Society has gotten rid of monsters, but when Jam accidentally summons Pet- a creature from her mother’s paintings- Pet reveals that there’s a monster nearby and it’s his job to get rid of it.

I like this book! It’s a great way for teens to learn about different identities and relationships, the friendship between the two main characters is great and the plot is very interesting. I’ve knocked off a point because the end frustrates me.

Redemptions brother is being (it is implied sexually) abused by his uncle, who is well loved by the family. The climax features Pet who wishes to punish him i.e. kill him- however Jam intervenes and asks him not to. This is, to me, utterly insane. It’s different with the current justice system where Black people are being abused by it, (Jam and Redeption and their families are Black), and so it makes sense that the death penalty doesn’t work in this society however, the uncle confesses- so why not kill him? It’s clear he’s done it, and what is the justice system- if it is indeed being scrutinised- going to do? The only plus side is that the uncle is exposed, one of his wives (I believe he is polyam) also confesses to knowing what he did, and so he is ostracised and dealt with that way. But Jams decision reeks of moral superiority, I get the message but I don’t think it’s appropriate for that situation, and it tarnishes an otherwise incredible book.