I did not have time to finish reading this book before it was archived, so I'm unable to leave a review.

Ok so honestly this was a DNF for me. I don't know what I was thinking when I read the description but for some reason I had it in my head that this was a fantasy/sci-fic type book. Sci-fic yes but in no way fantasy. This is a dystopian title all the way. There is nothing wrong with that if you are a person who loves dystopian titles. I however do not. I am also not really in a mindset right now to try and muscle through, so I chose to set it down and will be finding something significantly fluffier for the time being.

Under This Forgetful Sky gave me a very 3% vibe, obviously because of the South American setting and dystopian content, but honestly anything that gives me 3% vibes is going to be an automatic win. And this book very much was a win. I was kind of sold from the start, as I adored the author's descriptions of the settings, and the very different points of view of our main characters Rumi and Paz. And frankly, the story just kept getting better and better.

I think the thing I loved the most is that it is very morally gray, and you can't really decipher who the "bad side" is, or if there is even fully one (or more likely, more than one). We're all the heroes of our own story, after all. Each of the main characters is desperate for something. For Paz, it is to become part of the rebellion, and for Rumi, it's to save his father. Of course, neither one knows what they have gotten themselves into.

It's an exciting story, because the characters must dodge all kinds of obstacles, both of the human variety and the natural variety. They also have no idea who can be trusted, and the answer is quite possibly that no one can. So there is a lot at stake for both characters, and at times, their goals conflict. They also begin to develop a bond, which of course makes everything that much more intense, because they obviously don't want to betray each other, but.

I also really loved the author's note about her travels to Chile and how this book came to be. She based much of the world off of the history of the colonization of the Mapuche people, and you should really read more of both the book and the author's note to uncover this all. For me, it made the world building even more important and emotive. The book does end in a satisfying way, but with definite potential for more. And I for one would be first in line.

Bottom Line: Yeah I loved this book. I need more of this story, more of this world, and more of these characters, please and thanks.

Thoughts

It's hard for me to describe exactly what I love about this book except to say that it is everything new YA dystopia should be. We've tread the same paths for the last decade, and dystopia is all about new paths, new worlds. This book is both lovely and horrific. Set in Chile after the collapse of the world as we know it, it beautiful captures both the feeling of Chilean writing and the classic touch of dystopian fear. It is strangely uplifting and hopeful even when absolutely horrific... In other words, I am in love.

Pros
Revolutionary: This book is full of revolutionaries, which is classic in dystopia but also classic in a lot of Latin American writing because revolutionaries aren't just some what-if but a very tangible part of Latin America in history and contemporarily. I love that this makes "rebels" feel so new, because these rebels are so grounded, so distinctly real and not just stock figures in this dystopian setting. The revolutionaries here aren't so black and white either. They do a lot of good (or they hope to) while also committing some horrible acts.

Atmosphere: This is one of the most vivid apocalyptic worlds in which I've immersed myself in a long time. The last I can think of that hit me so hard with its descriptions was Julianna Baggott's Pure. This book is scorching sands, burning toxins, and flashy technology that helps the privilege few stay distracted and above it all. Creeping vines crawl over ruins, and colorful shanty towns spring up out of the bones of our dead world. You can feel the toxic air, the bite of poisoned water. Everything is so vivid, so engrossing, right down to the perfect ending, mingling in both tragedy and hope.

Unapologetic: This is a world where code-switching is normal, a world where both Spanish and English coexist and predominant languages, and this book rightfully acknowledges that by making Spanish no big deal. There are two distinct points-of-view in this book, and Paz's perspective includes more Spanish -- Spanish that is often translated for the reader, since Paz herself understands these words. But Rumi doesn't, and when we're immersed in his perspective, a lot of this Spanish is left to sit. He's confused, and readers unfamiliar with Spanish will be left without a translator, just like he is. This adds to his confusion and frustration, and this adds to the world Lauren Yero builds. I love how natural, how unapologetic the Spanish is in this book. I want more books like it!


Cons
Too Many Things: This book wants to be a lot of things, and as lovely as it is, sometimes all the pieces feel overwhelming. It is a book steeped in poetry, storytelling traditions, and various cultures, and this helps it to feel full. But all of this on top of the dual POVs also means that a reader can be bombarded. The pieces don't always come together seamlessly. The poetry is beautiful. The call to listen to these stories feels distinctly Chilean, and all of these pieces feel too independent to be part of one great tapestry.

Brutal: This world isn't for the faint of heart. It's a world where you might have to slice your own throat--or watch someone you know do that. You run the risk of being ripped apart by dogs. You might be burned alive if you step over the line, and even if you don't, you'll have to hear the screaming. It's rough to read at times--rough most especially because it mirrors things that happen in our very real reality. Corruption abounds on all sides, from the state and the revolutionaries, and the innocents suffer.

Suddenly Sharing: This story is a lot of things, and one of those things is a love story. And I don't mind that. I just thought that it moved a bit too quickly once it got started. Paz is a very closed-off character and for good reason. Sharing her secrets could lead to her death and all too easily. But she starts falling for a guy, and she's suddenly willing to share. She doesn't do it, but the fact that she even considers it in the moment feels a little unlike something the character would do. It felt unrealistic. It pulled me out of the story.


Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8/10

Fans of Scott Westerfeld's Pretties will like this dark and deadly world of haves and have-nots. Those who enjoyed Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 will love a meddling government doing exactly what the people desire.

This book managed to be so many things at once for me. The worldbuilding was sweetly nostalgic composed of a diverse community that felt very much like home despite the dystopian setting! I'm not sure how else to say it, but the characters in the story reminded me of the people I grew up with while their fears of Upper City, sickness, poverty, and gentrification is a story as old as time, specifically, in this case, in latiné communities. The fairytale aspect weaved magically throughout the plot. The twists were so good, and that ending...that's all I'll say. No spoilers, but wow.

Honestly... Just okay for me. It was fun, sweet, and entertaining but, there was something missing. The characters and storyline wasn't as fleshed out as I would have liked and I lost interest about halfway through.