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A review by thestoryteller
Girls at the Edge of the World by Laura Brooke Robson
dark
tense
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
4.0
Read in one sitting! The worldbuilding is well done, and the myths and stories that make up the cultural elements of the book (and religion) are woven effectively into the story itself, with interesting things to be extrapolated about the role of religion in pacifying people (and also providing hope), and the role of art in inspiring them.
I came into this book expecting the worldbuilding to be second fiddle to the characters, but it actually ended up the other way around! The writing itself was smooth, but at times it was hard to tell the difference between the two viewpoint characters—was not clear how their thinking styles were different, nor how their love really built up, as it felt a bit sudden. Honestly, I wished they never kissed, and just felt tension building more and more.
But I will add a note for those who start reading this one—the first few chapters have a lot of action, and at times it's hard to really feel much, but that builds more and more as the book progresses, and by the end, the narration is much more engrossing!
A very solid debut, and I look forward to book two!
I came into this book expecting the worldbuilding to be second fiddle to the characters, but it actually ended up the other way around! The writing itself was smooth, but at times it was hard to tell the difference between the two viewpoint characters—was not clear how their thinking styles were different, nor how their love really built up, as it felt a bit sudden. Honestly, I wished they never kissed, and just felt tension building more and more.
But I will add a note for those who start reading this one—the first few chapters have a lot of action, and at times it's hard to really feel much, but that builds more and more as the book progresses, and by the end, the narration is much more engrossing!
A very solid debut, and I look forward to book two!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia