Pride Month Book Review of “Burn Down, Rise Up” by Vincent Tirado
Burn Down, Rise Up
By Vincent Tirado
Released May 3rd 2022
Category: Late Middle Grade/Early YA Sci-Fi Horror Mystery That Appeals to All Ages, but Especially fans of "Stranger Things" "The X Files" "Fringe" and a little sprinkling of "Us"/"Get Out"
This is a fantastic story for younger YA readers and late middle grades. It has a beautifully diverse cast of characters, including some delightfully charming young queer rep! I highly recommend it as a night time read, but do so while snuggled safely under the covers near your favourite human or pet so none of the Passengers can drag you into the Echo while you sleep.
I really connected with these characters, and I love that the main character also reads as Neurodivergent (to me anyway)! I’m all about stories that include alternate reality, and this certainly hits the spot blending sci-fi alt universe with a bit of actual, factual history of the Bronx! I have to say that I found myself pausing my reading frequently, but not because I was bored, more so because I wanted to learn even more about this historical time period referenced in the Alt-Universe of the Echos. Blending historical fiction and sci-fi with horror is brilliant, and I found it all well detailed and intriguing! Love the world building, the mystery! I also appreciated the cultural influence of Afro-Latinx family and the regional neighbourhoods of NYC/5 Boros. It's a great way to connect kids to local history and heritage, and immerse them in cultural touchstones. In addition to Raquel and Charlize's own personal family dynamics, the messages about found family, community, and empathy are all very positive, and celebrate the beauty and bonds of friendship. But most of all, it's a genuinely solid mystery with plenty to engage fans of both sci-fi and horror fiction.
Looking forward to more stories by this author, and happy to be able to get a first look at this from a NetGalley ARC!
Queer rep includes lesbian/bisexual rep via very sweet teen queer relationships. Plus, the author is nonbinary AfroLatine and uses they/them pronouns. Love to seeeeee!
Review by Ellen Avigliano