rickjones's Reviews (1.66k)

While I wouldn't say I disliked this book, I sorely missed Jade's voice as the leading narrator. Her furious wit and resilience is what made the first book engaging enough to tear through in one night, while this novel took me a few weeks to finish. This story was more of a generic slasher as well, though at times I found it difficult to understand what was happening and who was really behind the violence, and I'm not sure if that was intentional. While somewhat of a disappointment, this sequel is still thrilling, unique and gleaming with rich characterization. I don't regret reading it, and Jones had his work cut out for him attempting to surpass the original. 

I found this book useful and accessible as intended, thought the abundance of cursing and slang threw me off in some passages. This is definitely a book that can be reflected on repeatedly, and I appreciated Harper's non-nonsense attitude towards mental health and learning what works for you as an individual with varied needs. 

This was an entertaining read that I didn't want to put down, even thought I usually don't enjoy relationship fiction. I found the abundance of humor and honesty very refreshing, and though the formatting was odd at first, that feeling didn't linger for long. I remained interested in the leading character's story throughout all his imperfection, lust and heartbreak, and relished his wit and wisdom. 

Reviewing this several months after I first read it, so I don't remember details. A difficult read that spits in the face of fascist violence through dissecting the worst aspects of its protagonists with honesty and understanding. Neither Alice or Ila are particularly likeable characters, and they're not really meant to be. Though equally sympathetic, both characters pander to some of the worst factions of their communities and repeatedly justify their actions to themselves. They were dear friends turned against each other and inside out through fascist violence lingering in their city, and have to return to each other to reassess what really happened and move forward. The prose is unflinching and nearly aggressive at times, though I appreciated how it refused to sugarcoat the ugliness both within and against the transgender community. Rumfitt is an adept and courageous writer, and I look forward to reading more of her work.