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micheala's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It's very short (only 135 pages) so I can't really say much without spoiling things. I will say that overall the mystery was interesting, however there was one key piece that Helen should have noticed much sooner, and her not realizing it felt like a blatant plot convenience.
Content warnings for time period (1940s-ish) homophobia, misogyny, mental institution (characters commited against their will), electroshock therapy, adversion therapy, death, possession,blood and gore - most of these are not described in great detail, but they are present and discussed on page
Moderate: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Child death, Car accident, and Death of parent
foiblesandfiction's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The amount of world building that was developed in this short novel was incredible. I didn't expect the depth or believability that the author created, but it's there. I also really enjoyed the vulnerable and intense themes that the author explored - queer love in a time and place that found it immoral and illegal; misogyny and the imbalanced power dynamics from which women suffer; the institutionalization of women in asylums and their horrific suffering of conversion therapies.
Where this book fell short for me was the ending. To be blunt, I don't like it. Both the plot choices that the author made as well as the technicalities of how it was written. The culmination of the noir-like murder mystery was cleanly wrapped up yet the plot twist was predictable. And while Helen and Edith's relationship gave me all the feels, I was disappointed by the lack of resolution for Helen's fractured relationship with her brother.
However, please don't let these criticisms hold you back from being able to enjoy the beautiful love of this sapphic couple. They were sweet enough to make my molars ache, and I recommend this book to anyone needing a quick read to break a reading slump.
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Forced institutionalization, Murder, Lesbophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
chanterello's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, and Sexism
booksthatburn'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? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Forced institutionalization, Murder, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Drug use, Self harm, Sexual content, Torture, Car accident, and Alcohol
oldladysadie'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? No
5.0
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Homophobia, Transphobia, Lesbophobia, and Outing
clarabooksit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The stakes are high, and the way the story developed and unravelled made it very hard to put down. While I would’ve loved more information about the magic and how it works, this story is well contained and moves the reader right along. The murders are gruesome, religion is a fascinating element, and the motivations are compelling. I was invested.
My favorite parts were the relationship between Helen and Edith and the way Polk wove in history, especially the high price of being a queer at the time. The hidden lesbian club and the brief visit to the asylum were great touches.
For all you historical fantasy fans out there, definitely check this one out. It’s a tense, quick read that builds very nicely and has a swoony romance at its heart. Also, how gorgeous is that cover?
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Homophobia, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Vomit
readingwithkaitlyn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Homophobia, Sexism, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Sexual assault and Car accident
leahrosereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexism, and Violence
thetainaship's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Biphobia, Confinement, Homophobia, Sexism, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Car accident, Lesbophobia, and Alcohol
valodniece's review
- 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
Graphic: Sexism, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Gun violence, Homophobia, Mental illness, Kidnapping, Lesbophobia, and Gaslighting