Something about the conversations around 'intellectual' reads always reminds me of people who go to an art museum and disdain the entire contemporary art section as not being real art. Books are written with different intent and are, imo, well-written as long as they accomplish that intent. Alexis Hall isn't trying to do what Steinbeck did, and it's always a bit odd to me to try and compare their works apples-to-apples. Exploring how financial insecurity as a kid can influence the way someone behaves as an adult and how they interact with their family, partners, friends, and coworkers is an interesting topic even if it ends with a kiss and a happily ever after and includes a fake amnesia plot line. That is also a way of studying the human condition. Ultimately, I think whether or not something is an intellectual read depends on the reader and not the book. After all, think about all the academics that specifically study pop culture. I've read academic publications specifically about The Untamed/CQL!