Reviews with content warning for Addiction - The Wicker King

Reviews tagging 'Addiction'

The Wicker King by K. Ancrum

11 reviews

arianna9's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

4.75

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thecavewoman's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The strongest part of this book for me was the visual storytelling for the physical copy. The concept of the pages becoming darker and darker, almost burnt told a story all of its own that I was really impressed with because I'd never seen that before.

The concept and theme of the book really intrigued me as the author told a story about codependency, mental illness, unhealthy relationships and devotion all of which was fascinating. I think the biggest letdown was the pacing. You ripped through the book when you probably should have been slowing down and the story seemed to drag when things should have been speeding up. Another sort-of let down was the writing style. It was a little choppy which made it difficult to get through the beginning of the book, but not bad enough that I would stop reading. I just think that there were moments where I wish the author lingered a bit more, but fell a little short.

I thought the characters were good although, and this may sound a bit ridiculous, I wish we had genuinely gotten more between the two main characters. Their relationship was obviously key to the entire story and I felt like I was emotionally with them, but sometimes I struggled to understand or really feel the devotion August had for Jack. A few points in the book I had to suspend my disbelief to enjoy it, because I didn't really feel that strong connection between the two.

Overall, a pretty quick read but enjoyable none-the-less. I don't think I'd ever reread it but I enjoyed it the first time around so I think its worth it to read once.

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chaoticnostalgia's review against another edition

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mysterious sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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sjonesb75's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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silver_lining_in_a_book's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

And suddenly, with a jolt of horror, he realised that he couldn't live without it anymore. It was as much a part of him as anything now. He couldn't run from it any more than anyone could run out of their own skin. It would just keep coming back, over and over, curling up out of him, growling like hunger.
He would crave the burn until he was dead.
August curled up against the wall and put his head in his arms.
He gripped the lighter so tightly that his knuckles went white.

Trigger warnings: pyromania, violence, blood, neglect, mild sexual content, mention of homophobia, mental health issues, discussions of insanity, drug use, alcohol consumption, near-death experience, mention of suicide, disordered eating (no explicit depiction of eating disorders, but some of the content may still be triggering for those who are suffering)

This was such a beautiful, strange and unique book. I have never read a story told in quite this way, from the broken-up timeline to the mixed-media format where all the little inserts actually served to further the plot. I finished the entire thing in one evening, which I think really speaks for how engaging the story was.

I loved August and Jack from the first few pages; they felt very real to me despite the magical, fantastical undertones of the book. August lives with only his mother, who is severally depressed and unable to afford to look after her son. To avoid being looked down upon, he presents a very pristine and strait-laced image of himself to the world. Jack is the school's "golden boy" and an exceptional athlete, but he is forgotten by his parents and haunted by visions that no one else around him can see. The only time when the two can be truly themselves is when they are together. However, when Jack's condition starts to decline, their friendship and devotion to each other are put to the test.

K Ancrum wove so many themes that I absolutely adore into this novel: from the obsessive devotion to the building of new friendships; to discussions of mental health and the lengths that people are ready to go to support their loved ones. And how could I forget the queerness!

Her author's note is an absolutely integral part of the book as well. In particular, this quote spoke to me:
You deserve to heal and grow, too. You deserve to have someone to talk to about your problem; you deserve unconditional support; you deserve care and safety and all the things you need to thrive. Just because you may not have them doesn’t mean you don’t deserve them. If someone tells you that you don’t deserve those things, they are lying. Keep trying your best. Ask for help when you need it. Do your best to be brave, but it is okay not to be. If you drop the weight you’re carrying, it is okay. You can build yourself back up out of the pieces. If your mind stops listening to you, it’s not your fault. There are billions of us; you are not alone.

Beautiful writing, important message, some of my new favourite characters. I really do not need much else in a novel. 5/5 stars!

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mari_library's review

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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notpresent22's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book is complex and not for the faint of heart. But in the end it’s a fascinating love story between two young boys as they struggle with a world that is letting them down. It’s the kind of story that makes you desperate to learn what happened after the final page but will likely never get an answer to.

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