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Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Murder
Graphic: Child death, Sexual assault, Murder
Moderate: Drug abuse, Rape, Self harm, Torture
Minor: Child abuse, Drug use, Pedophilia
Graphic: Child abuse, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Suicide
My takeaway from Lucien's decision not to engage in what his father forces him into is that he chooses not to be the same monster the secret society members are. He is, on some level, unhinged, but I see that as a result of past untreated trauma and the abuse he suffered in his upbringing. The members of the secret society and the doctor CHOSE to commit those acts, labeling it as for the good of science or an interest in sadism. They're abusing their power and searching for fulfillment because life alone isn't enough. I believe that was Lake's point in Lucien choosing to feed his adrenaline cravings with acts that teeter on the points of life and death. Isa responds similarly because she's also a victim of abuse. Lucien is a murderer. There's no denying it. However, he only goes after those who go after the ones he loves. It's hard to view someone like that as a monster compared to the other characters in the story.
Was the twist predictable? Yes, but as is the case with most gothic romances. Despite the age gap, I find Isa and Lucien to be each other's cures. Their relationship could be labeled as toxic and possessive, but given their history, it makes sense that they would burn the world down to save the other. It's a love that could grow with time.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It's not my favorite of hers by a long shot, but if you can handle the triggers, it's well worth the read.
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicide
Moderate: Drug use, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Death of parent, Pregnancy
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Infidelity, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
I think it was a 4.75 ☆ read for me until around Ch. 50 (I ended up giving it 4.25, but I'm considering a 4).
I am really glad that I read the bonus chapters though, they wrapped up the story much better than the actual book ending I felt like? Completely required to read them.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Dementia, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Self harm, Sexual violence, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Gaslighting
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Violence
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness
Moderate: Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture