queenpebbles's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-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
3.75
alhess's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
Stronger Still is a complex, heartfelt, and worthy sequel to Odder Still. It takes all the themes and threads from the first book and cinches them even tighter - bodily autonomy; the love and pain and messiness of family; honest and raw portrayals of addiction, mental health, and romantic relationships; loneliness and the need to belong; and a city in the midst of turmoil and political tension.
Found family has an even bigger presence in this book, and though you can certainly find that in non-queer books, it hits different in ones that are. That mindset of acceptance and community shines through the characters, and Stronger Still is no exception. Seeing something kindred in one another, loving them like you've known them all your life, and giving them everything you have because that's what (chosen) family does ties together characters whose personalities don't always mesh, whose motives don't align, and who often aren't the same species. And even with all of the strain and tension and chaos happening around Rubem, that backbone of family is there to support him when he can't support himself. <3
Found family has an even bigger presence in this book, and though you can certainly find that in non-queer books, it hits different in ones that are. That mindset of acceptance and community shines through the characters, and Stronger Still is no exception. Seeing something kindred in one another, loving them like you've known them all your life, and giving them everything you have because that's what (chosen) family does ties together characters whose personalities don't always mesh, whose motives don't align, and who often aren't the same species. And even with all of the strain and tension and chaos happening around Rubem, that backbone of family is there to support him when he can't support himself. <3
mothandnessieread's review
5.0
First, I’d like to thank the author for sending me an eARC of this book. I’ve been a massive fan of their writing ever since Our Bloody Pearl and I’m always so excited to get to read another one of their books. And boy did this one live up to my expectations again!
You know I’m a HUGE character reader if you've read my other reviews. If the characters captivate me, I love the story as well. And I seriously love Rubem and Tavish so much! I love how complex they are. They’re not perfect, nor is their relationship, and you actually get to see them grow throughout their stories. And gosh, Luca and Teodor have my whole heart too. Getting to spend this book with those two as well was a real treat.
I did, of course, also really enjoy the plotline of this story and how it carried on from Odder Still. I’m not a spoiler sort of reviewer though, so I won’t risk spoiling anything for prospective readers, but I really think you’ll love it if you’ve read Odder Still as well!
lelliereads's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
bibliovino's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
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
Book 2 of the No-Man’s Lander series by DN Bryn finds Rubem and Tavish journeying through the world in a mad bid to save all auroras and somehow convince every man woman and child to give up their comfortable lives to do so. It’s daunting and this new stop is their most difficult mission.
The love story here is multiplied, divided, exponentially deepened and heightened. It is so beautifully made real in every interaction.
I did feel like the story was a bit too mired in Rubem’s self-flagellation, spending too much time in his head and not enough in the intrigue and mystery of the story. But, I was rewarded for my efforts in sticking with him by that ending. Everything comes into beautiful fruition, and without the constant inner monologue I might have missed something in the climax.
Thanks so much to the author for my free copy. I’ve had so much fun being a part of the street team and can’t wait to read more! These opinions are my own.
The love story here is multiplied, divided, exponentially deepened and heightened. It is so beautifully made real in every interaction.
I did feel like the story was a bit too mired in Rubem’s self-flagellation, spending too much time in his head and not enough in the intrigue and mystery of the story. But, I was rewarded for my efforts in sticking with him by that ending. Everything comes into beautiful fruition, and without the constant inner monologue I might have missed something in the climax.
Thanks so much to the author for my free copy. I’ve had so much fun being a part of the street team and can’t wait to read more! These opinions are my own.
lennie_reads's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-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
3.75
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