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christoco's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Murder, Rape, Death of parent, Vomit, Child death, and Sexual violence
Minor: Abandonment, Alcohol, Antisemitism, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Incest, Infertility, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Rape, and Torture
bethanie's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Antisemitism, Body horror, Cursing, and Death
coolbeans's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Venturing into a not oft-traveled genre for me, I picked up Sin Eater with it's historical 16th-century England setting and medieval vibes. The hook for me was the interesting main character and the author did indeed deliver the goods. May, caught stealing bread to survive, is punished by being branded a Sin Eater. Sin Eaters must listen to the final confessions of the dying and eat ritualistic foods that represent the sins the dying have confessed to so that they may be accepted by the Maker in heaven. This was a very interesting and fascinating story that focused on May and how she copes with this dramatic change in her role in society.
The mystery that is teased in the book blurb for this title does indeed play a part of the story as it drives the character through the plot, but I found myself much more interested in May's evolution as a character. The author does a wonderful job of putting on the main character's skin and letting us see on the ground level the brutal, unrelenting daily life the young woman endures throughout the novel. This is not a happy story. This story does not hold back in it's stark, raw outlook of life during this time period. No sudden reversals of bad fortune or miraculous happy ever after here. But, that's what made this book all the more interesting to read. The author doesn't ask you to suspend your belief for plot points such as the previous mentioned. Here is the story, this is how it is. I admired that. I also admired the growth of May and how she finds her footing in the brutal world she walks through.
If you like a medieval setting with a major focus on the daily trials of the main character who just happens to have an unusual role, this would be a pick for you. The murder mystery aspect of the story is not a major focus and is not spoken of as much as I thought it would be, but it is an extra element of the plot to enjoy. Interesting main character, moody atmosphere, satisfying ending. Would have liked more Country Mouse, but alas, twas not realistic, I understand.
I give this a 4 out of 5 stars. Kudos to the Sin Eaters for eating some food items that sounded terribly disgusting. I guess that was the least of their problems, to be honest.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC of this title.
The mystery that is teased in the book blurb for this title does indeed play a part of the story as it drives the character through the plot, but I found myself much more interested in May's evolution as a character. The author does a wonderful job of putting on the main character's skin and letting us see on the ground level the brutal, unrelenting daily life the young woman endures throughout the novel. This is not a happy story. This story does not hold back in it's stark, raw outlook of life during this time period.
If you like a medieval setting with a major focus on the daily trials of the main character who just happens to have an unusual role, this would be a pick for you. The murder mystery aspect of the story is not a major focus and is not spoken of as much as I thought it would be, but it is an extra element of the plot to enjoy. Interesting main character, moody atmosphere, satisfying ending. Would have liked more Country Mouse, but alas, twas not realistic, I understand.
I give this a 4 out of 5 stars. Kudos to the Sin Eaters for eating some food items that sounded terribly disgusting. I guess that was the least of their problems, to be honest.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC of this title.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Animal cruelty, Torture, and Cursing
Moderate: Blood, Child abuse, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, and Violence
Minor: Child death, Grief, Incest, Infertility, Excrement, and Vomit
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