.5 rounded up!

I would like to say a thank you to the author and the publisher for giving me the ARC of this book in return for an honest review!

Oh how this book broke my heart which is something I should have known going by Hideous Beauty, I should have been prepared and yet I wasn't.

You follow Gabriel who has always known he was gay but has had to grow up under the rules of the Protectorate which was made to protect the public good which meant being gay was against the law, the worst crime to commit. So he hides himself away from everyone apart from his small group of school friends, what he didn't expect is to fall for the son of the chief inspector of degenerate behaviour, who would have Gabriel sent to a re-pure camp or worse to the noose.

There are so many secrets, more than even Gabriel knew about but in the end secrets always find there way of coming out in the end...

I loved this, the world building was good and the characters were brilliant. Gab's group of friends were perfectly written and the queer rep was on point! The scary thing about it all was that it seemed so..plausible, even now in the year 2021 there are countries were it is illegal to be part of the LGBT+ community, there are still places where you can't be seen walking down the street hand in hand with the person you love. This book is the reason we need to keep fighting, we need to keep heading in the right direction. Pushing to be seen and heard.

Honestly this is probably one of my best reads of the year even though it is only February. I really can not wait to have the physical book in my hands!

Marked it down .5 of a star just because the ending was a little flat for me, though it ended how I wanted it to, or that I hoped it would end actually I still think it was a little rushed. I would have preferred another few chapters just to end the story with a little more information but that is the only thing I could mark this book down for.

It's released on April 1st and I encourage anyone reading this no matter who you are or who you love to pick this up and give it a read! Just prepare to be heartbroken!

The Outrage is a powerful read. Set in a dystopian future it's not hard to imagine the world William Hussey has created being something that sadly could happen.
An all-consuming read, you laugh, you ache and cry for the characters in the book. Their joy, pain and fear feel like it's yours.
The Outrage is a book that will stand the test of time and will become vital reading on school reading lists worldwide as it makes you ask questions about the world we live in and how as a society we perceive people.
It's a fantastic book that I cannot recommend enough.

I’ve sat and thought about what I want to write and nothing seems to sound quite right, so this may not be as straight forward as my normal reviews. Please stick it out if you can.

I really appreciate the trigger warnings, straight away, I was prepared for some aspects of this book. I am thankful they are being used in books more.

I saw some reviews mentioning the tag line (what if falling in love was a crime?). I’m not sure if there has been an edit, because the tag line is no longer on the cover of my ARC or written in the description (unless I’m missing it), but there are a couple of paragraphs at the start of the book stating it is still illegal in places, as well as a couple of websites. If there has been an edit to remove the tag line, add the paragraphs and the websites, then I think that really was a great change.

Let’s talk about the book being set in England.

LGBTQ+ history was never taught when I was at school, it was never mentioned by adults. Section 28 was in place from 1988-2003, but the seeds it planted are still growing. I went to secondary school between 2007 - 2012, section 28 was never mentioned, neither was being queer. It was like everyone was still struck with fear when it came to talking about LGBTQ+ topics. It’s only just starting to change.

I know some teens that think because it’s not illegal to be LGBTQ+ in the UK, it’s the same elsewhere. Let alone that in some places, it’s not only illegal, but a crime punishable by death.

I’m including this because it’s books like this, that could help teens realise how things are worldwide when they haven’t known anything different because of the privileges they have. As someone who has lived here my whole life, I see the lack of LGBTQ+ knowledge all around, let alone the discrimination and hate. Flipping it around, and giving them a glimpse into what could have happened in the UK brings it to their awareness. Although the story is fictional, some of the events are very real for people worldwide.

Now I’ve mentioned that, into the story itself.

First, the story, was fast-paced, and well written. It was gripping, emotional and I loved the nod towards some events in history. I loved Gabes and Eric’s story, and how the book flicks between present day and a couple of months before, each time section working with one enough to cleverly reveal more depth into the story.

