Title: Screaming Down Splitsville
Author: Kayla Bashe
Length: 36 pages
Publisher: Torquere Press, LLC (February 23, 2016)
Publication Date: February 23, 2016
Categories: FF, lesbian, YA/NA, Urban Fantasy
Screaming Down Splitsville takes place in an alternate 1950s where two groups of people with magical powers fight for dominance. Flip, a young lesbian, thinks her healing powers are completely useless. After her escape from a lab, she’s been grounded to a safe base, and while everyone else is on important missions, she keeps the fridge stocked and fixes the plumbing. However, when a chance coincidence sends her on a solo rescue mission, Flip has a surprising reunion with a woman from her past.
Unable to speak after a botched cleft palate surgery, Emma-Rose grew up half-wild in the Southern backwoods- until strangers discovered her magical powers and imprisoned her in a laboratory of torture. Her one salvation was the woman in the next cell, Flip. Now Flip’s returned, and according to her, they’ll both make it to safety. But Emma’s plans have failed so many times that she has no hope left to lose.
As the two women seek to evade their pursuers, their friendship rekindles, and they are forced to confront both enemies and insecurities.
This is a fast, fun read with a big heart. I love the characters and the setting, and the story held my interest all the way through. When I say it’s a quick read, it really is—this can be read in a single sitting.
It did take me a bit to understand the world of the story. I’m not sure I’d have characterized it as an alternate 1950s if that hadn’t been in the blurb, though I can certainly see it. I’m not sure that even matters; it’s not a particularly important part of the story. Far more interesting is how the scientists brutally experiment on their subjects. I would love to see more about how the groups of people came to be at odds with each other and what will happen as a result.
I don’t quite get the title or what it’s a reference to. Maybe the war between the different groups of people? Once again, it isn’t really relevant to whether or not it’s a good story, but I’m still curious what it means.
As for the rest, it’s delightful. There’s plenty of excitement as the girls flee Emma-Rose’s captors, some neat bits of magic, and a wonderfully accepting sanctuary waiting for them at the end of their journey. Sweet enough to be read by young adults but captivating enough to appeal to a wider range of people, this one’s definitely a recommended read. What’s not to like about strong young women getting the best of evil men in lab coats?
For an exciting road trip, excellent writing, and two strong main characters, this gets 8/10 fountain pens.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Screaming-Down-Splitsville-Kayla-Bashe-ebook/dp/B01C5J79G6/
