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A review by sumeeradealwis
Oshibana Complex by Craig Hallam
4.0
3.8/5
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There is so much to say about this!!! I liked how it was gender neutral because it demonstrated that it is very easy to enjoy a story, a novella, without the constrictions of the societal norms floating in our socialised brains, influencing our perception of particular characters. But on the other hand I think gender is really important and instead of wiping it out, this novella could have been written to be inclusive and representative of gender rather than annihilating it completely.
Xev was a really interesting character. Their development from a rule following goodie-two shoes to someone who wanted to break the status quo and defy expectations is a typical trope that I enjoy very much. I really liked Xevs ability to form relationships with their friends like Marsh and the new synth and also their expression of emotion felt very real and heartwarming to me.
One of the few issues I had with the novella was that the story didn’t quite flow together as nicely as it should have. By this I mean the chapters didn’t feel connected, especially toward the end and the general plot was very rushed. I feel like the world could have been so much more intricate and detailed if there was more emphasise placed upon it. Though I will say this novella is incredibly well written and I had some wonderful moments reading it.
I found my eyes widening in the creation of tension filled chapters, my heart racing with anticipation. Hellman did not disappoint with the intense scenes that truly depict the brutality of his world. I was so gripped, I read it one day!
I do recommend you go and have a read!!! It comes out on the 26th of September!!
—————
There is so much to say about this!!! I liked how it was gender neutral because it demonstrated that it is very easy to enjoy a story, a novella, without the constrictions of the societal norms floating in our socialised brains, influencing our perception of particular characters. But on the other hand I think gender is really important and instead of wiping it out, this novella could have been written to be inclusive and representative of gender rather than annihilating it completely.
Xev was a really interesting character. Their development from a rule following goodie-two shoes to someone who wanted to break the status quo and defy expectations is a typical trope that I enjoy very much. I really liked Xevs ability to form relationships with their friends like Marsh and the new synth and also their expression of emotion felt very real and heartwarming to me.
One of the few issues I had with the novella was that the story didn’t quite flow together as nicely as it should have. By this I mean the chapters didn’t feel connected, especially toward the end and the general plot was very rushed. I feel like the world could have been so much more intricate and detailed if there was more emphasise placed upon it. Though I will say this novella is incredibly well written and I had some wonderful moments reading it.
I found my eyes widening in the creation of tension filled chapters, my heart racing with anticipation. Hellman did not disappoint with the intense scenes that truly depict the brutality of his world. I was so gripped, I read it one day!
I do recommend you go and have a read!!! It comes out on the 26th of September!!