This was the queer rural mlm dysfunctional family rep I needed. Gay rural fantasy - feels like the urban fantasy genre but this one is set in rural areas and deals with complex family dynamics. I love to see a modern fantasy novel featuring gay men (or mlm) and witchcraft! Exciting fantasy plot but also address homophobia, racism, weird relations to class, shitty family and parents, and family tensions. 

I loved the gay romance mixed in with fantasy plot so much! Main character was also hospitalized as young adult for mental health/magic, and has trauma due to that, at the hands of family. 

I personally liked the portrayal of family tension and class and the complexity of it. Some family members are in a trailer park still, some are working white-collar jobs like doctors, and this is openly discussed. This isn't something I have read much of in other novels. I think I felt like these dynamics were one of the few times ever I've seen this in a fantasy novel.

Downside- I don't know how I feel about the lizard people in this book. I think it's just like a D&D race and not a dogwhistle but that might make someone else uncomfortable.