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Cover of Living Souls

Living Souls

Dmitry Bykov (2010)

SubgenreEpic Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age18+
Goodreads3.87

Content levels

ViolenceStrong
Sexual contentMild
LanguageStrong

Positive tags

Dark HumorSatire

Protagonist archetypes

Ensemble CastMultiple POVs

Synopsis

"In a world a few decades from now, Russia has lost its influence and descended into a farcical civil war. With an extreme right wing cult in power, racial tensions have divided the country into the Varangians those who consider themselves to be the original Aryan settlers of Russia and the Khazars, the liberals and Jews driven out of Moscow by recent events. Morale has reached an all time low as the brutality and pointlessness of the situation is becoming more and more apparent: what is left of the fighting now revolves around capturing and recapturing Degunino, a seemingly magical village with an abundance of pies, vodka and accommodating womenfolk. But there is also a third people timid, itinerant and on the brink of extinction who lay claim to Degunino and Russia as their homeland."--P. [4] of cover.

Living Souls: content & age rating

Intended for adult readers (18+).

This satirical fantasy depicts a brutal near-future Russian civil war with racial/ethnic tensions, violence, political extremism, and the absurdity of conflict. Contains adult themes and strong language throughout.

What to know going in

This book has strong violence, mild sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include genocide, death, and war (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Adult readers interested in darkly satirical political fiction will find a biting commentary on ethnic conflict and authoritarianism.

Tags

Speculative FictionDystopianLiterary FantasyPolitical FictionSatirical Fantasy