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pipbiz's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
sad
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement, Violence, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, and Gore
panikos's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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 really liked this one. I loved the melancholy atmosphere Sylvester conjures - the setting of Bancree felt touchable and distinctive, and the story was deeply character driven in just the way I like. I think it was a bit slow to start, but I mostly blame the blurb for that; it gives an inaccurate idea of what the inciting incident is, instead focusing on events that don't happen until over halfway through the book.
Despite this, I was never bored. The book handles quiet conflict very well, and I enjoyed how the stakes got bigger and bigger towards the end. I was a little concerned that Sylvester wouldn't be able to wrap up the murder mystery part of the plot, but it was resolved better than I expected, even though you could see some of the 'twists' coming from a mile off. The ultimate villain of the story was a tad pantomime, but not so much that it really bothered me. All of the other story threads connected cleanly.
Not a life-changing book, but great story with excellent characterisation and a beautiful atmosphere. I'd recommend it for anyone who likes a gloomy island novel.
Despite this, I was never bored. The book handles quiet conflict very well, and I enjoyed how the stakes got bigger and bigger towards the end. I was a little concerned that Sylvester wouldn't be able to wrap up the murder mystery part of the plot, but it was resolved better than I expected, even though you could see some of the 'twists' coming from a mile off. The ultimate villain of the story was a tad pantomime, but not so much that it really bothered me. All of the other story threads connected cleanly.
Not a life-changing book, but great story with excellent characterisation and a beautiful atmosphere. I'd recommend it for anyone who likes a gloomy island novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Violence
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