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reila's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.75
I anticipated this book after coming across the author on Twitter! The premise of vampires amidst the backdrop of the Russian Revolution was intriguing, and (after reading) I am so curious how this world will flesh out in future installments.
It's refreshing to read something so self-indulgently gory, as well as read (I don't know how else to phrase it---callous, powerful (?)smutty (??)) sex scenes that are messy and can be the political set-pieces they can be. Maybe that's me reading too closely (or obtusely, as I am with romance-anything [highly likely]). 'Love' could be there, but the world came off as too bleak for me to believe relationships are more than a means to cope; far too much on certain characters' plates to even consider the prospect of 'uncomplicated love,' methinks.
The characters are largely independent, and I seriously wonder what they're cooking! But I am a patient, invested person :)
The disadvantage of reading a series is that each book is but a slice of the whole work; therefore, the merit of it shouldn't be judged on one. This is not to say I was wholly dissatisfied, but I wished there was more padding in between plot points to get to know the characters better. And the best/worst part is that those parts will probably be in future work, so I'm going to shut up now and submit this review.
It's refreshing to read something so self-indulgently gory, as well as read (I don't know how else to phrase it---callous, powerful (?)
The characters are largely independent, and I seriously wonder what they're cooking! But I am a patient, invested person :)
The disadvantage of reading a series is that each book is but a slice of the whole work; therefore, the merit of it shouldn't be judged on one. This is not to say I was wholly dissatisfied, but I wished there was more padding in between plot points to get to know the characters better. And the best/worst part is that those parts will probably be in future work, so I'm going to shut up now and submit this review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Gore, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, and Violence
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