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lbrunner.net · @lbrunner.net@bridge.neodb.net

Rated Every Heart a Doorway 8/10

Really liked this book!



I obviously loved the ace representation through Nancy (including aromantic vs asexual distinction/remarks, even though I didn't love the association with <spoiler>her "stillness" and becoming a statue which makes it sounds quite "inert"</spoiler> but honestly I am nitpicking because it's just well done) and trans representation (including a lot of supportive characters and shutting down bigots). I thought the inclusion of Christopher and his associated world was quite cool as well.



The parallels between children turning different than their parents expected (and them trying to fix them) due to world-hopping and queerness are pretty obvious (even literal in the case of <spoiler>Kade, which btw I am still not sure if I am supposed to pronounce "Ka dee" or "Kayed"</spoiler>). So overall, pretty relatable and inclusive!



I found it weird that the book basically evolved into a whodunnit <spoiler>murder mystery</spoiler> meet Alice in Wonderlands but Gideon the Ninth is a <spoiler>whodunnit meet "lesbian necromancers in space"</spoiler> and it's great too so I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing, just intriguing. It's also quite short and even though the resolution is pretty good, with a lot of closure, I was still left with a "that's it?" (but maybe I have been reading longer books lately? idk). There is quite a bit of humor, sarcasm and punchlines, which nearly always work but sometimes feel a tiny bit forced (especially from Jack).



On the other hand, I didn't love the school setting (as my (high) school years are becoming ever so distant, but, again, nothing wrong with it, just personal preference) and some characters feel a bit too stereotypey at times (e.g. Sumi or Jack).



Overall a good read and I will probably read the sequels (especially as they seem pretty quick reads), I just hope some of the characters make a reappearance even though they went back home (especially <spoiler>Nancy</spoiler>).

#book

Published 2021-11-11 02:00 UTC · bridged from Atmosphere