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hngisreading's review against another edition
- 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
2.5
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Infertility, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Blood, Medical content, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual harassment
readmeem's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Rape and Violence
Minor: Blood
bex_knighthunter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Set a century or so after the first book, this follows a gender-queer (fluid?) raider travelling around other settlements which is a fascinating way to get to see the different ways civilisation has evolved after society fragmented, and in particular the way societies views of gender have changed. The characters were so unique and interesting and real with three named genderqueer/trans characters, cultures based around polyamory, diverse sexualities depicted, and race was not ignored in this future. The town of Nowhere also charmed me and I loved learning how it had developed since the unnamed midwife. The writing was also brilliant, easy-to-read, and evocative.
The plot was mostly meandering but to be honest I quite enjoyed that (I find the minutae of survival fascinating so this was always going to be a hit) as I felt the character development and world building were always there. There were some great plot hooks planted to keep me guessing what the ending would be - but when we got to that ending... wow... I'm not even sure what to think. It was shocking and tense, and the darkest parts were not drawn out any longer than needed to tell the story which I'm thankful for, but I'm not sure I liked where the plot went. I was expecting dark but I wasn't ready for that and nearly stopped reading with only 10 pages to go!
This is not a story I'll forget in a hurry and ultimately it is so different and yet well suited to my tastes that I have to love it.
Graphic: Confinement, Homophobia, Misogyny, Rape, Slavery, Transphobia, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Child abuse, Deadnaming, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Violence, Blood, Murder, Outing, and Dysphoria
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Drug use, Infertility, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Abortion, and War