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anncatherine's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
honestly, i liked this book but 600+ pages was really not necessary. as i expected the flashback chapters were my favorites. high school Will was such a softie, i fking loved him.
i felt that the blackchurch scenes were boring and too long at times.
high school willemmy and damon carried this book <3
“But you’re going to be fucking mine someday,” he growled. “Come hell or high water, Emory Scott. You’re my woman, and you’re going to come home to me every day and sit at my table and warm my fucking bed.” He kissed me. “And you’re going to give me a Will Grayson IV. Mark my words."
“I’d loved Emory since the moment I laid eyes on her when I was fourteen. I could still see her—sitting on her bike outside the chain-link fence surrounding the school parking lot as she watched my friends and me on our skateboards that summer. From that moment on, it seemed I was always aware of her, and everything I did, I did it with it in mind that she was watching.”
i felt that the blackchurch scenes were boring and too long at times.
high school willemmy and damon carried this book <3
“But you’re going to be fucking mine someday,” he growled. “Come hell or high water, Emory Scott. You’re my woman, and you’re going to come home to me every day and sit at my table and warm my fucking bed.” He kissed me. “And you’re going to give me a Will Grayson IV. Mark my words."
“I’d loved Emory since the moment I laid eyes on her when I was fourteen. I could still see her—sitting on her bike outside the chain-link fence surrounding the school parking lot as she watched my friends and me on our skateboards that summer. From that moment on, it seemed I was always aware of her, and everything I did, I did it with it in mind that she was watching.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual harassment, Violence, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Addiction
rowanwhitethornbae's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
(a little bit of character analysis)
WARNING!:
Emory Scott
Emory Scott is one of my new favorite characters because her character had so much depth and she was just so amazing in general. I know there is a lot of hate surrounding her character and it makes me so mad, because when the betrayal happened and all the times she was mean was because she had so much going on in her life. In the flashbacks, she was a 16 year old girl who was forced to be perfect and facing an abusive brother at home. She has to assume all the roles a mother would play such as baking snacks, cooking meals, doing chores around the house. This is already so much for a teenager but then you have to add on the pressure of keeping her grandmother safe and healthy. Although, she couldn't provide funds for her grandmother, she watched her, she took care of her and she loved her. Everything, Emory did was in the intent of helping her grandmother such as not leaving Thunder Bay, betraying the horsemen, quitting the band because her grandmother got worse etc. With all this weight on her she also had to attempt to please her brother who was impossible to please, which always resulted in her getting beaten up, and abused by him. She was lonely and suffering, which is why her coping mechanisms were being rude. Especially to a jock who is known to be a player, and considering her past of course she had trust issues. It doesn't mean she doesn't love Will any less she just didn't know how to love him. Pushing away people was what she did best and so I don't blame her for anything. When she spent her entire life looking out for herself how could she rely on Will to help her and her grandmother if she didn't sign that plea deal for the horsemen. I also don't think the horsemen had to right to be so rude to Emmy (except Damon, I loved him and Emmy) because they all did messed up things and all managed to forgive each other, but when someone else does something all of a sudden its unacceptable? I liked how Damon stood up for her because they both bonded over their trauma but the way everyone treated Em on the train had me in so much pain for her. I seriously loved her character and relate to her in some ways, so when I hear people slander her character, yet adore Damon I'm in shock. I'm so happy Em has Will to look for when she needs protection now though because she's been on her own for so long she deserves happiness.
William Grayson iii
I LOVED WILL! He is definitely my favorite horsemen, because he is this happy, jokester who hides all his pain behind drugs and alcohol and always tries to make everyone happy. HIGH SCHOOL WAS SO PRECIOUS, AND THE WAY THAT HE OBSESSED OVER EMMY FOR OVER A DECADE WAS THE BEST THING IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! Will fell in love with a guarded girl and honestly he pushed her sometimes which is good but he had to see that at times the more he pushed the more she was going to push him away. Nonetheless, his character had me sobbing in pain when he talked about how he indulged in drugs and alcohol because that was the only way he could feel happy and keep up a happy façade to other people. He wanted to please those he loved including Em even when he was mad at her for betraying them. I honestly think that Em and Will are perfect for each other and I love them so much that they are one of my new fav couples ever.
