3.5
Liked the characters but the blurb gave away 70% of the book so it just felt like i was waiting for them to catch up.

I found exploring gender identity interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of An Epic Construct.

This book was so unique and relatable, taking its time exploring the challenges of entering a relationship for anxious people, especially when there are identity struggles happening. It was so refreshing to read characters who are careful and intelligent and empathetic in their communication. Highly recommend!

The only downside is the formatting in the ARC copy was an absolute mess and made the book quite challenging to read… many letters being left out, and some sentences randomly getting scrambled so I had to decipher what the true order of the sentences should be.

Ugh, maybe there’s a reason “don’t judge a book by its cover” exists as a concept. But I don’t think that’s the primary issue (though I do have quarrel with the cover). Maybe it should be, “don’t judge art by its marketing.”

Anymore, though, marketing is given, if not equal weight with the work itself, at the very least a huge impact on a given piece of media. And while I’ve defended movies, books, plays, etc., that have gotten a bad reputation on the back of crappy promotional efforts, I also don’t really judge or blame people who don’t want to take the effort to go beyond what they’re presented. It’s not like it’s the consumer’s fault the very people tasked with presenting a piece of art’s best facets to the world failed miserably.

All of which is to say, you should go into this book with your eyes open. This is not a happy-go-lucky romance, with a quick meet-cute and maybe a little tension and probably a dog or a cat for some antics, but ultimately it’s a straight shot with but a speed bump or two along a defined path to Love.

There’s romance involved, to an extent, but more accurately this a book about coming to terms with one’s queer identity, and how to navigate that alongside others.

Trigger warnings for parental issues, some intense self-loathing and depression.

I don’t think it’s a spoiler alert (the titular “epic construct” turns out to have been gender all along, presumably with the candlestick in the conservatory) to say that I can’t even give you a straight (or not-straight) gender pairing in the tags.

But I will say that the book seems an honest recounting of people who are having all sorts of gender feels. It painstakingly earns its twist (though tbh much like an M. Night movie, if you’re even slightly paying attention it’s not much of a reveal), and there’s a surprisingly broad spectrum of queer identities plumbed.

I had trouble trying to figure out who I’d recommend this book to. Maybe baby gays (and bis-es, and trans-es, etc.), for the solidarity note that you are not alone in figuring this out and gender is hard?

I’d almost wish to be able to give it to every cis person who doesn’t understand that figuring out what gender box to tick (or pics to swipe on, for relationships) isn’t easy for everyone, but it is the case that the Venn diagram people who would most benefit from reading the book and those who never would is devastatingly close to a circle.

So if you’re looking for a gender exploration / queer awakening narrative, this might be up your alley. If you’re looking more for a straightforward romance, well, there’s the whole rest of the website to explore.

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

I don't normally read romance books because they are just unbelievable (in both events and conversations), contrived, predictable, overly dramatic, have self- involved characters, and include some miscommunication as the conflict. So, in that regard, it didn't disappoint. These people are supposed to be 30ish, but definitely act more like they're in a YA. They're definitely privileged- show me someone who will throw their phone in an ocean after dating someone for a few weeks unofficially, and I'll show you someone who's never had to worry about money a day in their lives. And I just was frustrated at a lot. The reveal is basically spoiled in the book blurb- but I was really hoping it would be something else. Of all unbelievable things, that makes no sense to me. I also get frustrated at full grown adults who know they need help, but refuse to get it, and so just instead choose to burden those around them. Friends can only help so much if you refuse to help yourself. And in those situations, getting into relationships is definitely a bad idea.

I could go on, but maybe these things aren't as frustrating for romance readers. In terms of the writing, I found some parts to be repetitive, sometimes overly verbose. In terms of how many times it was said, I'm convinced that a lot of their relationship is based on the fact that they think the other is hot. I know people will like this just for representation's sake, but there must be better adult books out there. Even just changing it so Penelope is the younger sister, fresh out of college and marketing it for a younger audience would make it make more sense.

This was a lovely book, 3.5 stars rounded up to 4! I really liked the main relationship, and it’s a portrayal of different gender identities I haven’t read about very often in published media! I admit I was worried when I got to the resolution of the conflict, because grand public gestures give me so much second-hand embarrassment so I was relieved to keep reading and see that it didn’t really end up being public. And it made me tear up! I loved them affirming each other. 🥹 I also will say though that something about the dialogue felt...idk, like an overly explain-y tumblr post? Not how real people talk? I mean I’m sure some people do but it took me out of it at times. Still, I really enjoyed this and I was excited to get to the end and see that there’s gonna be a sequel!

Thanks to NetGalley and The Paper House for the ARC, all opinions are my own..

I tried so hard for so long to try and get into this book, but it just wasn’t for me, and that’s okay!! I loved the concept so much, and I really loved the characters, and I wish I’d been able to get into this book and enjoy it, but it’s taken me two months to read 40% and I just have to admit it isn’t working and move on!! I definitely want to try and read more from this author again in the future tho!!!

