Oddly prescient, I started reading this in the aftermath of the US election and had to stop and read something that was less terrifying. As a bookworm (my stats this year don't include all the unpublished manuscripts I've read, they easily double my count), I adored the idea of the book within the book being the key. I rather wished that came into the ending a bit more than it did.

I also loved the queer representation here. It's awesome to imagine a world where poly, queer families can be a norm. On that alone, this had me smiling.

With such a complex, vivid, and chilling world building, I suspect my expectations on the ending were VERY high. To me, it pulled the punch. I felt like it could have gone a bit darker, or more complex, than what it did.

Still. Worth the read for the uncanny mirror it holds up to American society. It obviously wasn't intended as a warning against the fascism that is perilously near the surface, but it couldn't have been better timed for it. Be like Rose and Beo. Resist, believe, and never give up what you know to be true. ( )

love a book that centers around a mysterious book. well done

This is a book of political fiction set in an alternative world similar to our own. The writing itself was excellent, really pulling me into the story & making me want to continue reading. It's a heavy work, & the events grew more difficult to read as the novel progressed - this makes sense & works, though, considering the intensely political subject matter. Some of the character development & events of the story seemed a bit rushed. However, that doesn't stop this from being an excellent book. ( )

An excellent sci-fi dystopian novel. This book really looks into LGBTQ+ and polyamorous rights and to have representation in literature. I really enjoyed being able to see things from each character's point of view, rather than just one. ( )

A dreamy and chilling modern day allegory, reminiscent of Momo and The Handmaid’s Tale. Starting from a European folk tale-like setting, the story becomes politically fiercer as it advances, including a heartfelt polemic opposing fascist systems in general, and especially the ways that these threaten LGBTQ and polyamorous rights. It’s atmospheric and well written, though eventually some earnestness and improbability disrupt the fanciful mood as the final plot lines tie together. ( )