When I read the synopsis for Anthropocene Rag, months ago, I was so excited to get my hands on this book. Dystopian setting, roaming monsters, sentient AI, religious themes– these are things I love most in speculative fiction!

To say that I’m beyond bummed that this book didn’t work for me is an understatement. There were so many characters and so many story lines and just way too many different narrative voices throughout the book. Ultimately, I think the sheer number of characters overwhelmed the plot.

I will say, the novella reminded me of the western vibe of Sarah Gailey’s novellas- both River of Teeth and Upright Women Wanted. But where I loved Gailey’s work (both 5 huge stars) I was not as much of a fan here. I do think it’s a novella worth giving a shot if you are really into strange dystopian worlds, quasi-western vibes, or artsy Sci Fi projects. Sadly, this just wasn’t the book for me.

2 stars (and I DNFed). Whomp whomp.

Thanks to Netgalley and Tor.com for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review!

What’s your latest DNF? Or book that otherwise disappointed you?