Reviews tagging 'Self harm'

The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag

4 reviews

eyesofcrows's review against another edition

challenging emotional 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? Yes

5.0

Another banger by Molly Knox Ostertag. First of all, I love the queer representation in this book. A trans woman love interest? A butch protagonist? Unlearning unhealthy behaviors? It all made this story an S tier for me.

Magdalena’s life is complicated, especially when hers has. A creature with teeth associated with her. It’s not fully explained on the why’s but I don’t believe this to be a story where a why is needed. There’s a lot of metaphor when it comes to her problem and I loved it all. Mags definitely deserves all the love in the world. And Ness! A classic childhood friend back in town story. Both of them have their hang ups but they still want to make it work between them. What’s not to love?

I’m a big fan of Molly Ostertag’s work so I could be bias. But bias doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy a good story. I loved the desert setting of the graphic novel (as a Californian myself). The usage of colors was also something I enjoyed from my reading. Overall, a good story to read.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Medical content, Self harm, Death, Toxic relationship, and Stalking

julalbert56's review

emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I was worried that the story would be an analogy for self harm and did not like the ending through that lens, as the “monster” is still alive. But taking it more as a physical manifestation of life’s burdens in general, I really appreciated Mags learning to share her troubles with Nessa (and I love them together they’re so cute). And the Tio reveal at the end was so good omg

overall, I loved the art style, creative use of color/photographs, characters, and the emotional core of this narrative.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm

Moderate: Death and Domestic abuse

dananana's review

dark emotional hopeful reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Death, and Death of parent

Moderate: Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, and Blood

storiesatstarfall's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Hot damn this was good. Heavy and suspenseful and tense, but good. Upon publication, the artwork will be in full color, but the black and white of the proof absolutely gave it a noir feel that is equally fabulous. Definitely a great read!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Stalking, Violence, and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Abandonment, Death, Murder, Self harm, Chronic illness, and Child death

Minor: Dysphoria and Animal cruelty