SECTION 1: URBAN FANTASY BOOKS SIMILAR TO LIESMITH When I started reading Liesmith by Alis Franklin, it felt a lot like Neil Gaiman's American Gods. There are similarities in structure and approach to the God in a modern world scenario, but Franklin puts her own spin on this fascinating concept of God's living among mortals. I also feel that Franklin had the space to explore sexuality that may not have been as socially acceptable/available to Gaiman when he wrote American Gods. Seeing the tv-version of American Gods full of sexual and gender fluidity filled me with delight to see more representation! SECTION 2: MOST POWERFUL THEMES REPRESENTED IN LIESMITH In Liesmith by Alis Franklin, one of the most powerful themes is about the fluctuations of identity. Does our past stop us from growing and changing? Can our memories or perceptions of ourselves be trusted? What does it mean to love someone for who they are? These are all beautifully addressed throughout the novel. Franklin does an excellent job with having these characters explore themselves and their connections, and I feel that also gives the reader space to similar self-exploration into identity. SECTION 3: WHAT I DID NOT LIKE ABOUT LIESMITH Out of everything from Liesmith by Alis Franklin, the only thing I would complain about would be her pacing during the action sequences in the latter half of the book. She has groups of characters in different places, which always poses a challenge with balancing those voices and making sure the action doesn't get too muddy. Not to mention action sequences that border on vision, memory, and something else altogether. Great conceptually, but this can make things tricky for the reader to understand fully at times. You can also support your local library and rent this and other Urban Fantasy stories through the Libby app SECTION 4: WHO WILL LOVE AND HATE LIESMITH People who enjoy Norse mythology in the modern era, queer fiction, and multi-dimension magic will absolutely adore Liesmith by Alis Franklin. If you are uncomfortable with men kissing, or if you're not big into the blending of epic and urban fantasy, then this is probably not your book. Section 5: L. Rigdon’s star rating of Liesmith I give Liesmith by Alis Franklin 4 out of 5 stars. Franklin pulled me in with unique characters, a flirtatious romance (which almost never pulls me in as a reader), the multiple points of view, and the magical elements of the Norse world. I felt the explanation at the end mostly made sense, but some elements came a little out of left field. There could've been more prep/clue-dropping that would have solidified the explanation better. Still, a fun read.
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