I adored the friendships and relationships between the characters, and I just know everyone is going to have a different favourite character. Mine, is Alice. I try not to post spoilers, and I won’t, which is hard because she is great. I think she was really well done and although she only really started to shine through properly in the last quarter or so, I adore her. I think her inclusion was great and well written, my only downside, is I wanted to see more of her!!

The ending felt sudden, and I have very mixed feelings about it. There were some loose ends that left me with questions, I would have liked them tied off a little more, only if loosely.

Another thing I want to mention is that ‘Call Me By Your Name’ is a film mentioned throughout. I’m concerned this could be harmful to teens and raised a few red flags for me. The film and book is YA, however, it has been called problematic, and there is controversy surrounding the author. Never once during this book did anyone mention anything about the unhealthy obsession, predatory behaviours, issues with consent and other harmful aspects. Call Me By Your Name has been called out for glorifying abuse. If it was to be included, I wish a character had called something out about the film during or after watching it. I don’t think its the best film to be mentioned multiple times without someone at least calling it out once.

Before I start, thank you to Usborne and Netgalley for an ARC edition in exchange for an honest review.

I chose to read the Outrage because the premise sounded fascinating, whilst also tragic and boy, was I right? Tragic and fascinating. (Reading this at the same time as watching It’s A Sin was enough for my tear ducts for sure)

Great Britain has become the Protectorate, a state which prides itself on the public good, and fights against all ‘degenerate’ behaviours: eg being LGBTQ+ (which I’ll be honest, does appear to be the only degenerate behaviours that they have taken against). This involves finding and cleansing those who identify that way as well as removal of works that could cause people to be mentally swayed.

Boy, is it depressing? The main characters, within their Rebel Alliance, try to live their best lives under this cloud and, as you might have guessed, it doesn’t quite go to plan.

It is a brilliant read: it is affecting and dark and thought provoking which we need. It makes you want to talk and discuss and try and understand how a world could end up this way.

So why not five stars? I needed more. The ending is too rushed. It just closes and almost feels wrapped in a bow, but given how epic and heartbreaking the run up had been, it feels like a let down. My other issue is the characters. Whilst I do love them all, they hit all necessary stereotypes and that does mean you can sort of work out where it is going for them all quite quickly. For me, that distracts. But I do fundamentally understand why they had to be that way so it is not too much of a problem really.

I would say though, do heed the trigger warnings. It’s a tough read and that should not be downplayed. It’s an important read though. If you can, do.

The Outrage

Fans of William Hussey’s debut Usborne YA novel will be well acquainted with how Hussey touches on love, romance and heartache with an almost painful rawness. When uncovering that this latest release would be touching on the same kind of theme but with the addition of a Dystopian future, one can’t help but be curious as to how that would work. It transpires it works better than you can ever imagine.

The Outrage does a strange thing. It throws us in to the future, but is full of imagery and text that not only makes one think of the present, but also throws us back in to the past too. With a feel to it almost reminiscent of stories of Anne Frank, this book will cause exactly what it says on the tin - Outrage.

Perhaps the most thought-provoking part of the whole novel isn’t how dystopian this future sounds, but how many of the references to life ‘pre-Outrage’ are reminiscent of political and cultural happenings in the current day.

That’s not to say this title is purely political. Far from it. The love story that runs through it is captivating and, as El and Dylan did in Hideous Beauty, Gabe and Eric will reel you in and keep you turning the page. The story flashes back between the present and the past, taking us on a journey to help us understand why things transpire as they do. Once again, William Hussey will hold you captive with this title until you’ve finished with the last word - and even then you’ll be wanting to know more.

Perfect for those with a passion for ensuring we learn from the mistakes of the past, for those wanting a gripping love story but also angling for the tension and suspense that comes with a good thriller. Yet another important book to read - an incredible way to open eyes to how individuals can be so cruelly judged for the paths their lives take. Another victory for fiction championing LGBTQ+ characters.

