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lautreamont's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
But from Chapter 39 it gets actually insane in a bad way and nothing makes sense. They introduce this weird villain guy we've seen in only one scene and have 3 pages of him asking both characters to "suck his cock". I have no clue if it's originally some fanfic and the character is a nod to something in the og work so there's not much buildup, but that's how it felt. Like there was NO sex in the book at all until like 80% of it, there's a long long long sex scene of the main couple. Mind you, nothing at all sexual happened ro was mentionned before. there's no sexual desire buildup. Smut is not something I particularly enjoy reading in general, but fair enough. However, it's so weird rhat the whole book becomes just About sex suddenly (???).
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness
fretsandflour's review
- 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
3.75
Graphic: Drug abuse, Alcoholism, War, and Mental illness
Moderate: Transphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, Classism, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, and Addiction
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
withlivjones's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, and Mental illness
Moderate: Transphobia, Gun violence, Misogyny, and Death
Minor: Death of parent
shinypurplepants's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, War, Classism, Deadnaming, Ableism, Mental illness, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Drug use, Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Drug abuse, Grief, Misogyny, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Transphobia
comradeant's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Mental illness and War
eed8's review
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Sexual content, and Mental illness
Moderate: Kidnapping and War
Minor: Transphobia
lisacanteven's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Here's where it didn't work for me: Almost 400 pages were telling a beautiful story with lovely writing and great character development. Then it took a hard left turn somewhere just south of page 400, and we were taken on a totally different ride on a trip I did not sign up for. It wasn't a bad trip, but it wasn't the one I wanted to be on. Maybe another time I would have enjoyed the trip, but I was ready for the trip I already had to be finished. Ya getting me?
Then for a few pages just north of page 400 the story got a little patriarchal outta nowhere. I didn't really expect that one person to just excuse the other person's behavior like they used the wrong fork at fancy dinner. If you read it, think about it. How did they just get away with it, but that is kinda how it usually happens because patriarchy.
Just as I was building my case against the villain's terrible redemption arc, the ending came together in a way that did satisfy me. I mean no one took down patriarchy in this book, but maybe that wasn't the point.
Here's what did work for me: The trans representation was really nice and sweet. I thought it was the perfect blend of trans joy and trans realness. You do have to suspend your disbelief and let yourself enjoy the relationship, but experiencing the trans joy through the story is worth it. For that alone this book was worth the read despite its flaws.
TL;DR- The first 400 pages will seem very laborious, but the last 50 pages will flash before your eyes like you're fast forwarding a movie. Both these parts of the story are enjoyable in their own right, but when put together they make a confusing tale. The queer, specifically trans, representation only gave the story more depth and attachment. For that achievement this story has earned its place among must-read romance books.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Drug use, Grief, Ableism, Drug abuse, Mental illness, and Misogyny
Minor: Body shaming, Abandonment, Deadnaming, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, and War
mandathebiblio's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I listened to the second half of this book on audio and I will say that I wouldn't recommend it really if you struggle with audiobooks. I didn't really love how the narrator read any dialogue. But it wasn't too bad once I got used to it.
Graphic: Mental illness and War
Moderate: Transphobia
kylarenea_'s review
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Classism, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Violence, Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Deadnaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Alcoholism, Mental illness, War, Death, Dysphoria, Grief, Infertility, and Kidnapping
itsbeanefun's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Mental illness
Minor: Sexual assault