Book: What Feeds Below by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne
Reviewed by Laney
Rating: God Tier
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book.
This is the first book I have read by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne, and it was absolutely gut-wrenching, devastating, and impactful. It had me on the edge of my seat as I cheered and cried with the characters to the very end. I don't think I've read a YA that was this brutal and a reminder of one's mortality. I loved how the author made you laugh with the characters and cry with them; it was truly a reminder of how real they felt and the challenges they faced every step of the way.
The themes of the story reminded me so much of countries, states, and cities that have been exploited for the sake of greed and the cost coming to the people of those who live there and have to pick up the pieces of what is left by tourists who refuse to listen to the locals and/or natives. It reminded me of places such as Hawaii, where the natives are losing access to clean water, being pushed off of their lands, and being exploited by corporate greed. The natives there have repeatedly told people not to visit due to what is happening, but again and again, tourism thrives there on the backs of those who are fighting to live there.
What Feeds Below by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne is a well-crafted novel that deserves its flowers, and I can't wait to read more works from her.