I decided to request and read this book because it is a Young Adult, LGBTQ, dystopian novel, written by William Hussey – it ticks all the boxes for me as being something I might enjoy, and I literally could not wait. My initial thoughts were ‘this will be a fun and interesting read’. What an underestimation! A few pages in I and thought ‘Oh...’, a few more, ‘Oh my God!’, by the end, ‘Oh my God, wow!’.

I finished the book last night and went to sleep thinking of it, woke up this morning thinking of it. I’m not sure any review I write will fully give the praise and justice deserved.

There is so much to the story of Gabe and Eric that is eye-opening, heart-warming, and heart-breaking. The world they live in is a horrific, despicable place, so those few moments where they can be themselves and together are precious, but they are constantly on their guard, even during these times. They are lucky to have an amazing support and camaraderie from their group of friends, the ‘rebels’.

Without wanting to give away any spoilers, you find yourself utterly gripped by Gabe’s situation, and not quite sure where your loyalty lies with other characters. The decisions and actions they must make are sometimes unfathomable, in the least questionable, yet here in their world it is literally life and death. They do what they must in order to survive.

I must stress to anyone thinking of reading this book – PLEASE READ THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS! I have to admit to being guilty of skim reading (or even skipping!) these, I know usually the author thanks their parents, publisher, best friends’ dog etc. But William’s acknowledgements are incredibly important in giving background into book and why it is so important in terms of avoiding complacency regarding LGBTQ rights and history.

As a school librarian I will be purchasing a few copies of this book, at least two for the shelves (although I know several students who will LOVE the story and characters so I doubt they will even hit the shelves before being borrowed) and another to pass to the English Dept and the leaders of our school LGBTQ support group.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Usborne Publishing for the e-arc.

So important and relevant!!

Think of threats out there now:
extreme patriotism, upcoming right-wing parties, LGBT-free zones in Poland.

Imagine England about 30 years after the Brexit: isolated, hyperinflation, little food.

The Public Good Party is in charge and the Protectorate rule. Gabe is gay and that’s forbidden ...
“Degens, that’s how they define us. Degenerate. Disgusting. Twisted and inferior and rotten and ugly.”



The Outrage is chest tightening and incredibly scary. William Hussey shows us a world that we can end up with if we continue like this. A world we never want to enter again. But what if we indeed continue as we do now? While I’m writing this, there’s a commercial for the upcoming elections on the radio: ‘Vote for the Netherlands’. I cringe and don’t want this to be my country, which has always been seen as progressive. I so don’t want youth to vote on this right-wing party, but sadly, I know they do. Because fear and dissatisfaction can turn into hatred:
“People started looking around for something to blame...It really is amazing how people will surrender their minds, just to feel secure.”



Gabe is sensitive and caring, hot-headed, raised by a progressive father, and so in love with Eric.
“I love you Eric. And I think you love me, though you never once said it back.”



And Eric, oh Eric. This fragile boy who lost his mum and who I wanted to hug sometimes, and who was so gentle to insects and other animals.
“I’m like him,” he says, nodding to the scarecrow far below. “Stitched together from a hundred broken bits.”



Then sweet Albert, who has been Gabe’s friend for so long and helps him whenever he can. Who seems to have a secret, though.

And last but not least, Alice. She only appears in the last 20% of the story, but girl, you’re so strong and I’m so proud of you!



For those who read Hideous Beauty, Ellis and Dylan are mentioned in the story, so sweet!!

I don’t think The Outrage is perfect. The references to our present time and to all those movies sometimes felt a bit forced and could be more subtle ... BUT ... this story is so freaking important! It’s one that I’ll be rereading and reflecting on. A story that can be used by teachers to discuss in class. And therefore, I give it 5 important ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!