Plot
The plot was kind of all over the place but it was one of the better plots throughout the series. And I think a lot of my enjoyment was the angst between Will and Em and the past chapters because a lot of the plot was really confusing sometimes. One thing that makes me mad is how the horsemen always blamed other for going to jail when in reality it was their actions. Nonetheless I love all of them I just hated how they blamed Rika then jumped straight to blaming Em. This plot was pretty interesting tho, with the whole setting in Blackchurch and figuring out the entire plan which created this 4 book series. Can I just say Alex really annoyed me this books. Like how she slapped Em, knowing she was a survivor or abuse and how she kept pushing herself in between Em and Will's problems. (I can go on forever on how much she made me mad) Lastly, I would like to talk about how Will and Em were robbed in their own book. They DESERVED SO MUCH MORE TIME TOGETHER ALONE!!!! But nonetheless the spice scenes were ok such as the gym room scene (will forever live in my head), the greenhouse scene, and we cant forget Will and Em on the school bus. I liked the spice scenes in the present it just felt so awkward considering how they were always around people and also how Will and Emmy's relationship sort of diminished the more they mentioned Will and Alex. I like Alex's character before this book but the constant repetition of Alex and Will just made it a bit of the luster between Em and Will seem not as strong as when they were in high school. Which is completely understandable since they changed but the book was supposed to focus on Will and Emmy rekindling that yk. I stll loved their relationship, A lot I just had to add that in.
I felt so much pain in this book, for Will and especially for Em. I think my heart was aching the ENTIRE BOOK. Emmy's thoughts really had me on the verge of tears a lot of the times and Will his love for Emory had me on tears. I think I just concluded that I LOVE EMMY! SHE WAS THE BEST GIRL, buttt I also really Love Rika, Banks and Winter too. I loved the family created through the Horsemen (found family trope) and how Damon had THE ABSOLUTE BEST REDEMPTION ARC! ALSO CONSIDERING HOW MUCH HE HELPED EMMY WITH BUILDING THE GAZEBO AND GIVING HER THE KEY TO THE CARFAX ROOM. Damon was hilarious this entire book and I ADORE HIS CHARACTER! I also loved the bond formed between Micah, Rory and Emmy. This book series has become I really good escape for me and I literally finished it all in a week and I'm soo sad to say goodbye but I have too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Physical abuse
tristaesque's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Blood, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, Alcoholism, Cursing, and Death of parent
mollydollydoodah's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
4.0
really good way to end it! everything is wrapped up and it was super duper hot. it was kind of crazy long but it got the job done and wrapped up any loose ends.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Child abuse, and Violence
tearstoflowers's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Cursing, and Murder
clairereadstoomuch's review
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
Ever since starting "Corrupt" I knew that Will was going to be my favorite. And now, having finished his book I can confirm that he is.
Idk I like my fictional men either deranged and dark like Damon or outgoing and cheerful like Will. Not that he doesn't have darkness inside him but that's different.
I loved seeing him develop through his teenage self in Corrupt through finally him coming into his own and figuring himself out. I feel like a proud mama. Even in this book he grew a lot. And I'm here for it.
I also greatly enjoyed all the action towards the end. All the planning and scheming they did to get what they wanted. And all the secrets that get revealed that tied up the series nicely and answered all the questions you might have.
The only thing that made me not give this book 5 stars, was the love story. For someone as hurt and traumatized as Emory, she needed a LOT more time and LOT more talking with Will and figuring out their dynamic, you know?
They had a lot on their plate so I guess sitting down for a private face to face wasn't exactly possible but for me, they swift too quickly from "I don't you" to "You're the love of my life".
And I know that their feelings wete always there and it was a years late confruntation but in light of the development Will did and everything Emory went through, I think they needed it.
And I guess they did after everything settled down after the end of the book, I just think it would have been nice for us reader to read it too.
Idk I like my fictional men either deranged and dark like Damon or outgoing and cheerful like Will. Not that he doesn't have darkness inside him but that's different.
I loved seeing him develop through his teenage self in Corrupt through finally him coming into his own and figuring himself out. I feel like a proud mama. Even in this book he grew a lot. And I'm here for it.
I also greatly enjoyed all the action towards the end. All the planning and scheming they did to get what they wanted. And all the secrets that get revealed that tied up the series nicely and answered all the questions you might have.
The only thing that made me not give this book 5 stars, was the love story. For someone as hurt and traumatized as Emory, she needed a LOT more time and LOT more talking with Will and figuring out their dynamic, you know?
They had a lot on their plate so I guess sitting down for a private face to face wasn't exactly possible but for me, they swift too quickly from "I don't you" to "You're the love of my life".
And I know that their feelings wete always there and it was a years late confruntation but in light of the development Will did and everything Emory went through, I think they needed it.
And I guess they did after everything settled down after the end of the book, I just think it would have been nice for us reader to read it too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Violence, and Sexual content
ludetorrance's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If you have come this far, you will love this. Nightfall is the grand finale for the Devil’s Night series that we all deserve.
Blackchurch is where the rich and powerful send their trouble sons for them to “cool off”, a quiet gilded prison, if you will. Will Grayson has been here a year when Emory Scott, the woman he loves and hasn’t seen in ten years appears out of nowhere. Emory fucked up and knows Will want vengeance. Too bad that he’s not alone inside.
