Reviews

Into the Real by Z Brewer

colorfulleo92's review

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4.0

This is both a dystopian and story following 3 Quinn figuring out who they are. Truly fascinating look at genderquer and sexuality. It's an interesting world, and I wish I could have read more about the world and the monsters but what I got was good as well.

sunshinemagik's review

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4.0

3.75 stars rounding up for Goodreads
Really enjoyed this book. I liked the three separate storylines, the dystopian world was my favorite, as well as all of the characters. An interesting exploration of gender identity. Would definitely recommend giving it a shot.

crisprtheghost's review

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reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

answertherairai's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars, rounded down.

A very unique, innovative style of book - one that worked very well for me.

I feel like the less you know, the more you enjoy it, though with that in mind...

SpoilerThe premise of this book is three parallel storylines with the same characters and one binding theme/struggle from our main character. Its highly meta and had me guessing the entire time.

Initially I found the jumping around between the timelines confusing, though as mentioned, this is meta as the main character themselves is bewildered by what is going on, when it comes to slotting in between the different narratives. The main character is slightly more onto it than the reader is, leading the way as opposed to the reader finding things out first and waiting for the MC to catch up.

I was impressed by this.

laurenreadsbooks13's review

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1.0

The premise of each world was interesting. Other than that, this book was not good. Apologies to the author if they ever read this because I’m mad. This book made absolutely no sense right until the very last page. I’m just…why…

howard's review

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4.0

trans kids facing the apocalypse is my new favorite genre

quinn is very annoying and unlikeable and also kind of stupid but i love them???? fuck all the other tho characters lmao lots of trans/queerphobia just to be aware of before picking this up

sunshinemagik's review against another edition

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dark emotional inspiring reflective tense 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

3.75

santinithegreat's review

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dark emotional 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

3.0

_m03_'s review

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emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • 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

2.25

amidstthepaper's review

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3.0

Thank you to Haper 360 YA for the proof!

There are three Quinns, three Brumes and three realities each facing a different threat. As splinters of each world begin to intertwine, the three Quinns realise they may be a singular "they", but how do they know which world, and which monsters, are real?

I found this book a really interesting take on multiple realities - each world felt very different and although I had a favourite, I enjoyed reading about all three. Now I know people have differing opinions about chapter lengths - this books chapters are *long* but I felt like, for this book, it worked - rather than short glimpses and switches, Brewer was able to establish both the world and the characters of each reality.

The same characters appear in each world but with very different roles and personalities - there were some that I loved in one story but then hated in another!

This book examines gender and sexuality and acceptance - looking at both internal and external struggles members of the LGBTQ+ community face.

This was a very different read for me and I won't lie some of the darker themes made it a difficult read at points - it won't be for everyone but overall it was an intriguing read and it did make me pause and think.

TW: gore, death of loved ones, transphobia, homophobia