot packed into this short story - believable world-building, the makings of a compelling ... protagonist?, and a substantial plot. My only gripe would be that I think it might've needed a bit more room to breathe. If Kemi Ashing-Giwa ever decides to write a novella or novel set in this universe, I will 100% pick it up.
"The Sufficient Loss Protocol" follows Ifiok, a captain in the employ of the Conglomerate, an affiliation which ostensibly unites a bunch of corporate bodies but within which they fight - violently - for the opportunity to exploit planets and asteroids. The reader is put in Ifiok's first person perspective, which is an uncomfortable one to occupy given the casual way Ifiok describes having murdered large groups of civilians. There's a lot packed into this short story - believable world-building, the makings of a compelling ... protagonist?, and a substantial plot. My only gripe would be that I think it might've needed a bit more room to breathe. If Kemi Ashing-Giwa ever decides to write a novella or novel set in this universe, I will 100% pick it up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Death, Gore, Murder, and Violence
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