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A review by ezwolf
Ring of Solomon by Aden Polydoros
adventurous
challenging
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I think my new favorite genre is Jewish middle grade fantasy where children accidentally befriend a demon/other magical creature. I am so pleased that there are so many Jewish fantasy books out now that I actually have a list to recommend people! I would have loved that as a kid.
The “Dear Reader” at the start was very touching and I loved it. And even in the fantasy setting, Polydoros sets up the very real feeling of “otherness” that comes from being Jewish or queer or Jewish AND queer. And the added helplessness of being part of a minority group while being harassed by school bullies and the way teachers just ignore it instead of taking a stand. I know the book is really more geared toward the fantasy and apocalypse plot but it does a great job paralleling to real world discrimination.
My only complaints were the kind of like “boy humor” jokes which were kind of gross but I know I’m not the target audience so it’s something I can forgive and then also the way the ending just seemed to kind of trail off. Open endings are fine but this seemed waaaay more broadly open ended.
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
The “Dear Reader” at the start was very touching and I loved it. And even in the fantasy setting, Polydoros sets up the very real feeling of “otherness” that comes from being Jewish or queer or Jewish AND queer. And the added helplessness of being part of a minority group while being harassed by school bullies and the way teachers just ignore it instead of taking a stand. I know the book is really more geared toward the fantasy and apocalypse plot but it does a great job paralleling to real world discrimination.
My only complaints were the kind of like “boy humor” jokes which were kind of gross but I know I’m not the target audience so it’s something I can forgive and then also the way the ending just seemed to kind of trail off. Open endings are fine but this seemed waaaay more broadly open ended.
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Violence, and Antisemitism
Moderate: Slavery