Preferences: Speculative fiction and crime/thrillers, dark and gritty stuff, unpredictable and clever mind twists, LGBT+ MCs, when authors push the boundaries of genres and tropes.
Location:Denmark
Goal
62/52 booksRead 52 books by Dec 30, 2023. You're 10 books ahead of schedule. 🙌
The blurb made me think that Cassie was actively trying to manipulate the investigation which would make for an interesting story. But that's not at all what happens. So ignore the blurb.
There's something about the "old classmates with a dark, common secret meet at a reunion many years later, and secrets start bubbling to the surface" trope that always leaves me with the assumption that I can't trust anyone. None of them. Not even myself. I really love unreliable narrators because it makes it difficult for me to "figure it all out" too early.
I did enjoy that part of Bleeding Heart Yard, but I also did have a hunch very early on that, sadly, turned out to be correct. Which means I "figured it all out" way too soon. In lieu of that the ending was disappointing. But I really do have an insanely correct hunch with these things, and I won't assume many people will figure this one out. Don't let my experience here hold you back.
Bonus points for a lesbian MC (Harbinder Kaur). There aren't many in this genre.
So... It feels kind of like my brain has been hit by a truck. What did I just read? More than anything I love that I had absolutely no idea where this would take me.
Fast-paced, easy to read.
I like the worldbuilding but wish it got more attention.
The book does something very interesting with the question “What makes a hero?” setting up the main character as someone I would categorize as a terrorist. I had zero sympathy for Kyr, but halfway through everything unravels to reveal more complexity ??? she starts questioning her own perception of the world. Where will it take her?
I don't particularly like the final 3rd of the story (specifically the ending ??? really, it could've ended after two 3rds and I would've been happier with it). Something about the choice of resolution... And it felt a bit too YA for me (even if it isn't YA?). Maybe a bit too rushed too?
2.75*
I'm searching for words to explain just how remarkable this book is. These characters are all my favourites. They're rare and charming and brilliant, and they're what really carry this book forward. I am intrigued by how “humanity” is shown through these intergalactic characters, really. This is not the last time I'm reading this book <3
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