A review by wardenred
Nine of Swords, Reversed by Xan West

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 

Survivors in relationships trigger each other. It’s expected.

Such a beautiful and important short read. I love the diversity and intersectionality in Xan West's writing, and I absolutely fell in love with the characters here: their personalities, their relationship, the non-sexual D/s dynamic, the subtle inclusion of magic.

Essentially, this is a small snapshots in the lives of the main couple as they go through a misunderstanding and talk it out. Nothing big, and at the same time, something huge. There are so many themes interwoven here: internalized ableism, the issues disabled people in relationships can encounter (and solve!), nuanced and relatable depiction of nonbinary/genderfluid experience. A lot of it is just so familiar, and I felt incredibly, overwhelmingly seen while reading this story.

Also, all the descriptions? Just wow. Especially the food ones: mouth-watering doesn't begin to cover it. I'm actually kind of hungry right now. :)