⭐️- World building and characters
⭐️- Plot
⭐️- Main character
⭐️- Love interest
⭐️- Tension / chemistry
I loooved Emory Scott with all my heart. By far the best female Horseman. She’s such a good narrator and never came off as annoying. Of course we have our Will and i love that he always loved Emory. As always, Penelope delivered a good plot for the Devil’s Night and gave the series a good ending. What else could I ask?
Blackchurch is where the rich and powerful send their trouble sons for them to “cool off”, a quiet gilded prison, if you will. Will Grayson has been here a year when Emory Scott, the woman he loves and hasn’t seen in ten years appears out of nowhere. Emory fucked up and knows Will want vengeance. Too bad that he’s not alone inside.
⭐️- World building and characters
⭐️- Plot
⭐️- Main character
⭐️- Love interest
⭐️- Tension / chemistry
I loooved Emory Scott with all my heart. By far the best female Horseman. She’s such a good narrator and never came off as annoying. Of course we have our Will and i love that he always loved Emory. As always, Penelope delivered a good plot for the Devil’s Night and gave the series a good ending. What else could I ask?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Death
Minor: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Addiction, Blood, Body horror, Death of parent, Drug abuse, and Drug use
chacepaulson's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Child abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Drug abuse, Alcoholism, and Addiction
Minor: Death
sierrachenee's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m so happy the series ended with Wills story. I adore him and Emory. The first half of the book was very lord of the flies vibes going on which was weird but it worked and the second half was wrapping up the horsemens storyline. It’s a long book and some might be bothered by the slowness of it but wrapping up this series was a feat and I think Penelope Douglas did a good job.
Emory’s story really got to me and I related to her in ways I wish I did not and I could easily give this book five stars based on her story alone. The high school flashbacks were my favorites. Each one was just heartbreaking, beautiful and sweet. It was interesting to see how Emory was there all along in all of the books and how she connected in her own way. This book really highlighted the change that the characters had from high school to present day more than the others especially with Will. It was hard to read sometimes. I liked that this series in general, but this book especially challenged the ideas of what’s right and wrong and explore more grey areas. These characters can be seen as both the bad and good guys all at the same time.
After reading the series (minus the last novella) I have come to the conclusion that Damon is the main character of the series even though he isn’t meant to be. I knew going in that I’d love any scene with him and Will because their connection is so strong (and that locker room scene 🥵) but I didn’t expect to love Emorys relationship with Damon or for it to even exist but they were so similar in they ways they’ve been shaped in life that while they may be extremely different people, their core is so alike and so it makes sense that she ended up with Will. He always makes a scene better and is one of the more complex characters I’ve ever read.
There was a lot that I wish didn’t happen however. Alex honestly should have just had minimal lines in the series as a whole. I never felt like she brought a lot to the table and her storyline took away from Will and Emorys which I think needed more present day tenderness. Aydin was another character that I really didn’t like being introduced. There wasn’t enough there to make me like him. Same with Misha and Rory. There was just a lot of characters introduced too late and were made too important.
Also I love the characters in this book but they need to stop healing their traumatic moments with group sex and go to therapy instead. It happened 4 times in this book alone. The shower scene especially was awful and didn’t make a ton of sense to me for Emory and Will.
Overall a beautiful end to the series and it’ll be one thats on my mind for awhile. I loved the wedding and the epilogue.
Emory’s story really got to me and I related to her in ways I wish I did not and I could easily give this book five stars based on her story alone. The high school flashbacks were my favorites. Each one was just heartbreaking, beautiful and sweet. It was interesting to see how Emory was there all along in all of the books and how she connected in her own way. This book really highlighted the change that the characters had from high school to present day more than the others especially with Will. It was hard to read sometimes. I liked that this series in general, but this book especially challenged the ideas of what’s right and wrong and explore more grey areas. These characters can be seen as both the bad and good guys all at the same time.
After reading the series (minus the last novella) I have come to the conclusion that Damon is the main character of the series even though he isn’t meant to be. I knew going in that I’d love any scene with him and Will because their connection is so strong (and that locker room scene 🥵) but I didn’t expect to love Emorys relationship with Damon or for it to even exist but they were so similar in they ways they’ve been shaped in life that while they may be extremely different people, their core is so alike and so it makes sense that she ended up with Will. He always makes a scene better and is one of the more complex characters I’ve ever read.
There was a lot that I wish didn’t happen however. Alex honestly should have just had minimal lines in the series as a whole. I never felt like she brought a lot to the table and her storyline took away from Will and Emorys which I think needed more present day tenderness. Aydin was another character that I really didn’t like being introduced. There wasn’t enough there to make me like him. Same with Misha and Rory. There was just a lot of characters introduced too late and were made too important.
Also I love the characters in this book but they need to stop healing their traumatic moments with group sex and go to therapy instead. It happened 4 times in this book alone. The shower scene especially was awful and didn’t make a ton of sense to me for Emory and Will.
Overall a beautiful end to the series and it’ll be one thats on my mind for awhile. I loved the wedding and the epilogue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
squidneyy's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse