book tour: each of us a desert by mark oshiro (#bookreview)

Post Comment

[tour schedule]

First of all, I'd like to state that I received an ARC of Each of Us a Desert by Mark Oshiro from the publisher, Tor Teen, through Netgalley. I am also one of the stops of the Colored Pages Book Tour! Thank you so much for the opportunity :D

So, Each of Us a Desert was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020, mostly because I've been meaning to read a book from Mark Oshiro for the longest time and, well, this is a sapphic story!

Fun fact: I thought Mark Oshiro was Japanese because of his last name, but then I found out he (and his twin brother) is actually latinx! So, as a Japanese-Latina who has a twin sister, I thought this was a really weird coincidence.

Without further ado, let's review!

Each of Us a Desert 
by Mark Oshiro 
Publisher: Tor Teen 
Publication Date: September 15th, 2020
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, LGBTQ+ 
★★★★
Synopsis: From award-winning author Mark Oshiro comes a powerful coming-of-age fantasy novel about finding home and falling in love amidst the dangers of a desert where stories come to life.

Xochitl is destined to wander the desert alone, speaking her troubled village's stories into its arid winds. Her only companions are the blessed stars above and enigmatic lines of poetry magically strewn across dusty dunes.

Her one desire: to share her heart with a kindred spirit.

One night, Xo's wish is granted—in the form of Emilia, the cold and beautiful daughter of the town's murderous conqueror. But when the two set out on a magical journey across the desert, they find their hearts could be a match... if only they can survive the nightmare-like terrors that arise when the sun goes down.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC via Netgalley for the blog tour. This does not affect my opinion.

Book links: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository // Barnes & Noble // IndieBound // Kobo // Indigo // Google Play // Apple Books

Each of Us a Desert by Mark Oshiro is a fantasy novel set in a world that is now a desert. It is believed that, as a punishment, the god Solís sent a firestorm to decimate mankind and the few people who survived had to adapt to the post-apocalyptic setting.

In the midst of all of this, Xochitl is a Cuentista, a person who has the most important job of all, to hear people's stories and tell them to Solís as a way of absolvement. The part she plays is fundamental to her village, Empalme, or so she's been told all her life. However, when dangerous circumstances make her leave Empalme, she must take Emilia's help and cross the desert and get to Solado, a place she's sure she can find help.

"I had my doubts about You and Your love but at the moment surrounded by possibility ad hope it was easier to believe" — Mark Oshiro, Each of Us a Desert

I didn't know the book had the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers trope, so that was a very nice surprise. Nevertheless, I appreciated how both characters, Xochitl and Emilia, had their own separate journeys that happened to overlap. Xochitl is trying to understand her part in the world beyond being a Cuentista and Emilia wishes to flee from her cruel father. Because of that, they felt realistic and were easy to relate to. Concerning all the characters actually, Mark Oshiro was excellent in portraying the good and the bad in human nature. Throughout the book, we hear confessions from different people and therefore we learn that literally every character is flawed and carries some kind of sin. 

Xochitl especially had an amazing character development throughout the story, as she met new people and places, as she learns more about Cuentistas. More than her journey crossing the desert, that was what I enjoyed. Besides, I loved how the small stories here and there Xochitl is told shaped or reshaped the characters while also having an impact on Xo. 

“We all decided to come on this journey,” she reminded me. “You get to decide how to end it.” — Mark Oshiro, Each of Us a Desert

As for the plot, to be honest, the beginning of the book felt a little bit slow, as most fantasy novels are due to, you know, all the introductions and such. Regardless, once I reached about 25% of the story, I read it all in one sitting. The ending was satisfactory concerning the plot, although I could have read five more pages as an epilogue or something. Of course, that's just because I am a sappy greedy reader. 

Oh, and the plot is not exactly focused on romance, but if you are into a slow burn, wlw, this book is "chef's kiss".

Anyway, I have to praise Mark Oshiro for having written such a beautifully worded book. And in two languages, no less! Each of Us a Desert has a lot of Spanish in it, which I highly appreciated. But, if you don't speak the language, don't worry! The story will still be clear, I promise. Also, the world-building is amazing! It's Mark's fantasy debut and I think he's done a great job creating a post-apocalypse world with so much depth. (also, let's be real, with climate change and all, the desert-like scenario is very possible).

Each of Us a Desert by Mark Oshiro is a great fantasy read and a strong pick for the Latinx Heritage Month! 


my favorite quotes
(besides the ones already featured)
"I was alive in that solitude. I was full, satiated by the knowledge that someone out in the world understood me. It never lasted long enough." — Mark Oshiro, Each of Us a Desert

"Cada una de nosotras es una desierta
Solitaria y vasta
Quemada
Nos estiramos por siempre
Each of us a desert
solitary and vast
burned
we stretch forever" — Mark Oshiro, Each of Us a Desert

"I was born to a body meant to help others. But I am so selfish, Solís. I give and I give and I give myself: to You, to mi gente, but why did you put me in a body with such unending desire? That wants so much that it cannot have?" — Mark Oshiro, Each of Us a Desert


“We are the stories we tell one another.” — Mark Oshiro, Each of Us a Desert



Author Information
Mark Oshiro is the author of Anger is a Gift (Tor Teen), winner of the 2019 Schneider Family Book Award and nominated for a 2019 Lammy Award (in the LGBTQ Children’s/Young Adult category). Upcoming novels include Each of Us a Desert (Tor Teen), a YA Fantasy novel out September 15, 2020, and The Insiders (Harper Collins), an MG Contemporary with magical elements out Fall 2021. When they are not writing, crying on camera about fictional characters for their online Mark Does Stuff universe, or traveling, Mark is busy trying to fulfill their lifelong goal: to pet every dog in the world. 

Author Links: 


Tour hosted by Colored Pages Tours

0 comentários