mcriqui's review
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
kezia1312's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
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
5.0
mcbeezie's review
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Oh boy! I requested this book because superpowers! but it was so much more. It makes you take a hard look at society when things happening in the book are mirrored in the current climate, or could be so easily. The abilities were interesting and the integration of them into the real world was great. I enjoyed and was challenged by this world and would read more.
Oh boy! I requested this book because superpowers! but it was so much more. It makes you take a hard look at society when things happening in the book are mirrored in the current climate, or could be so easily. The abilities were interesting and the integration of them into the real world was great. I enjoyed and was challenged by this world and would read more.
its_kievan's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Proehl clearly had a very specific plot in mind, but unfortunately that plot gets in the way of all the good bits. Compelling, well-written characters will make completely nonsensical decisions (Fahima comes to mind), and thoughtful mediations on the trappings of power and prejudice are put on hold in order to play out a specific narrative that just doesn't ring true. The idea of superpowers as an allegory for civil rights is a compelling (and popular) one, but Proehl just doesn't stick the landing.
Spoiler
giving inhibitor collars to the US government_pauline_m_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
gravity_free's review
2.0
First off, let me say that I was not aware this was apparently the first of a series, so the ending absolutely ruined it for me.
The beginning of this book was very good. Well written, enjoyable, exciting, but then it devolved quickly. It’s as if Proehl started off with patience and passion, then turned on autopilot and just rushed through the rest. I’ll admit it takes skill to make a 500 page book seem rushed.
The book had so much potential, but he just dropped the ball every time. Avi, the original main character, had so much potential. We spend the first part of the book rooting for the amputated, journalist father who is thrown into this mystery and new world, then he changes completely into a drunk, selfish, spiteful mess.
We’re introduced to Kevin bishop, the first, strongest resonant, who has powers beyond belief, who gets killed off with a whimper, not doing a single thing. Proehl literally created a character than can heal people, yet he has the strongest character die from cancer. Great move, buddy. At least she spoke at his funeral.
Emmeline, who the characters claim to be potentially the strongest yet, is put in this armband and forgotten about.
Patrick, the bad guy (big surprise) gives zero motive for why he does what he does, and he crippled his sister for no reason.
Fahima is the most likeable, even though Proehl makes her relatable and edgy by having her drop the f-bomb more than Gordon Ramsey, for absolutely no reason. He peppers it into her speech at the stupidest times, making it irritating every time she spoke. And this is coming from a vet.
Throughout, you can tell the SJW side of proehl is itching to come out stronger. Ji Yeon is the militaristic face that is supposed to represent the blm/antifa group, but has no likeable qualities, and acts like a self righteous zealot brat, much like many of her real life counterparts.
Proehl dropped the ball trying to make this a series. As a stand alone it would have been a good book. I would have overlooked the obvious comparisons to X-Men and Harry Potter, happily. A new twist on the fairy tail. But he failed to bring out the potential of every single character. I will definitely be passing on the next one.
The beginning of this book was very good. Well written, enjoyable, exciting, but then it devolved quickly. It’s as if Proehl started off with patience and passion, then turned on autopilot and just rushed through the rest. I’ll admit it takes skill to make a 500 page book seem rushed.
The book had so much potential, but he just dropped the ball every time. Avi, the original main character, had so much potential. We spend the first part of the book rooting for the amputated, journalist father who is thrown into this mystery and new world, then he changes completely into a drunk, selfish, spiteful mess.
We’re introduced to Kevin bishop, the first, strongest resonant, who has powers beyond belief, who gets killed off with a whimper, not doing a single thing. Proehl literally created a character than can heal people, yet he has the strongest character die from cancer. Great move, buddy. At least she spoke at his funeral.
Emmeline, who the characters claim to be potentially the strongest yet, is put in this armband and forgotten about.
Patrick, the bad guy (big surprise) gives zero motive for why he does what he does, and he crippled his sister for no reason.
Fahima is the most likeable, even though Proehl makes her relatable and edgy by having her drop the f-bomb more than Gordon Ramsey, for absolutely no reason. He peppers it into her speech at the stupidest times, making it irritating every time she spoke. And this is coming from a vet.
