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A review by venanana
So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
4.0
So Let Them Burn is a perfectly wonderful YA series about two sisters, Faron; the chosen hero baby sister, and Elara; the overlooked older sister with incredible power of her own. The dynamic between them is an unbreakable bond of sisterhood and devotion, it's sorta the whole point. While the affections of each sister don't actually seem that unbreakable, Elara does not share the same 'I would do anything, even betray the gods for my sister.' and I think that's perfect for the tale of downfall that befalls the beloved hero.
The prose is simple and descriptive, easy to follow and easy to imagine but could have used more detail on certain things; like the Drakes. The mech dragons... I was just imagining Seto Kaiba's Blue Eyes White Dragon Airplane instead of what I imagine was much smaller, three person air crafts in the shape of dragons. Another issue with the prose, the sisters don't really have unique voices. I was listening to the audio book, and sometimes when I wasn't paying attention, the chapter would change and I wouldn't realize until I notice the voice was different.
This was also the one time I was not rooting for someone to kiss the nerdy lil ginger, it felt kinda forced until the end with (no spoilers) and (no spoilers) then I was like 'Oooooooo, I get it.' Read the book and you will also understand.
However, the sapphics didn't feel forced; they did feel rushed. There is A LOT of story in the book, but the actual lead up to the romance is rather dry. It is mostly Elara thinking 'Wow, Signey is so beautiful, but nooo. I can't think like that; she's the enemy' and then they kiss... When there was a chance for a much deeper connection to be explored through their bond and moments for actual intimacy were just not done. I'm not picky about my sapphics, as one myself, but as queer stories become more and more acceptable, I want more than what I got from So Let Them Burn...
Overall, a pretty good read. If you love a main character who askes "Is this my fault" and you finally get to go "yes, absolutely" this for you! I really liked it, and might be something I pick up in physical form and put on my shelf like a lil serial killer trophy :)
The prose is simple and descriptive, easy to follow and easy to imagine but could have used more detail on certain things; like the Drakes. The mech dragons... I was just imagining Seto Kaiba's Blue Eyes White Dragon Airplane instead of what I imagine was much smaller, three person air crafts in the shape of dragons. Another issue with the prose, the sisters don't really have unique voices. I was listening to the audio book, and sometimes when I wasn't paying attention, the chapter would change and I wouldn't realize until I notice the voice was different.
This was also the one time I was not rooting for someone to kiss the nerdy lil ginger, it felt kinda forced until the end with (no spoilers) and (no spoilers) then I was like 'Oooooooo, I get it.' Read the book and you will also understand.
However, the sapphics didn't feel forced; they did feel rushed. There is A LOT of story in the book, but the actual lead up to the romance is rather dry. It is mostly Elara thinking 'Wow, Signey is so beautiful, but nooo. I can't think like that; she's the enemy' and then they kiss... When there was a chance for a much deeper connection to be explored through their bond and moments for actual intimacy were just not done. I'm not picky about my sapphics, as one myself, but as queer stories become more and more acceptable, I want more than what I got from So Let Them Burn...
Overall, a pretty good read. If you love a main character who askes "Is this my fault" and you finally get to go "yes, absolutely" this for you! I really liked it, and might be something I pick up in physical form and put on my shelf like a lil serial killer trophy :)