A review by tkhz
Exalted by Anna Dorn

dark funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A dual-perspective novel following two astrology-obsessed main characters in Southern California who are disconnected from reality in their own ways. One is a delusionally confident, prone-to-arson late 40's lesbian, the other a mid-20's starving actress turned astrology influencer out of necessity.

Both of our narrators are deeply flawed people and the book explores how they see the same people and events in wildly different ways. However, while it's okay to have imperfect characters, I found myself pretty annoyed with both of them because of their delusional tendencies. It felt like both characters spent the entire story lying, daydreaming, manipulating people, and not really doing anything while facing no consequences or really changing as people.
I also was not a fan of the accidental incest plot twist. Felt too weird and unhinged even for a book that is inherently both of those things.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings