The Book of Love by Kelly Link
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Unfortunately for me, this book was kinda a slog. Other people's mileage might vary, of course.

I've read quite a few books like it--just imagine a bunch of young idiots, have them die, come back, have magic they need to control, but underneath it all, they're all pretty self-absorbed and thoroughly NORMAL in how they mess up their lives, love-lives, etc.

Sure, it's magical realism, and that's unfortunate, because realism when it comes to young idiots is all too commonplace and... frankly... dull.

But what about the fantasy elements? Wasn't that good, Brad?

Yeah, well, it was okay as far as it goes. On par with Locke and Key or any number of UFs, just so long as you imagine a goodly solid handful of main characters all circling each other on the peripheral, bound by the same aegis, and eventually requiring themselves to do SOMETHING (that something taking a LONG time to get to in the plot) while messing around with their after-life afterlife. Or rather, love-life.

Honestly--it was rather annoying. If you are looking for loving with a little fantasy, with all the miscommunications and ennui it involves, then this one is okay.

I don't really understand why it was nommed for the '25 Nebula.


My synesthesia smelled very little but wet fur and dust. It was familiar, but not in a good way.


Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.

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