Okay so I know this is entirely my fault and I'm ever so sorry but I didn't see the trigger warnings until I had been approved for the ARC and downloaded it. I opened the file and the trigger warnings were right at the start of the book, and I realised that this book was not for me. I have checked and it turns out that the trigger warnings are listed in the description, so you'd think I'd have known before requesting, but unfortunately I'd read about this book on twitter and requested immediately without looking at the netgalley description. Obviously as I've already said this is my fault, and I will be sure to read netgalley's descriptions thoroughly for every book I request from now on. This has never happened before but I have well and truly learnt my lesson. I hope this book reaches people who can handle the more triggering content.

Dear Usborne Publishing,

instead of a review, I will be writing this directly to you and hold my review until after the book has been released because I think it is unfair to rate and judge it quite yet.

The Outrage is an incredible book. It is absolutely fantastic and I was immediately drawn in by the stories and especially the characters.

However, there are a few things that I think are quite offensive and insensitive and privileged and I would absolutely LOVE for someone to take another look at this before it is released in April.

Firstly, there is the tag-line "What if falling in love was a crime". It is. In over 70 countries. Some even have the death penalty for this sort of crime. I think it is insane and very very privileged to market a book set in Britain this way. The real tea is this: William Hussey is looking around, seeing trans rights being evoked in Britain, sees right wing extremists storm the capital in the USA and sees Poland and it's anti-gay zones. And this is what the book is for. It is for making us look at ourselves, where we are right now and what we could lose. The tag line alone and the fact that this is marketed as Dystopian fiction - to me - says "this is a thing that would be crazy if it happened, imagine if it could". The whole thing is too real for that. So please, please reconsider the tag line.

Tying in with my first point, I just want to say this: I think if a book ever needed a foreword it's this. This book is aimed at teenagers who are probably not well versed in queer history and who need a little guidance. I think it would be an extreme oversight to not put some non-fictional education in here. In a foreword, Hussey could within a few lines explain how homosexuality and being transgender still is a crime in a lot of countries in the world. He could point out that we need pride events and parades because queer people still have to fight for their rights because it is so easy to lose them (he could very nicely reference Poland, the last minute decision of Trump to sign a law that discriminates trans people in the US, the very shakey trans laws in the UK etc. etc. etc). It would be the perfect way to say: Hey we are privileged enough to have rights but we have to show up and fight so we will keep them.

I would absolutely love if you thought about that some more.

The last complaint I have is with a film reference in this book. Three times, the movie "Call me by your name" is referenced and i absolutely beg of you to replace it with any other queer film. The fact that it is referenced in a way that makes it seem like it's the be all and end all film for Gabe in terms of cinematography and emotion is extremely icky. Again, this is a young adult book. I think referencing this film, that romanticises stalking, unhealthy obsession, dubious consent, predatory behaviour and pedophilic tendencies is very harmful. I beg of you, please just exchange it with any other film. Moonlight for example. If we're going for emotionally laden films.

I want to stress how much I enjoyed the story itself. I really appreciated the nods to important events in history and the writing made the book flow very nice and easy (I mean there is a reason I read it so quickly). It's a bit like Katniss Everdeen taking down Nazi Germany but make it queer and set in the future. Very enjoyable and very important to make us all keep our eyes open and stay vigilant to our own situation. I also very much enjoyed the trans rep because it is so so important. I can not say anything on the quality of the trans rep since I myself am cis, but I hope that a trans reader can shine more light on this. It read good to me.

Since I have to give this book a star rating in order to send this review off, it's a two for me right now. Because of the tag line and the packaging having the sense of a dystopia which is so far fetched it could never happen to us. Because of the call me by your name references and because I am really desperately missing more non fictional context.

I will be awaiting the publication with intense excitement because I hope that you'll take another look at this so so so so so much.

Best,
Simone

The moving story of two teenagers who fall in love in a dystopian and authoritarian Protectorate - an exercise on what would happen if UKIP won an election!

The book is highly entertaining, exploring many what ifs, but most importantly how sweet love can be in times of oppression.

I felt like the ending was a little too swift and would have liked to have seen more of an explanation, but otherwise a pretty good read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Usborne!