inthebelljar's review
4.0
I loved this story.
A fairy-tale-like romance between two trans boys - one not out yet, the other passing - with a very sweet ending. The mix between magic and reality was done so well.
One thing that I really like is stories about depressed kids/teenagers who are not 100% agreeable, who are angry and bitter and frustrated (think A Monster Calls). Avi Cantor is all of these things, and he is also kind and a good kid. And I really, really liked that. Depression can be angry, and this is especially common in adolescents. I like that Avi is allowed to hate those that hurt him and bully him.
I also really liked that Avi and Ian both have such different experiences as trans guys, with their families and with their classmates, and how that is explored.
I also really loved a sympathetic demon character, who is more complex than just an agent of evil.
The ending felt a little too simple in some ways, hence the 4 stars, but I might bump that up because I really was glad that Avi and Ian got their happy ending.
A fairy-tale-like romance between two trans boys - one not out yet, the other passing - with a very sweet ending. The mix between magic and reality was done so well.
One thing that I really like is stories about depressed kids/teenagers who are not 100% agreeable, who are angry and bitter and frustrated (think A Monster Calls). Avi Cantor is all of these things, and he is also kind and a good kid. And I really, really liked that. Depression can be angry, and this is especially common in adolescents. I like that Avi is allowed to hate those that hurt him and bully him.
I also really liked that Avi and Ian both have such different experiences as trans guys, with their families and with their classmates, and how that is explored.
The ending felt a little too simple in some ways, hence the 4 stars, but I might bump that up because I really was glad that Avi and Ian got their happy ending.
emeliestegbornblixt's review
3.0
I really wanted to love this more than I did. Unfortunately something about the writing didn't click for me. And I wanted a bit more of Avi as a character - basically everything I know about him is that he's trans, jewish, depressed and bullied. Some of that dissatisfaction is probably due to the representation of depression, and how it sort of eats up everything else. Which is a good and realistic representation of depression. But I would have liked a few more glimpses to flesh him out as a character.
Oh well. I did like this, but I think it's my head more than my heart that likes this, which is why I'm dissatisfied. Maybe I had too high expectations as well.
The best part of this story was undoubtedly the demon part. I don't know, maybe wholesome demons is my new favourite thing in fiction? More demons, please.
Oh well. I did like this, but I think it's my head more than my heart that likes this, which is why I'm dissatisfied. Maybe I had too high expectations as well.
The best part of this story was undoubtedly the demon part. I don't know, maybe wholesome demons is my new favourite thing in fiction? More demons, please.
jiggityjordyn's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
just wasn't that interesting to me tbh
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming
lelex's review
5.0
Making life out of life. I have never loved any short story more than this. It's my favorite brand of a mix of urban fantasy and kitchen witch magic (heh) with trans/queer themes. The style is so bright and intense and emotional and I love love loved it.
“You’re so weird, Avi,” he says, like it’s a gift I’ve given him."
and
"I whisper the only word I know for sure is magic. Please." both touched me in the sweetest melancholy way.
Absolutely recommend.
“You two are cheating me,” she whispers, quiet enough for only me to hear. “I’ve never been so delighted.”
“You’re so weird, Avi,” he says, like it’s a gift I’ve given him."
and
"I whisper the only word I know for sure is magic. Please." both touched me in the sweetest melancholy way.
Absolutely recommend.
“You two are cheating me,” she whispers, quiet enough for only me to hear. “I’ve never been so delighted.”
beastbark's review
3.0
Avi Cantor Has Six Months to Live is a nice story with authentic and diverse representations of trans characters and queer families. It's a realistic and touching portrayal of the trans teenaged experience with mental illness and isolation, and has a lot to offer as a comfort read for transmasculine readers in the same age group (that is, if the heavy subject matters aren't a deterrent for finding comfort in this work). I'm giving this one three stars because it's a true middle for me: it was okay. I enjoyed reading it well enough, but there are some parts that didn't quite land with me. I don't think Avi was as fleshed out as he could have been; as another reviewer pointed out, the reader isn't shown anything about him other than the fact that he's trans and lonely and cursed. Ironically, Ian was more developed than Avi, but still felt kind of flat to me. I also wasn't super compelled by the story's magic; it felt disjointed, sometimes like it barely believed in itself.
Overall, it's a nice read, and it's obviously well-received for good reason. The T4T romance is sweet (though this also didn't super work for me), and it's overall really nice to see gay trans boys who have a happy ending that isn't forced.
Overall, it's a nice read, and it's obviously well-received for good reason. The T4T romance is sweet (though this also didn't super work for me), and it's overall really nice to see gay trans boys who have a happy ending that isn't forced.
alkka's review
emotional
hopeful
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
1.25
numinousspirit's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-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
5.0
arimoloney's review
4.5
This book was gorgeous. I loved the subversion of tropes, the main characters were so relatable (As a transmasc person) and I adored the writing style. I appreciate how the conflict didn’t come from either of the main characters’ families. I just wish it was longer! It felt like there was more to say. Also the magic was really cool!