A review by nytephoenyx
Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray

adventurous dark reflective medium-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

Loved this book. Love Libba Bray. Love all these characters but Sam Lloyd is my absolute favorite at the moment. This carried the series so well and upped the stakes and the focus on eugenics and having that angry conversation as well as radical protestors and just. It’s so good. History driven fantasy is wonderful. The ghost story aspects are wonderful. Just loved it. Loved it.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: War, Fire/Fire injury, Xenophobia, Rape, Classism, Death, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Domestic abuse and Religious bigotry

Minor: Deportation, Gun violence, and Ableism

This book includes characters who are Black, Chinese, disabled, Jewish, and gay. There are minor characters who are LatinX, Black, and Jewish. Eugenics is a central conversation in the book. It is very strongly opposed.