Throughout, you can tell the SJW side of proehl is itching to come out stronger. Ji Yeon is the militaristic face that is supposed to represent the blm/antifa group, but has no likeable qualities, and acts like a self righteous zealot brat, much like many of her real life counterparts.
Proehl dropped the ball trying to make this a series. As a stand alone it would have been a good book. I would have overlooked the obvious comparisons to X-Men and Harry Potter, happily. A new twist on the fairy tail. But he failed to bring out the potential of every single character. I will definitely be passing on the next one.
writingwwolves's review against another edition
5.0
I have absolutely no idea how you unpack & discuss a book of this quality; I went into the story knowing I’d probably enjoy it, but I’ve been completely blown away by Proehl’s creativity & skill as a writer. Diverse, believable, brutally honest & deeply detailed, The Nobody People is a book that forces the reader to look deep within themselves to consider their own values & beliefs, & to think hard about how they would react to a new race of humans like the Resonants. I cannot praise this book enough because it totally consumed me & is unlike anything else I’ve ever read. This is a thick, complex & detailed science fiction novel which perfectly portrays the inhumanity of humanity.
⚠️ This book contains many adult themes including racism, ableism, terrorism, bomb & gun use, murder, drug use, themes of a sexual nature, false imprisonment, filicide, a “freak show”, graphic gory violence, war themes, Islamophobia, homophobia, concentration/internment camps, dehumanisation of minorities, parental death, violence toward animals & other hard-hitting issues ⚠️
I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Extended Review to follow.
⚠️ This book contains many adult themes including racism, ableism, terrorism, bomb & gun use, murder, drug use, themes of a sexual nature, false imprisonment, filicide, a “freak show”, graphic gory violence, war themes, Islamophobia, homophobia, concentration/internment camps, dehumanisation of minorities, parental death, violence toward animals & other hard-hitting issues ⚠️
I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Extended Review to follow.
oddly's review against another edition
5.0
I did not expect to be so taken in by this book, but it is truly excellent. It combines the fantastical abilities of the children in [b:The Institute|43798285|The Institute|Stephen King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549241208l/43798285._SY75_.jpg|68147322] with the savvy sci-fi smartness of [b:Recursion|42046112|Recursion|Blake Crouch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1543687940l/42046112._SY75_.jpg|64277987], and readers of both of those books will be drawn into the world of this one.
One of the things that shines the brightest about this book is the diverse array of characters and perspectives it integrates. We get to hear from a Muslim woman who came of age after 9/11, watching injustice and prejudice close in around her family. There is a gay interracial couple. There is a transgender musician. We hear from privileged and non-privileged perspectives alike, seeing how they each view and think about what’s happening around them.
In fact, this book is all about people who have been othered, and it isn’t just because of skin color or gender identity. This story is about people who have amazing abilities that we sometimes dream about having, like telekinesis and flight, but the abilities go far beyond that. There is a boy whose skin is bark, like a tree, and he can grow any plant he likes right on his body. There is a woman who can open a door to anywhere in the world. There is a boy who can feel all the emotions of those around him. There are strange abilities, like having see-through skin, hundreds of eyes all over your body, or your thoughts broadcast like a thought bubble above your head. There are also dangerous abilities, like being able to completely erase people, things, and even whole places just by thinking about it.
For these people with abilities, called Resonants, it’s time to come out of the dark, and this story follows the consequences of their actions to share themselves with the world.
If you are someone who has been struggling with the political state of our nation, this book might act as a salve. It offers real social and political commentary that is relevant to the world we are living in. It is almost an allegory for what we’ve been experiencing, as seen through a filter of sci-fi realism.
I got lost in every minute of it, both the strange otherworldly powers and the down-to-earth realism of journalism, concerns about family, the fight against prejudice and fear, and so much more.
This is a brilliant book and an incredible world. I’m looking forward to the sequel.
My thanks to Del Rey for my copy of this one to read and review.
