This book was totally filled with trans rage, and it was the absolute best!

This book puts two characters at the opposite ends of the activism spectrum in a situation where they depend on each other. There is Castor the main character, who wishes trans and queer people were treated better, but believes that some others are too vocal about it. Then there is Juno, who is exactly that vocal queer screaming for her rights. Them being put together brought forth so many great interactions and situations for them to clash and grow. Which brings me to the fact that Castor grows so so much in this book and to be a part of that journey is absolutely beautiful. They realize so many things during the book and actively change it made me feel so damn excited. Growth comes with difficcult moments though so we see a lot of the struggles this gives them, which were written very strong. That together makes it so amazing to see them grow.

This story doesn't hide how shitty it can be to be trans. Yes this is a scifi book so the governement in here doesn't actually exist, but it's equivalents are definitely out there in the world. So to see a group of people fight back for their rights (and my rights just the same), was hugely inspiring. That does also mean that if you as a reader need something light in the moment, it might be better to come back to this book at a later time.

There are some high action scenes in this book that were very thrilling and a joy to read. Things happened right at the pace I enjoy my fighting scenes to be. Fast to keep the tension going, but not forgoing too many details so it stays unclear what was written.

I also want to talk about all of the side characters in this book. There was a whole group of fierce queers that helped Juno and Castor as one big community. I absolutely loved these moments when there were interactions with many others all fighting for one big goal of liberation. They were a joy to read about and I enjoyed every second the book spent around them.

Last I want to talk about the representation of Autism with Castor. This was done so lovely. As Autistic myself I often felt very seen by the way it was showed in the book. I also felt very emotional at times when Castor struggled because of it, these struggles being oh so relatable. The comfort Castor found in their safe objects made me feel so warm and made me surround myself with my own just like them. It made me feel very wholesome to connect to a character like that.

Concluding the book was a great and inspiring read and I'm excited to read more from this author. 


I read an eARC of this book and this was my honest review.