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turidt's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, and War
Moderate: Homophobia, Police brutality, Murder, Lesbophobia, and Abandonment
sundayfever'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
4.75
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Racism, Self harm, Violence, Police brutality, and Abandonment
Moderate: Hate crime, Violence, Medical content, Murder, War, and Classism
Minor: Ableism, Homophobia, and Sexual harassment
happyunicorn7'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
3.75
Graphic: Death, Violence, Police brutality, and Abandonment
Moderate: Blood
lynxpardinus's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Body horror, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Racism, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Antisemitism, and Trafficking
discarded_dust_jacket's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I loved Aloe’s character in Pet and I loved him again in Bitter—an example of masculinity that is tender, nurturing, and multidimensional.
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Abandonment
Moderate: Police brutality
eni_iilorak'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? No
4.75
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Racism, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Drug use, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Biphobia, Homophobia, Rape, Forced institutionalization, and Abandonment
cadence99's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Police brutality, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Ableism and Fire/Fire injury
gen_wolfhailstorm'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
5.0
Bitter brings us back to Pet's world of monster filled Lucille... but is it the monsters you're expecting, or a much more sinister kind? The type with a friendly face, & unexpected urges? This story throws us into Bitter's life. Sick & tired of seeing protests & bodies bruised & battered outside the safety of her school, she throws herself into her art... slowly finding hope again, & her own role to play in the fight against the monsters of Lucille.
I really enjoyed this. I love seeing more of this world, & how it affects a different set of characters.
Bitter comes across very standoffish but I enjoyed seeing that hard exterior slowly chip away.
I felt so comforted by Miss Bilphena's care of checking everyone had substantial food I'm their stomachs & the simple question of "you eat meat" made me kind of emotional. I think it was that kindness to care for everyone's dietary needs were cared for, regardless of the chaos happening out in Lucille.
It was great to see more of these hunters & more back story to the magic of the blood/paint. That's something I was really curious about whilst reading Pet & Bitter has answered so many questions.
I loved the message that everyone has a role to play in revolution and you don't have to be in the front line to be doing worth while work. It doesn't make you weak or a coward, everyone has their place and is valued in their effort of changing the world for the better.
This was a powerful & impactful novel.
Graphic: Child death, Genocide, Gun violence, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
lindseyhall44'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
4.0
Bitter follows its titular character as she navigates themes of art, social justice, and activism . Set against the backdrop of youth protest, Bitter decide must if leaving the safety of her boarding school, Eucalyptus, is the best way for her to create the change she desires.
The characters were definitely the strongest point of the novel, as Akwaeke did an amazing job creating flawed and complex narratives. Bitter’s character development was a master class itself, but the side characters also added an important outlook into the practice of youth activism, and the many different routes there are!
That being said, I do wish we had gotten a more developed look into Aloe and Bitter’s relationship, but that is just a personal preference, because I love them together!
Overall, I would 100% recommend reading Bitter, but maybe pick up Pet first:)
Graphic: Child death, Mental illness, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
haylzno's review
- 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
5.0
As much as I loved Pet, I think I loved Bitter more!! (Both are 5 start books though).
I enjoyed getting more backstory about the Angels and learning more about Aloe and Bitter. I think a re-read of Pet is a must, with all this new info.
Graphic: Child abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, and Classism
Moderate: War