pickThis series is just so fantastic at capturing the feelings and growing pains and interpersonal challenges of the teen years, all while fighting religious fundamentalism with witchcraft, queer love, and the power of friendship. This installment especially excels with representations of queer, racial, neurodivergent, and disability marginalization—and with portraying the suffering so often behind the worst actions—and it‘s just a fun ride!
so-soDidn't enjoy this one as much as the first one - it just seems to sag a little bit. The plot is weaker, the themes less defined & the aspects I relished in the first one are lacking. The teen drama makes it more noticeably YA & I feel it becomes more of a vehicle for the issues rather than the issues being part of the story. Slightly childish at times but then features first time sex so not sure who it's aimed at. OK but not great.
About to start this one. Didn't realise it was a sequel and I haven't read the first one - something that agitates me enormously.
With thanks to #netgalley for this book.
The Gifts That Bind Us | 
