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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Physical abuse, Violence
Minor: Sexual assault, Suicide
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
The vibe leans heavily towards "something is rotten in the state of Denmark" and body horror.
Where we get into the heartwarming portion is the relationships between the four friends, and how it contrasts with the other twisted relationships outside their group, whether it's between for ex. Babe and Ryan, or Hunter and his Dad, or even with Bulldeen in general. Anna, Jules, Babe and Dude are devoted to each other, and they love each other in a way that nourishes. Babe and Dude's relationship is the focus and it's "I'd do anything for you" grown to the best version throughout the book with laser-focus intensity. Also, the pining between these two. I mean, they know, of course they know, they just weren't in a place to acknowledge it.
Overall, this book was an entertaining and enjoyable read.
One aspect that could be improved on is that explanations for actions can be left out so readers can draw their own conclusions. Most of them are pretty obvious. For example, in Ch 1, we can see that Babe and Dude bicker frequently; there is no need for a following paragraph that tells us they argue like a married couple. Likewise, Ch. 9, Dude has alot of love for everyone and everything, the reader can see that happening, there is no need for a whole paragraph explaining it.
The vibe leans heavily towards "something is rotten in the state of Denmark" and body horror.
Where we get into the heartwarming portion is the relationships between the four friends, and how it contrasts with the other twisted relationships outside their group, whether it's between for ex. Babe and Ryan, or Hunter and his Dad, or even with Bulldeen in general. Anna, Jules, Babe and Dude are devoted to each other, and they love each other in a way that nourishes. Babe and Dude's relationship is the focus and it's "I'd do anything for you" grown to the best version throughout the book with laser-focus intensity. Also, the pining between these two. I mean, they know, of course they know, they just weren't in a place to acknowledge it.
Overall, this book was an entertaining and enjoyable read.
Spoiler
It's a nice touch how the monster takes the form of whatever is holding them back in Bulldeen. Also, not sure if it was deliberate, but to me Kate's and Anna's grandparents are reflections of what Babe's future would have looked like if Babe had stayed vs gone to LA. Babe does love Bulldeen in his way, just like Kate. Maybe he would've gotten out eventually and found a better path, like I'd imagine Kate does at the end. Maybe he would've rotted like the thornfruit. But Monica is the better ending I envision.One aspect that could be improved on is that explanations for actions can be left out so readers can draw their own conclusions. Most of them are pretty obvious. For example, in Ch 1, we can see that Babe and Dude bicker frequently; there is no need for a following paragraph that tells us they argue like a married couple. Likewise, Ch. 9, Dude has alot of love for everyone and everything, the reader can see that happening, there is no need for a whole paragraph explaining it.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
dark
inspiring
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:
No
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The writing is so good! I couldn't put it down!
I loved this book! Some of it was slightly jumpy, in the first half, but the story was still moving in a way that I could understand and I absolutely loved it! I hope there's going to be another book, it says 1 on the spine so here's to hoping! Would highly recommend!
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
realistically, i liked this book. sometimes it was a confusing with how babe was supposed to eat or if the creature was the one who needed to feed . the last 20% flew and i liked the progression of hunter’s character into lunacy.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I feel like this could’ve and should’ve been a novella. I had to dnf at 27%. Too bored.