Questions About Furyborn (Empirium, #1)

by Claire Legrand (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

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Answered Questions (24)

Is there anything inappropriate in this book? What age group would it be best suited for?

Chris Keefe I'm sure I'll catch flak for this reading, but I believe the book's portrayal of sexual and relational power dynamics is fundamentally unhealthy. I wo…moreI'm sure I'll catch flak for this reading, but I believe the book's portrayal of sexual and relational power dynamics is fundamentally unhealthy. I wouldn't recommend the book for anyone still in a formative period of social/emotional development.

There's plenty of sex in contemporary media, and there's nothing inherently wrong with that. Portrayals that normalize healthy, loving intimacy can model healthy real-world relationships. Socially transgressive sexual practices, when approached safely and with full buy-in by the parties involved, can absolutely be a part of healthy, loving relationships. Furyborn, though, is rarely a book about loving relationships, and its romanticization of abuse should be considered before labeling it YA fiction.

Sexuality in this book is tightly bound to dynamics of power and control. The protagonist approximates a strong female lead, but experiences compulsive attraction toward a character that is controlling of her, treats her family/friends/community with extreme violence, and interacts with her in ways reminiscent of stalking behavior.

The "I just can't help but want the bad man" trope is not unique to this book, but that doesn't make it any less unsettling. (See tropes 1 and 3 here: https://www.bustle.com/articles/15487...). Legrand normalizes abusive behavior, and normalizes the idea that love/lust can be inescapable, despite horrible cruelties.

Abusive relationships and emotional entrapment happen, and are probably relatable to many young people. I am not advocating that portrayals of these experiences should not exist, or should be barred to teens. Rather, I'm asking whether it is wise to cast them as titillating fun. (less)

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Is this a romance?

T.R. Horne Not a bunch of romance but definitely some anxious love...I loved this book and the level of romance, action, suspense. I did video about it on Youtub…moreNot a bunch of romance but definitely some anxious love...I loved this book and the level of romance, action, suspense. I did video about it on Youtube under Yoshima Books if you want to see a non-spoiler review. (less)

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Is there anything involving a voice in the character's head? I've seen a reel in which I believe it says the love interest is a voice in their head. (Weird question, I know xD)

Chloe If you haven’t already read this book, I recommend it. But to answer your question, yes there is some mind-speaking. Is one of the characters romantic…moreIf you haven’t already read this book, I recommend it. But to answer your question, yes there is some mind-speaking. Is one of the characters romantically involved with a mind-speaking character? Maybe. I really don’t want to give away any spoilers. So please just do me a favour and pick up this amazing book! ❤️❤️(less)

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is this book more YA or more NA?

Justin I'm pretty sure it's more NA...I made the mistake of picking this up at like 10-11 years of age; now from what I remember (with me now reading the Whe…moreI'm pretty sure it's more NA...I made the mistake of picking this up at like 10-11 years of age; now from what I remember (with me now reading the Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan) I'd say it's NA due to sexual/romantic content. If you're fine with somewhat intense violence (which my brain was able to handle at the time) then I'd say you'd be fine reading it. But overall I'd say it's NA.(less)

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Is this book right for a 10 years old girl? Should I restrain her from reading it? Thanks a lot!