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A review by sylviehelen
The Outside by Ada Hoffmann
4.5
15/01/22 re-read:
I am rating this up on a re-read, the issues I had before made a lot more sense this time around (possibly due to reading a story I was familiar with, possibly just because I was taking my time and paying more attention). I was still very gripped throughout and this time around I found the pov of the angels and the particularities of their power dynamic with the gods extremely interesting!
First read:
AI gods and cyborg angels, ambiguous villainy, Lovecraftian horror elements, and parallel universe/time travel-esque shenanigans with a queer autistic protagonist.
I enjoyed this so much!
I would have liked to have known what the outside actually was in more detail; as is my common criticism of sci-fi with a really cool concept - I loved the ideas but I'm not convinced it was drawn together as well as it could have been. But all in all I was so impressed! The cover art for the sequel has been revealed and I am definitely going to be reading it.
As for the horror elements - I am a huge crybaby and did not get very scared but I did have legit chills at various points throughout. When Ada Hoffman wants to build suspense, she knows exactly what she's doing.
The autism rep is own voices.
Content warnings for torture, ableism, body horror.
3.5 stars rated up.
I am rating this up on a re-read, the issues I had before made a lot more sense this time around (possibly due to reading a story I was familiar with, possibly just because I was taking my time and paying more attention). I was still very gripped throughout and this time around I found the pov of the angels and the particularities of their power dynamic with the gods extremely interesting!
First read:
AI gods and cyborg angels, ambiguous villainy, Lovecraftian horror elements, and parallel universe/time travel-esque shenanigans with a queer autistic protagonist.
I enjoyed this so much!
I would have liked to have known what the outside actually was in more detail; as is my common criticism of sci-fi with a really cool concept - I loved the ideas but I'm not convinced it was drawn together as well as it could have been. But all in all I was so impressed! The cover art for the sequel has been revealed and I am definitely going to be reading it.
As for the horror elements - I am a huge crybaby and did not get very scared but I did have legit chills at various points throughout. When Ada Hoffman wants to build suspense, she knows exactly what she's doing.
The autism rep is own voices.
Content warnings for torture, ableism, body horror.
3.5 stars rated up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture
Minor: Ableism and Body horror