Thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for the Audio ARC!

I went back and forth between kind of disliking this book and really disliking it. There were large sections that felt like reading a writing project where the writer was directed to modify every noun with an adjective, and the more bizarre, the better. Then at other times, it wasn't as bad. But really, the underlying story was just weak and not really enjoyable. I thought the dystopian world depicted had some interesting points, but the writing style was just really amateurish and cringe-worthy. Unless you live, breath, and bleed dystopian fiction, I'd probably pass on this one.

This one starts off strong w place and setting but the novel fizzles a little into overdone plot with some bookbanning tropes. Well done audio, book not my favorite.

This near-future dystopian novel journeys through horrific oppression with strong women, heartening resistance, and many kinds of love. No spoilers.

Brother Brontë achieves a level all its own. This new novel stands out as speculative fiction of the best, crunchiest kind. Flores is immensely talented, a wild force. In the first minutes of listening, I knew this is the book I need for what we're living through. I want everyone to read this book.

As an oppressive regime attacks women, books, and literacy, street-level activism and webs of connection and care change lives. The visionary, masterful telling of stories within stories achieves states of buoyant wonder. In the midst of horror, it never becomes depressing. Instead, it's one of the most glowy, uplifting books I’ve experienced.

I strongly suggest a deliberate surrender to the book's world. It's strange, disorienting, and at times I felt lost, yet it's an exhilarating adventure with people I'd gladly visit again.

Victoria Villarea gives a captivating performance with distinctive voices and multiple accents to suit characters of different ages, origins, and personalities. The pacing and audio production quality shine.

Thank you, RBMedia, for this extraordinary ALC. These are solely my own opinions.
***TikTok release-day post scheduled for February 11
Added Goodreads link

Neftali and Proserpina are two friends in the near-future wasteland of Three Rivers, Texas, in a world where books are banned and shredded, and where the mothers work at a fish cannery. Run by mayor Crick, a tech oligarch, Three Rivers is a grim, desolate place with no future.

Neftali is one of the last literate people in the town, and she has just managed to get her hands on the latest book by Jazzmin Monelle Rivas, called Brother Bronte. But Crick's brutality is only increasing as he strengthens his hold on the town, and Neftali, Proserpina, and their friends face an inevitable showdown.

The narration was outstanding and the world of Three Rivers was tangible and vibrant in its desolation. I very much enjoyed this timely story and look forward to reading more from Fernando Flores.

I’m glad I went with my gut and decided to check this out. The title didn’t catch my attention so I almost passed it up before reading the description. There are a bunch of characters and a lot going on but it’s written in way that’s lively, exciting and far from overwhelming. I felt hopeful and refreshed after listening.
The audiobook narrator was the perfect voice for this book! Thanks to the publishers and NetGallery for letting me listen!

Brother Brontë by Fernando A. Flores begins with a strong, captivating premise and introduces us to the intriguing friendship between Prosperina and Neftalí. The writing is beautifully crafted, immersing readers in a world brought to life with vivid imagery and rich language. Yet, as the story unfolds, I found myself feeling somewhat disoriented.

While the book features fascinating side characters and thought-provoking subplots, the main plot feels directionless at times. The dystopian town Flores creates is haunting, with its nightmarish landscape—books are shredded, illiteracy is rampant, and mothers are forced into labor, separated from their children. It paints a chilling and dystopian reality that is at once terrifying and disturbingly plausible.

The novel offers a stark, powerful portrayal of a society teetering on the brink of collapse, and in some ways, it feels almost too real. Despite its strong start and impressive world-building, the lack of a clear narrative structure ultimately held the story back from reaching its full potential.

A note for the audiobook: Victoria Villareal’s narration is a standout, adding a compelling layer of depth to the story and enhancing the experience.