"An Epic Construct" is an engaging fantasy adventure that keeps you hooked from the first page. With vivid world-building and relatable characters, Cutler-Tran creates a story that transports you to another realm. Full of twists and turns, this book is a thrilling ride from start to finish.

i really enjoyed reading the book! it was a story with representation that I haven't really seen talked about and it all feels natural (even with the plot twists).
both MCs are very likeable and you root for the two of them. their relationship is very realistic and while very cute, also shows all the baggage you carry around to relationships. and the friends are amazing!
I honestly can't wait to read the next one.

So I’m going to do something I don’t normally do here and try to do a summary for this book. (I’m shit at summaries so I normally just do vibes.) I don’t think you should look up the summary for this book. I think if you’re going to read this, you should just pick it up and start. Okay so.

Penelope and Riley, both scorned by disastrous dating attempts, turn to a dating app, where they meet and begin dating. As a favor to her brother, Penelope hosts a drag show as drag king Pen’n Winks. With the help of drag queen Sham Pain and Taylor, who Penelope meets at the drag show, Penelope begins to explore her gender identity and how she’s never really felt much like a woman, or a man for that matter. And new relationships are no easy matter, between Riley, who she could love if only he’d open up to her, and the spark of chemistry she feels with Taylor, Penelope has got a lot on her plate.

This book is a wild rollercoaster. It’s a lot of fun. I love Penelope. She’s an absolute joy. Riley is a sweetheart teddy bear that was played with too hard, and you just want to patch him back up and cuddle him and tell him it’ll all be okay. Really liked Taylor too, and all of Penelope and Riley’s friends.

There’s a few criticisms I have of this that I can’t really discuss without spoiling things, so I’ll just say there there’s a few nitpicky points I have where some sacrifices were made so the plot could advance like the author wanted it to. And there’s a few more nitpicky details I have where I wanted to say like, “Okay, we get it, so this isn’t necessary.”

But all over, I really liked this. I had a great time reading it. I read it pretty much in one sitting, giving my wife constant updates as I went through the highs and lows of this rollercoaster plot. There’s a lot of good discussion about gender and what it means to different people and what that means that it should mean to you, etc.

Someone DM me if you’ve read this and want to talk about it. Because I really want to talk more about it.

Thanks to NetGalley and The Paper House for a copy of this ebook in exchange for a honest review.

I’ve moved mostly to <a href=“ https://www.instagram.com/p/C3ySbBOvqFl/?igsh=MXQ5ZWV0eHFzbjQ1YQ==”>Instagram</a> so join me there if you’d like.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

4.5 of 5

This novel captures a lot of topics involving being queer in such an incredible way AND puts it into a story which just visualises so much better how confusing finding your own identity can be and how coming into terms with yourself is not easy. It is combined with enough laughter to not make this entire thing feel too heavy when you most need it. An incredible book.

This was overall a cute story and a cute idea with lots of rep, but the writing just didn’t do it for me. The dialogue felt pretty stilted and took me out of the story most of the time!

Penelope is queer and is getting back in the dating game and using a dating app. This was a sweet story about dating, gender, and self-exploration.

4⭐️

First of all, thank you NetGalley and The Paper House for the ARC.

“An Epic Construct” is a queer love story that explores various topics such as self-discovery, finding love and acceptance, and mental health.

I liked the relationship between the characters, both the romantic and the platonic ones.

The characters were fantastic and I adored how much supportive they were with each other.

The author's portrayal of depression and anxiety was also well-done.

I highly suggest this book to everyone and I will definitely read both the sequel and prequel.

Representation :
-pansexual nonbinary MC
-queer gender fluid MC
-asexual romantic lesbian FSC
-bisexual MSC
-bisexual FSC
-trans MSC

TW: anxiety and depression

I enjoyed the growth of the main character that you meet first. The handling of gender identity, gender disphoria, and everything else is done wonderfully. I really enjoyed reading this book.

This book was precious. IS precious. It’s such a beautiful and informative read. As a cisgender person who considers themself a HUGE ally- this gave me incredible insight to how the LGBTQIA+ community feels and goes through. I respect it so much and it made me cry how tender this book made me.

Beautiful 10/10 thank you

Thank you NetGalley for the review copy!

Incredible queer book that has everything you want - from friendship to sexuality and diversity.
Highly recommend! :)

An Epic Construct is a highly enjoyable and meaningful read. The LGBT+ representation, mental illness representation, and the ways the two intersect is relatable in a way that I don't often see in media. I have a million and one praises to sing about this book and can't articulate all of them, but it boils down to An Epic Construct being a validating experience for me as a queer, mentally ill twenty-something. It addresses the layers of how scary dating can be in a way that makes failed past experiences feel less like outright failures and more like bricks in the path towards something happy later on. And the book also has charming, sometimes even ridiculous moments that will make you laugh and smile. Also cute pets. Overall, an amazing book about the importance of open communication but also taking things at your own pace in both your relationships with others and your relationship with yourself.

This was a really cute novel dealing with real issues. I loved the expression of gender and all the characters. This was a special read.

Thank you Netgalley, Paper House publishing and most importantly Dawn Cutler-Tran! This book was moving and important and beautiful. Not just coming of age, but learning about one self and how we identify all while trying to live in this wild world. I will be telling my friends about this book in hopes they also enjoy it!