One of the things that shines the brightest about this book is the diverse array of characters and perspectives it integrates. We get to hear from a Muslim woman who came of age after 9/11, watching injustice and prejudice close in around her family. There is a gay interracial couple. There is a transgender musician. We hear from privileged and non-privileged perspectives alike, seeing how they each view and think about what’s happening around them.
In fact, this book is all about people who have been othered, and it isn’t just because of skin color or gender identity. This story is about people who have amazing abilities that we sometimes dream about having, like telekinesis and flight, but the abilities go far beyond that. There is a boy whose skin is bark, like a tree, and he can grow any plant he likes right on his body. There is a woman who can open a door to anywhere in the world. There is a boy who can feel all the emotions of those around him. There are strange abilities, like having see-through skin, hundreds of eyes all over your body, or your thoughts broadcast like a thought bubble above your head. There are also dangerous abilities, like being able to completely erase people, things, and even whole places just by thinking about it.
For these people with abilities, called Resonants, it’s time to come out of the dark, and this story follows the consequences of their actions to share themselves with the world.
If you are someone who has been struggling with the political state of our nation, this book might act as a salve. It offers real social and political commentary that is relevant to the world we are living in. It is almost an allegory for what we’ve been experiencing, as seen through a filter of sci-fi realism.
I got lost in every minute of it, both the strange otherworldly powers and the down-to-earth realism of journalism, concerns about family, the fight against prejudice and fear, and so much more.
This is a brilliant book and an incredible world. I’m looking forward to the sequel.
My thanks to Del Rey for my copy of this one to read and review.
valjeanval's review
4.0
When I started this book, I initially thought, "Oh, it's X-Men." And it kind of is. People with powers start popping up, old guy opens up a special school, they go public. What sets it apart and the reason I bumped it to four stars is that being written in 2018, it can do a lot of things X-men never could. X-men was always an allegory for marginalization, but most of the mutants are pretty white and even the gay/bisexual characters tend to get glossed over when adapted to big screen and such.
This book starts out from the point of view of a disabled, Jewish father of one of the children. The professor from the school is on older gay man who has lived through the gay rights movement from the beginning. Other characters include a Muslim lesbian woman, a transgender shapeshifter, and a mixed race teenager. Many of the characters are already one or two strikes as far as functioning in American society goes. This narrative accounts for and honors that without ever feeling pandering. It connects what is happening in the novel all to closely to what is happening in this world right now.
That said, the pacing was a real issue for me, and the ending just ... wasn't an ending. I always have an issue with books that are like "I am the first in a series! Don't you want to know what happens next?" And yeah, but I'd also rather there be a complete narrative in each individual book. This one left so many plot points unresolved that I just ended up feeling like I stopped in the middle. Plus, I got this as an ARC from the Del Rey booth at Denver Pop Culture Con, so it's not technically out yet and the sequel will be much farther out. I'm always sad when I know I'll probably forget most of the important bits by the time the sequel exists.
This book starts out from the point of view of a disabled, Jewish father of one of the children. The professor from the school is on older gay man who has lived through the gay rights movement from the beginning. Other characters include a Muslim lesbian woman, a transgender shapeshifter, and a mixed race teenager. Many of the characters are already one or two strikes as far as functioning in American society goes. This narrative accounts for and honors that without ever feeling pandering. It connects what is happening in the novel all to closely to what is happening in this world right now.
That said, the pacing was a real issue for me, and the ending just ... wasn't an ending. I always have an issue with books that are like "I am the first in a series! Don't you want to know what happens next?" And yeah, but I'd also rather there be a complete narrative in each individual book. This one left so many plot points unresolved that I just ended up feeling like I stopped in the middle. Plus, I got this as an ARC from the Del Rey booth at Denver Pop Culture Con, so it's not technically out yet and the sequel will be much farther out. I'm always sad when I know I'll probably forget most of the important bits by the time the sequel exists.
basicbsguide's review
So bummed to dnf at 100 pages in but I’m really struggling to stay engaged with the story. I had high hopes for this one and will be anxious to hear other reviews. I may circle back if I’m feeling it.