RT Book Review Round-up: An Unsuitable Heir by K.J. Charles
10/11/2017
I really loved An Unsuitable Heir by K.J. Charles. My review for RT was super-positive, 4 1/2 Stars Top Pick, as I felt it was a fantastic conclusion to what has been a fantastic series by Charles.
In her final Sins of the Cities novel, Charles once again makes consent, recognition and acceptance gloriously romantic and she crafts a tense and suspenseful story resolving the series-long mystery. When conflicting loyalties and differing definitions of security and safety lead to a betrayal that imperils Pen and Mark’s budding relationship, heartbreak seems inevitable. However, Charles’ solution is deeply satisfying. In this conclusion, Charles deftly ties together series events and themes and delivers an optimistic and sweet ending worthy of its captivating and resilient characters
However as I read reviews from trans and genderfluid folk, I've come to realize that I missed some dynamics that are worth noting particularly on the themes of recognition and acceptance.
This thread by Corey Alexander was particularly helpful in recognizing what stuff I missed:
Folks, I'm looking for reviews of An Unsuitable Heir, written by trans &/or non-binary reviewers (esp genderfluid reviewers). Know any?
— Corey Alexander (@TGStoneButch) September 19, 2017
Particularly this section:
As a disabled non-binary person, I know from personal experience that these things work differently, that they don't line up this way.
— Corey Alexander (@TGStoneButch) September 19, 2017
So while I still loved the book overall, these #ownvoices reviews illustrated for me the vital context I was missing that make me rethink my super-positive take on the book.