I will say immediately, the performance is scored relative to those in the rest of the series. Voices and tone are still being figured out but are still very strong.
This story has a fantastic thesis that “the shit” that is whispered to us as children may not always be true, and we may always struggle to recognize that, but the effort to live our lives with meaning despite abuse and neglect is the victory.
If you love fantasy and have wanted queer representation, so that you might view yourself in the genre that sings to your heart, this book is it. I felt so much of myself in Ox, in Joe, in Gordo and I felt comfort with father figures, mother figures, and platonic friends and every line felt healing. you’ll feel green after you read this book and this series and you’ll be far more aware of the loving ties that bind you.