A review by teaand_tomes
ChloroPhilia by Cristina Jurado

dark reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

Thank you Cristina Jurado, Apex Book Company, and Edelweiss Plus for the free book!

This novella is a haunting, poetic, and deeply thought-provoking piece of science fiction that lingers in your mind long after finishing. The dystopian setting, where humanity clings to survival inside domes while battling environmental devastation, creates a vivid backdrop for Kirmen's unsettling transformation.

The story beautifully intertwines elements of love, loss, and the lengths to which people will go for the greater good. Cristina Jurado's writing, brought to life in English by Sue Burke’s translation, is exquisite—blending chilling science experiments with poetic reflections on what Earth once was.

Kirmen’s journey from fear of rejection to acceptance of his metamorphosis is both heartbreaking and fascinating, and the novella doesn’t shy away from the darker truths behind survival. The ending? A powerful, WTF moment that will have you rereading just to process everything.

Sue Burke’s narration perfectly captures the mood of this story, adding another layer of depth and emotion. If you enjoy speculative fiction with a touch of poetry and darkness, ChloroPhilia is a must-read. 

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