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A review by filipa_maia
Ás de Espadas by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I fell in love with the cover of this book way before I knew what it was about. When I read the synopsis I thought "this is going to be a "5-star book" easily", but that didn't happened quite as I expected.
I really liked this book, it addresses very important issues that our society tries to pretend that don't happen anymore: not only bullying and racism, but also homophobia and classicism - And I think that the author does it very well.
I think my problem with this book it that every single character (except Devon) is so unlikeable... I understand that that's the point but, apart from Devon, I couldn't really connect with any of them. Chiamaka's "friends" are described in the most despicable way; Jamie is red flags all over, since the beginning of the story; even Terrell is a bit weird...; but for me Chiamaka is the worst - she is the worst main character ever: dates guys and makes "friends" for social status, mistreats people that she considers "inferior", thinks the entire world revolves around her... ugh...
Even though I think that some of the situations described are a bit "too much", what made me give a 4-star review is the plot itself - what a brilliant storyline!
I don't want to reveal to much but - if you are looking forward to read this book - you are not going to be dissapointed!
I really liked this book, it addresses very important issues that our society tries to pretend that don't happen anymore: not only bullying and racism, but also homophobia and classicism - And I think that the author does it very well.
I think my problem with this book it that every single character (except Devon) is so unlikeable... I understand that that's the point but, apart from Devon, I couldn't really connect with any of them. Chiamaka's "friends" are described in the most despicable way; Jamie is red flags all over, since the beginning of the story; even Terrell is a bit weird...; but for me Chiamaka is the worst - she is the worst main character ever: dates guys and makes "friends" for social status, mistreats people that she considers "inferior", thinks the entire world revolves around her... ugh...
Even though I think that some of the situations described are a bit "too much", what made me give a 4-star review is the plot itself - what a brilliant storyline!
I don't want to reveal to much but - if you are looking forward to read this book - you are not going to be dissapointed!
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Racism, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Murder, Lesbophobia, Outing, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug use, Death of parent, and Alcohol