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chelseajlouie's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sjgomzi's review against another edition
5.0
On my shortlist for favorite book of the year. An astonishing debut! Davidson takes a concept that’s been done to death and crafts it into something original and breathtaking. The writing is gorgeous, and the characters are truly alive. Not a page wasted. I can’t wait to see what he follows this up with, and you can bet your ass I’ll be the first in line to buy it. My highest recommendation! 😉
thecatfather's review against another edition
4.0
This was way more violent and disturbing than I would’ve imagined.
Some of the scenes will stick with me for a long time.
The prose was engaging and the characters were fleshed out well enough for me to care about them.
Overall, a sad, disturbing read that makes you question what really matters even against all adversity.
Some of the scenes will stick with me for a long time.
The prose was engaging and the characters were fleshed out well enough for me to care about them.
Overall, a sad, disturbing read that makes you question what really matters even against all adversity.
gourmetsoda's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.25
I cannot express to you how terrible this book is. Between the absolutely gratuitous incest and pedophilia, and the constant over sexualization of every single female character young and old (not to mention basing their worth off of their age and beauty), this book is a nightmare of male heterosexuality. The word "breasts" is probably used twice every page-- he goes out of his way to talk about the breasts of every single female character for no reason other than to drool over them. The main male lead blames every single one of his issues on the women in his life, instead of the men who were abusing them (and him). BEYOND that, the book is just boring. So many pointless details that do nothing for the plot or character development. I forced myself to finish this book just so I could write this review. Truly a painful read, not in a good way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, Child abuse, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Domestic abuse, Gore, Incest, Injury/Injury detail, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, and Murder
dominiquefragments's review
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was so different from what I expected, but I loved it all the same. The characters came to life and the writing was beautiful, though grisly and disgusting at some points. I couldn't predict the ending and loved the time period/setting chosen. Just a really interesting book. I might get back into vampires as a result.
finedanddandy's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
natalka's review
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
alibi313's review
5.0
A story that’s lurid yet beautiful; supernatural, but with characters who are visceral and real. A poetical horror novel which reads like a fever dream while effortlessly interweaving multiple plot lines. And while the prose feels spare, there are lifetimes packed in these pages. A revelation.