DM
This book reminded me of the final seasons of the TV show Supernatural. What would happen if an all-knowing god actually lost a battle or two. I also got some higher intelligence treats us like pond scum vibes. By the time things all shake out you get some empathy, deeper layers of understanding, a sacrifice, and a hankering for some BBQ. Or not...
Anyone watch the Joss Whedon tv show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer? You ever wonder what happened to the students that went to school with Buffy? This book takes a shot at answering that question. Exploding gymnasiums at graduation and all. The unique draw of this story is that we find out what the main characters are up to at the beginning of each chapter, and then the chapter goes on to narrate through the role of the side characters.
I struggled with the length. Didn't realize it was going to have a second book, so I am a little bit more intrigued. I think I kept expecting something to tie a few more pieces together, and instead more questions kept getting set up. Now I know why. I'll give the second one a try. Overall enjoyable, I just think I missed some key plot points.
Two quotes I want to save,
"That's one way to think about it," Reini continued in a calm tone. "Freedom, merit, and equality---any of these alluring words will always be pursued by a generations." -Chapter 38 Luoying"did you know that I wasn't certain about this movement at all? For a long time I debated with myself whether I should participate. In the end I decided to join because I didn't know what else I could do, where else I could find the feeling I wanted. I was looking for a sense of life, a surging sensation of releasing my self, a ... meaning. I wanted to do something that felt worthy of devoting my whole self to. I just wanted that feeling. I wasn't thinking much about the goal or the movement itself. I never even really thought about whether the movement was right. Simply, I wanted my life to burn, to feel that burn." -Chapter 38 Luoying
As Math teacher, I loved how it portrayed that sense of joy when solving math problems. As a teacher teacher, I loved how it portrayed students that process differently. And yes, I love how the relationships of the characters intertwine, get messy, and find a way out. I paraphrase a quote in the book, who needs a soap opera when you have Newton (the school they attend) Enjoy it!
This may have been my favorite book of the year.
Suicide themes make me nervous in books. This book handles it without glorifying it or downplaying it. Honestly, suicide makes me angry, but again credit to the author for writing a description of why some people make this choice. Depression, anxiety, and other emotions are all real and they affect people in many ways. Remember that you are loved, you make a difference, and no matter how bad it is; someone wants to help.
The happily ever after at the end is a little much. Emotions and attacks don't just go away, but there is some healing when the realization that you matter sticks. Well done!
2.5 and I'll be the first to admit that I probably will need to do a reread later on. I just get the feeling I missed something. I was also frustrated by the hard left turn the Epilogue takes. I'm all for a save the earth bit, but (like I said earlier) I either missed it heading in that direction or it was a forced turn. That being said, I loved the mythology and world building. And honestly would have enjoyed more Taryn on the book tour circuit. I want to read her book.
