Scan barcode
literarycryptid's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
** Triggers in book** Dubious consent, suicide mention, gore, blood play (minor)
Spice level 3/5
This was a very interesting read.
George is an artist, new to the grand city of Paris and trying to make a name for himself. Cece is a young burlesque dancer trying to find a better life. They both get pulled into a macabre and lust fueled event of spirit summoning and end up fighting for both their lives.
I absolutely loved the dark romance aspect of this story, a tale of love continuing even after death, but the obsession leading to a worse fate. On top of this, the connection between George and Cece is very much the hero and damsel in distress trope, but Cece is also presented as a fighter who will do anything to survive.
Spice-wise, all scenes are of dubious consent, and each has its own unique style/setting exploring different erotic scenarios.
Overall an interesting twist on séance and gothic horror storytelling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Spice level 3/5
This was a very interesting read.
George is an artist, new to the grand city of Paris and trying to make a name for himself. Cece is a young burlesque dancer trying to find a better life. They both get pulled into a macabre and lust fueled event of spirit summoning and end up fighting for both their lives.
I absolutely loved the dark romance aspect of this story, a tale of love continuing even after death, but the obsession leading to a worse fate. On top of this, the connection between George and Cece is very much the hero and damsel in distress trope, but Cece is also presented as a fighter who will do anything to survive.
Spice-wise, all scenes are of dubious consent, and each has its own unique style/setting exploring different erotic scenarios.
Overall an interesting twist on séance and gothic horror storytelling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
Dubious consenthouse_of_hannah's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Thank you so much to Brigids Gate Press and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC; it is greatly appreciated.
There are content warnings posted in the back of this novella that I will share at the end of my review. This novella actually starts out quite strong. It definitely feels like more work was put into the first 40% of this compared to the rest. The prologue, even though it was just a few paragraphs, is a perfect opener, and really gives us a taste of the vibes the rest of the novella will bring. There is no dilly dallying, and we jump right into (or onto) the meat of the story.
Unfortunately, I just wasn't into the plotline. It didn't feel original, or compelling. I had no reason to care about any of these characters, which I know can be difficult to achieve in a shorter story. The plot moved at the speed of light, with everything happening within just a few days. I bet the main character had whiplash with how quickly everything occured; what an interesting first impression of Paris !
One of the content warnings is dubious consent, but most of the spicy scenes just flat out have no consent at all. With the ages of the female characters also being quite dubious, the whole thing feels quite icky. All the men expect for the MC, George, seemed to be older men. George is 19, and the main female character, Cecile, comments that he is older than her, so it's possible she isn't even an adult yet. There is also mention of sex work being performed by a child, which had me do a double take.
Overall, this novella had a promising premise, but just included too many things that I personally dislike. I'm never going to be into love at first sight, and I prefer knowing that the characters are adults. There is quite a delicious revenge scene, which really shows off the horror aspect of this novella, but that alone cannot redeem it for me.
CW: References to suicide, violence, mutilation, sex scenes of dubious consent
There are content warnings posted in the back of this novella that I will share at the end of my review. This novella actually starts out quite strong. It definitely feels like more work was put into the first 40% of this compared to the rest. The prologue, even though it was just a few paragraphs, is a perfect opener, and really gives us a taste of the vibes the rest of the novella will bring. There is no dilly dallying, and we jump right into (or onto) the meat of the story.
Unfortunately, I just wasn't into the plotline. It didn't feel original, or compelling. I had no reason to care about any of these characters, which I know can be difficult to achieve in a shorter story. The plot moved at the speed of light, with everything happening within just a few days. I bet the main character had whiplash with how quickly everything occured; what an interesting first impression of Paris !
One of the content warnings is dubious consent, but most of the spicy scenes just flat out have no consent at all. With the ages of the female characters also being quite dubious, the whole thing feels quite icky. All the men expect for the MC, George, seemed to be older men. George is 19, and the main female character, Cecile, comments that he is older than her, so it's possible she isn't even an adult yet. There is also mention of sex work being performed by a child, which had me do a double take.
Overall, this novella had a promising premise, but just included too many things that I personally dislike. I'm never going to be into love at first sight, and I prefer knowing that the characters are adults. There is quite a delicious revenge scene, which really shows off the horror aspect of this novella, but that alone cannot redeem it for me.
CW: References to suicide, violence, mutilation, sex scenes of dubious consent
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Death, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Death of parent
More...