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ekimrey's review
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
cobaltbookshelf's review
2.0
This had a okay beginning, but then I felt that the author went too far in some stuff and it ended up affecting the story and I became bored. I really was expecting something a bit more fun but I didn’t connect with the characters or their story.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
christelisreading's review
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
thewellbitch's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
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
2.0
The premise was interesting: what happens when you hate your body but you get turned into a vampire and your body will never change for eternity? I truly could not stand the main characters after a while. However, it's a fast read and the plot is not too bad, so it could still be a fun read for someone who likes certain types of characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Body shaming, Eating disorder, and Fatphobia
glitterghoul's review
characters got on my nerves, will try to come back to this another time
ord21's review
2.0
I was so disappointed with this book. The synopsis sounded so good but the book itself was not. The main character was so insecure she weight shamed everyone around her and was a total bitch to her love interest. I honestly don’t understand why he stuck around and attempted to protect her because she was so mean to him throughout the book and didn’t care that he potentially could get killed because of her dumb actions. Like who bites someone after they bite you first? No one. She should of just run away and this whole book would of never happened.
meganelizax's review
2.0
Man, I really wanted to love this more than I did.
I thought that the topic of body positivity was going to be great. I love fantasy and paranormal stories, but the main character is not often plus-sized. As someone who is also not thin, I thought it was going to be so refreshing to read this. However, I found myself rather annoyed with Lily. I understand the thing she felt, like feeling like people only interact with you out of pity or that a person would only hit on you if you lost a bet, but her insecurities were honestly too much. Again, I 100% get it, but when every response that she has to any character doing anything nice to/for her, she immediately doubts them and their intentions and if often rude about it, especially with Tristian. Even when Cat expresses that Lily has made her feel bad about herself because of the comments that Lily has made, she apologizes and it feels like she goes right back to doing the same things that she was going before. Having any sort of body image issues or any other insecurities doesn't automatically make you the victim or negate any awful behavior that you display.
Also, her view on her body took a completely random 180. She hates her body the entire time and then is magically okay with her body because she survived a little danger. The journey to loving yourself is not something that is instant. It feels like it was written by someone who has never experienced this feeling before.
My other issue with the story is Lily and her mother's relationship. I know that the story left it a little open ended about them having to 'talk' and them 'being strangers', but Rose is the main culprit of Lily's insecurities and I feel like it was glossed over too much. If that is a plot point that is referenced a few times, then it should be fleshed out.
Now for Tristian and Lilly. Every issue that they have would've been solved if they just had a simple conversation. That fact that he couldn't reveal why Gideon was mad at him was silly and pointless. She was so completely mistrusting and awful towards him.
I also need older authors to learn how young people, especially those in their 20s, talk if they're going to right about them. There was waaaaaaay too many sentences started with 'Obvi". Same with "fuck the fuck off". As a 26-year-old, no one talks like that.
I read the majority of this in a single day and it kept me entertained, but the more i think about it, the more issues I find with the story.
I thought that the topic of body positivity was going to be great. I love fantasy and paranormal stories, but the main character is not often plus-sized. As someone who is also not thin, I thought it was going to be so refreshing to read this. However, I found myself rather annoyed with Lily. I understand the thing she felt, like feeling like people only interact with you out of pity or that a person would only hit on you if you lost a bet, but her insecurities were honestly too much. Again, I 100% get it, but when every response that she has to any character doing anything nice to/for her, she immediately doubts them and their intentions and if often rude about it, especially with Tristian. Even when Cat expresses that Lily has made her feel bad about herself because of the comments that Lily has made, she apologizes and it feels like she goes right back to doing the same things that she was going before. Having any sort of body image issues or any other insecurities doesn't automatically make you the victim or negate any awful behavior that you display.
Also, her view on her body took a completely random 180. She hates her body the entire time and then is magically okay with her body because she survived a little danger. The journey to loving yourself is not something that is instant. It feels like it was written by someone who has never experienced this feeling before.
My other issue with the story is Lily and her mother's relationship. I know that the story left it a little open ended about them having to 'talk' and them 'being strangers', but Rose is the main culprit of Lily's insecurities and I feel like it was glossed over too much. If that is a plot point that is referenced a few times, then it should be fleshed out.
Now for Tristian and Lilly. Every issue that they have would've been solved if they just had a simple conversation. That fact that he couldn't reveal why Gideon was mad at him was silly and pointless. She was so completely mistrusting and awful towards him.
I also need older authors to learn how young people, especially those in their 20s, talk if they're going to right about them. There was waaaaaaay too many sentences started with 'Obvi". Same with "fuck the fuck off". As a 26-year-old, no one talks like that.
I read the majority of this in a single day and it kept me entertained, but the more i think about it, the more issues I find with the story.
skwiecien's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
2.0
smomo99's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sromain's review
3.0
There were many aspects of this story I liked. I liked the characters, they were funny and interesting. I liked the plot, and I appreciated the old school version of vampires. Also thought the idea of vampire hunters unique and interesting.
What I didn't like was how fast the building climax was solved. For example the conflict with Gideon. He just backed down after her speech. The other vampires considered her words, but they didn't turn on him. He went from "I will kill you for my revenge " to "Okay I'll consider what you said" within a couple paragraphs.
It was the same with her body issues. She went from being self conscious and deeply ashamed of her body to totally excepting in the langth of a shower. Yes, I know she had a nice conversation with her mom, but that wasn't enough for me. There was no slow exceptance, a building of confidence.
I very much debated a 2 or 3 star rating. I feel like a 2.8 is where I'm sitting, which makes me sad, because I really wanted to LOVE this book. Because of the positive aspect I would give another book by Gloria Duke a try.
What I didn't like was how fast the building climax was solved. For example the conflict with Gideon. He just backed down after her speech. The other vampires considered her words, but they didn't turn on him. He went from "I will kill you for my revenge " to "Okay I'll consider what you said" within a couple paragraphs.
It was the same with her body issues. She went from being self conscious and deeply ashamed of her body to totally excepting in the langth of a shower. Yes, I know she had a nice conversation with her mom, but that wasn't enough for me. There was no slow exceptance, a building of confidence.
I very much debated a 2 or 3 star rating. I feel like a 2.8 is where I'm sitting, which makes me sad, because I really wanted to LOVE this book. Because of the positive aspect I would give another book by Gloria Duke a try.