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A review by ketreads
Tainted by Krystle Matar
challenging
dark
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.75
Tainted is a novella taking place in a world where segregation of those with biological powered magic (taints) are oppressed and controlled but those without (the Authority)
We follow the main character of Glaen, a tainted street lamp operator, and his coming to terms with his place in the world.
Matar manages to write such a real but dark feeling world, it most resembling early industrial era America. With the talk of new and life changing inventions like tram lines, medicine, housing, though all of it is reserved and given freely to those without the 'taint'. Our main character of Glaen struggles to see his life as anything but soul crushing. Seeming to find no joy or reason to exist other than the sheer unfairness of his situation. I love that he isn't written as a rebellious and brave person. He recognises the unfairness in the world but also struggles with his own powerlessness, even when he is shown as having one (the power to light street lamps). His life feeling meandering and hopeless until he meets Gianna, another tainted who they instantly form a connection with. Now having something to live for also brings along with having something to lose in life.
The intermingled emotions of hopelessness and hope is so masterful and tragically written. Watching Matar's characters and world collide together over these 90 pages made me feel so invested in what was going on. I probably read this as one of the fastest novellas in the lot. Every glimmer of hope for our main character had me wishing for the best, even knowing the worst is equally possible to happen.
I am both amazed and frustrated at how connected Matar has made me to these characters only for me to find out this is her most recent work!!!
The book before it takes place before the events in this one so I'm currently unable to see more of any of their life's or what happens next.
How dare you make me fall in love just to rip it all away xD
Anyway 4.75/5 and as always 10/10 would recommend.
We follow the main character of Glaen, a tainted street lamp operator, and his coming to terms with his place in the world.
Matar manages to write such a real but dark feeling world, it most resembling early industrial era America. With the talk of new and life changing inventions like tram lines, medicine, housing, though all of it is reserved and given freely to those without the 'taint'. Our main character of Glaen struggles to see his life as anything but soul crushing. Seeming to find no joy or reason to exist other than the sheer unfairness of his situation. I love that he isn't written as a rebellious and brave person. He recognises the unfairness in the world but also struggles with his own powerlessness, even when he is shown as having one (the power to light street lamps). His life feeling meandering and hopeless until he meets Gianna, another tainted who they instantly form a connection with. Now having something to live for also brings along with having something to lose in life.
The intermingled emotions of hopelessness and hope is so masterful and tragically written. Watching Matar's characters and world collide together over these 90 pages made me feel so invested in what was going on. I probably read this as one of the fastest novellas in the lot. Every glimmer of hope for our main character had me wishing for the best, even knowing the worst is equally possible to happen.
I am both amazed and frustrated at how connected Matar has made me to these characters only for me to find out this is her most recent work!!!
The book before it takes place before the events in this one so I'm currently unable to see more of any of their life's or what happens next.
How dare you make me fall in love just to rip it all away xD
Anyway 4.75/5 and as always 10/10 would recommend.