Scan barcode
bookishkale's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
First of all, I enjoyed all of the characters! I found them endearing, and I was desperate to know what happened to the Hollow sisters, where did they go so long ago? Vivi is a little grating at the beginning but I really enjoyed her character in contrast to Grey and Iris by the end of the book. Vivi is also queer, but it's done in a super casual way, which is nice to see every once in a while. Tyler is a highlight, and he adds a great dynamic to Vivi and Iris as they search for their sister. Iris' characterization makes so much sense. She's the youngest of three girls, the older two were rambunctious and rebellious, and in turn, Iris was quiet and well in order. She grapples with her identity vs her sisters, wanting to be like them, but also, trying to find herself. She's not naive like the book almost makes her out to be, since she is not as cool and interesting as her older sisters, but I never found her to be. She's the smartest one in the book and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this world through her eyes. Her character growth by the end was well worth it. One of the best narrators I've read in a while.
For the plot, this is where I docked points. I loved that the story was centered around the three girls and their relationship with each other. I have two older sisters, so Iris, I get you. The book does not shy away from the grotesque body horror elements that a story like this needs. I just felt the pacing was off, I don't know how to explain it. I felt like the last half of the book was fantastic, but the beginning is a little slow. I just feel like it takes too long to get where they were going and the plot suffers a bit from that. But overall, everything ties up in the end, (really well, might I add!), and that's really all that matters to me. I did predict one of the mysteries, but for the question of the Hollow girls... I wasn't expecting it, and it was really well done! I applaud the choice! I think this story could have been better if Sutherland upped the age range for this book, and just went all in, no whammies.
And I cannot end this review without gushing about the imagery! Krystal Sutherland does a fantastic job of putting you right there with Iris as she experiences these horrific events. I was obsessed with each disgusting thing that she describes. I had to gag at some points because it was so realistic. I'll be thinking about the imagery in this book for a while. The book wraps you up in this nightmare with them, as it swallows you whole.
Overall, highly recommend this book for the spooky season! I'd avoid it if you can't handle any amount of horror. I can handle some so I think this book is fine if you like to watch the occasionally scary movie with friends but don't watch anything scary by yourself. It's mostly just super creepy, but I know people can be super sensitive to things! This book does not shy away from the creep factor. Be sure to check out the rest of the trigger/content warnings for this book!!
I look forward to what Krystal Sutherland releases next!
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Death, Eating disorder, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, and Alcohol
patienceholmes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
februaries's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
this is so good and insane and worth every single millisecond i feel like this will be tattooed in my mind for the next few weeks . the way everything tied up wasnt the most perfect but it still had my jaw on the floor So im gonna need at least 5 business days to pick my jaw back up
p.s. @ krystal sutherland i would read even ur grocery list
p.p.s. shoutout to u tyler yang ! ur one of the best parts of this story
Graphic: Gore, Sexual assault, Blood, and Vomit
Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage, Suicide, Death of parent, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
madisone's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
abbiemreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Gore, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Blood, Vomit, and Grief
ohennui's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Moderate: Body horror, Cursing, Sexual assault, Suicide, Blood, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use, Violence, and Alcohol
elsea_readingelsea's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Gore, Mental illness, Suicide, Blood, Kidnapping, and Fire/Fire injury
hannakindareads's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Death, Gore, Blood, and Grief
kittykaz's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Suicide, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Sexual harassment
rain_baby's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual assault, Suicide, Blood, and Death of parent
Minor: Kidnapping