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dandelionsteph's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.75
It's clear that this is the author's first book because there was a lot of telling-not-showing of the main character's thoughts and feelings. It was so frequent it was getting a little annoying. This was a particularly bad decision for the personal revelation near the end: it felt like the author was spoon-feeding the reader when they could already chew (that is, figure it out with minimal explicit sentences based on established details).
The racism/colorism/colonialist inferiority complex elements could be slightly more subtle. It's repeated so often and explicitly that if one is reading much of the book in one sitting, it feels like the writing is hammering the reader upon the head with "prejudiced White people-equivalent colonialists of fantasy-Africa are using religion and colorism as a tool to control the local population, sow division, and make them feel inferior so they obey the colonizers". I don't object to portraying this idea in middle-grade other-world fantasy fiction in principle, nor, for the most part, in execution. After all, I've enjoyed many books with similar themes. Rather, I think it would be better if the book had about two fewer sentences about it.
The racism/colorism/colonialist inferiority complex elements could be slightly more subtle. It's repeated so often and explicitly that if one is reading much of the book in one sitting, it feels like the writing is hammering the reader upon the head with "prejudiced White people-equivalent colonialists of fantasy-Africa are using religion and colorism as a tool to control the local population, sow division, and make them feel inferior so they obey the colonizers". I don't object to portraying this idea in middle-grade other-world fantasy fiction in principle, nor, for the most part, in execution. After all, I've enjoyed many books with similar themes. Rather, I think it would be better if the book had about two fewer sentences about it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Violence, Blood, and Colonisation
Minor: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Alcohol, and War
The 'Drops', which are 'tonics' of a powerful sedative plant used to make the local population quiet and obey without question, somewhat resemble addictive drugs (e.g., alcohol or coffee). Notably, people are 13 when they first take 'Drops', so this is kind of like child drug use (although the protagonist doesn't take it, objects to it, goes to great trouble to avoid it, and destroys the bad guy's stock of it). There's also one mention of missionaries wondering why they don't give it to newborn babies. 'Religious bigotry' is included because of the fantasy missionaries' disdain for the indigenous shamanistic/pantheistic belief system. 'Body shaming' is included because there isn't a specific section for colorism. EJ has epilepsy, although it isn't initially described as such. It turns out EJxandra_lyn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-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? Yes
5.0
This was SUCH a good book!!!! One of the best I've read in a long time. It was exciting but thoughtful. Fun but also wistful. It dealt with difficult situations with compassion and poignancy. I cannot wait for the next book!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Moderate: Bullying and Racism
Minor: Child abuse