Queen B’s Decree: This was such a unique read (and listen!) Benny is a Puerto Rican immigrant who gets caught up with a bunch of circus performers, and helps them capture a merman. And he’s immediately drawn to the merman, who he names Rio.
Benny really find his family with the circus “freaks;” he’s always felt like the odd man out (hiding his queerness) but he finally has found some people who accept him for who he is. And I can totally understand him feeling conflicted with hurting his new family—helping Rio escape will harm the company who has accepted him. But I still wanted him to make more of a stand. Alexa play “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.”
I loved him getting to know Rio and his connection to Benny. The mysticalness of them, their magic together really made this such an enthralling story.
This is also illustrated by the author and it’s glorious, I highly recommend reading with a physical copy!
Book: When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley
Series: standalone
Genre: Historical/Fantasy
Plot Devices/Tropes: LGBTQ+, found family