Historically gay fantasy has been dominated by people that by their very orientations can't understand, not truly, what it means to be a gay person. Santoni goes a long way in correcting this error. That doesn't mean that none exist, but LGBTQ novels have leaned toward being contemporary and issue-based. moreĪs a queer reader, one of the most significant problems in modern YA is the lack of own voices, gay, fantasy novels. They were left un-executed and almost seemed like three different fantasy-worlds patched together into one.ĪRC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest reviewįOLLOW MY BLOG FOR MORE BOOK GOODNESS. And the different fantasy elements just didn't seem to go together somehow, it was as if there were too many ideas. Everything was super confusing because it was unexplained. World building: Yeah, this part was REALLY lacking. Writing: Sorry, but the writing felt almost amateurish, there were simply too many unnecessary descriptions.They hindered the story instead of driving it forward. Pace: The pace was just all over the place, making the story feel oddly patchy and fragmented. Magic?: What magic? Though this is a book about magic and wizards, there is actually very little magic in it. I loved how each of these were represented. Blake is probably pansexual though it is never voiced. Hunter is a little unsure of his sexuality at first. I was so excited for this book mainly because if the title - I mean, how can you not get excited about a book about a gay wizard who so openly claims his sexuality that the books is named after it?! Sadly, it had a lot of issues that made it hard to love this book as much as I wanted to.
Hunter is INTERESTING PREMISE, POOR EXECUTION Nothing gay about that." THE THINGS I LIKED Queer representation: Johnny is gay. INTERESTING PREMISE, POOR EXECUTION Actual rating: 2.5 ⭐️ I was so excited for this book mainly because if the title - I mean, how can you not get excited about a book about a gay wizard who so openly claims his sexuality that the books is named after it?! Sadly, it had a lot of issues that made it hard to love this book as much as I wanted to. But when they’re pulled into an epic, supernatural fight that could cost them both their lives, Johnny and Alison find strength they never knew they had as they battle for love, acceptance, and their own happy ending-all with the help of a little magic.more Once there, Johnny and Alison are told they can never return to their previous lives, and must quickly adapt to a new world shimmering with monsters, fraternities, and cute boys like Hunter and Blake. Sure, it’d be great if they could banish bullies or change their lives for the better, and what harm could come from lighting a few candles and chanting a few spells? When they cause an earthquake that shakes Chicago to its core, they draw the attention of the Marduk Institute, an age-old organization dedicated to fostering the talents of young wizards.
When Johnny and his best friend, Alison, pass their summer holidays dabbling in magic, they never expect it to have consequences. Sure, it’d be great if they could banish bullies or change their lives for the better, and what harm could come from lighting a few candles and chanting a few spells? When they cause You try magic once and it sticks to you like glitter glue. You try magic once and it sticks to you like glitter glue.