I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
We All Fall Down by Rose Szabo on June 7, 2022
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy, Young Adult Fiction / LGBTQ, Young Adult Fiction / Magical Realism
Pages: 416
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
The first book in a dark fantasy YA duology by Rose Szabo, the author of What Big Teeth, about the power and danger of stories and the untold costs of keeping magic alive, perfect for fans of Rory Power and Marie Rutkoski.
In River City, where magic used to thrive and is now fading, the witches who once ruled the city along with their powerful King have become all but obsolete. The city's crumbling government is now controlled primarily by the new university and teaching hospital, which has grown to take over half of the city.
Moving between the decaying Old City and the ruthless New, four young queer people struggle with the daily hazards of life—work, school, dodging ruthless cops and unscrupulous scientists—not realizing that they have been selected to play in an age-old drama that revives the flow of magic through their world. When a mysterious death rocks their fragile peace, the four are brought into each other's orbits as they uncover a deeper magical conspiracy.
Devastating, gorgeous, and utterly unique, We All Fall Down examines the complex network of pain created by power differentials, even between people who love each other—and how it is possible to be queer and turn out just fine.
LOVE this cover. Also loved the part where I was anticipating this book but had not yet read it. Having read it, I’m really. Well. I think a lot of other people have said a lot better things on Goodreads and NetGalley than I have, and I will have to wave my hand vaguely towards them instead of linking to them. (Sorry, I am very lazy.) There were a lot of introductions of interesting concepts in this book, and there was either no pay-off or I think maybe they tried to get wrapped up but it was confusing and bad. Also, The Racism. One star. Booksweet link. Storygraph link.
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