A review by wardenred
D.I.Y by John Wiswell

challenging funny hopeful inspiring sad 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? Yes

5.0

 

“So do you want to keep hurting yourself, or do you want to hurt them?”

Wow! I can't believe how much was packed into such a short read. Honestly, it's more impressive than some full novels I've read (and of course now I positively crave a full novel with these very characters). This story is a great exploration of the ugliest facets of capitalism, and how having a world with magic fixes nothing if the people in charge of it are the same familiar assholes. But of course, there's always someone who will find it in themselves to actively rage against the corporate machine. And even if they lose, that doesn't mean the machine has to win.

I absolutely adored both Noah and Manny and their relationship, and how casually their asexuality and Manny's genderqueerness were woven into the narrative. They were great together, and each of them is great as an individual, and honestly, I had no idea how much I've been craving a story about two badass disabled/chronically ill queers fucking over the system until I read this story.

Also, the magic system? It never gets delved into in detail, which is understandable given the story's size, but everything that does show up on the page is so endlessly fascinating. Because of how the magic is handled, I almost want to call this a sci-fi story instead of a modern day fantasy one.