A review by dylanlouise
Out of Salem by Hal Schrieve

adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

This book wasn't bad, and was a really cool October read. It had me feeling fired up for the characters, and I thought the found family and protectiveness was really cute. Having said that, the body gore got a bit much for me sometimes, and I still question the decision to make all queer characters monsters, even if it is to prove a point about society. Allegories and YA have been crossing over a lot lately (think Ace of Spades) and it's not my favorite. Not because I don't think they carry important messages, but it catches me off guard and especially here, with the demonization of queer people in society, feels almost counterproductive. I don't know, maybe that's a bad take, but that was my main gripe with this one. 
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