A haunting YA contemporary
We Are the Ashes, We Are the Fire is a haunting, voice-forward YA contemporary novel that mixes both prose and verse. I loved Joy McCullough's debut, Blood Water Paint, and was really looking forward to this one. It follows Em, whose older sister has been sexually assaulted. Her rapist has been found guilty but isn't sentenced to any time.
Enraged by this verdict, Em finds herself obsessed with a historical tale about a girl knight, Marguerite de Bressieux, who avenged women who were raped. Em becomes interested in sword-fighting and finds herself making new friends.
This was a compelling story about sisterhood, vengeance, and rape culture. I especially liked that the main character was challenged to work through her responses and not center herself in her sister's experiences.
In terms of representation, Em is half-Guatemalan, but I have had difficulty finding any Own Voices reviews regarding this rep. There is also a supporting character who is non-binary.
Overall, a compelling read that was hard to put down and will be perfect for fans of Mindy McGinnis and Courtney Summers.
Enraged by this verdict, Em finds herself obsessed with a historical tale about a girl knight, Marguerite de Bressieux, who avenged women who were raped. Em becomes interested in sword-fighting and finds herself making new friends.
This was a compelling story about sisterhood, vengeance, and rape culture. I especially liked that the main character was challenged to work through her responses and not center herself in her sister's experiences.
In terms of representation, Em is half-Guatemalan, but I have had difficulty finding any Own Voices reviews regarding this rep. There is also a supporting character who is non-binary.
Overall, a compelling read that was hard to put down and will be perfect for fans of Mindy McGinnis and Courtney Summers.