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armontheroad's reviews
621 reviews
2.0
First, there were a lot of really weird references to Israel.
Secondly, I think the issue with this book is that it's such privileged takes that water down facts to suit the author's narrative of absolving her of her own guilt. The whole section on non-violence proves this!! Telling oppressed people that befriending their oppressors will make the world a better place is advice that will get so many people killed.
The use of really ableist categorizing is the introduction of this novel which in itself is horrific!!
On top of that, the author's harmful Christian beliefs bleed into every section of this work. Just so much was wrong with this book and I just don't have the time to go into all of it in this review.
This is without a doubt the most disappointing book I've read this year. I really hope that since this was published the author has done some work, learning, and growth.
Graphic: Racism, Violence, and Police brutality
Minor: Genocide, Gun violence, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
- 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
4.0
This was such a fun and sweet book!! I loved the characters, the humor, and the translation notes throughout. Overall, I just had a great time reading this!! I am excited to read more from this author in the future.
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Genocide, Gore, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cancer, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Violence, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Classism, and Deportation
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Medical trauma, and Murder
- 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
The prose in this is so stunning. The book is unbelievably tender. For such a short work, it packs one major punch. I could have finished this in one sitting but had to keep taking breaks to weep.
Could have done without the Harry Potter reference but the book was such a masterpiece I'll let it slide this time in my star rating.
Graphic: Biphobia, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, and Homophobia
Moderate: Sexual content and Dysphoria
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The pacing was a little weird and I really didn't care for the 'resolution' we got with the bully but eh
Graphic: Bullying, Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Physical abuse and Violence
4.0
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Transphobia, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Ableism, Genocide, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Cultural appropriation, and Sexual harassment
- 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
3.0
I'm unsure if I feel this way because this is just the second book in a series or if this is just an unengaging slog. A great shame because I do care for these characters. It's just hard when scenes that can easily be summed up in a few sentences drag for several chapters.
I might finish this series to see if it gets better from here, but we will see.
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
- 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
Aiden Thomas ONCE AGAIN writes a book that leaves me screaming and unable to predict the plot twist!!
The world-building was incredible. I loved all of the characters, the outfits, and the conversations had in this. The little references in this add another layer to my love for this book. I cannot wait to read the sequel and see how this story concludes!!
Graphic: Bullying, Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Dysphoria