Anytime I see the word "strega" in a book's summary, I immediately give it a closer look and usually end up reading it. "The Brilliant Death" was no different. Teo is an amazing, strong strega, using her powerful gift to protect her family. She's also the first genderqueer protagonist that I've read. Her love interest is the genderfluid Cielo, who is brilliant and charming and transformative (literally!). These two working together to save Teo's family, not to mention help each other discover the full extent of Teo's gifts, proves to be a wonderous adventure. This universe's concept of magic is intriguing, though could have been more developed.
Though the book can stand alone, I do hope there is a sequel!
****MAJOR SPOILER BELOW****
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My one quibble is that it is too fast-paced in certain parts. Luca's death, in particular, didn't pack as much of an emotional punch as it should have. Whether it's because he died 100 pages or because a strong relationship between him and Teo was underdeveloped, I'm not sure.
Though the book can stand alone, I do hope there is a sequel!
****MAJOR SPOILER BELOW****
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*
*
*
*
*
*
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My one quibble is that it is too fast-paced in certain parts. Luca's death, in particular, didn't pack as much of an emotional punch as it should have. Whether it's because he died 100 pages or because a strong relationship between him and Teo was underdeveloped, I'm not sure.