I found this a challenging story to read because I engaged completely with the main character, Brio McPride, and, consequently, experienced the rollercoaster of his positive and negative emotions with him. I especially loved trying to decode the veiled hints to his memories, fears, and assumptions as they unfolded through the Hoggit’s narrative. I felt angry on Brio’s behalf at the way he’d been manipulated and lied to all his life.
The main characters were vivid individuals who were awed enough to feel real. The plot was excellent. The pacing was good. The background research was thorough and effectively woven into the story. I thought that extremely sensitive subjects (mental illness, suicide, gay/trans identity, religious indoctrination and narrowmindedness) were explored in a frank, credible, and enlightening way.
