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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
dark
sad
tense
I'd been circling this book for a few years and never took the plunge for whatever reason. I'm sorry I didn't read it sooner. It turned out to be a blood-soaked gem!
The heart of the story is the friendship between Oskar and Eli, obviously, and that's where the book is at its strongest. There are a few other trails to follow in the story such as Tommy and his dealings with his mom's boyfriend which I felt was explored a bit more than necessary. And the group of drunk friends was tedious at times to say the least. I could have used a lot more Oskar and Eli in there instead of those guys for sure. There's an interesting and horrifying bit with an undead guy that was a pleasant surprise even if it wasn't totally necessary to the story.
Meanwhile, the movie version is very true to the book and happens to cut out all the things I didn't think we're especially interesting so there's that too!
The heart of the story is the friendship between Oskar and Eli, obviously, and that's where the book is at its strongest. There are a few other trails to follow in the story such as Tommy and his dealings with his mom's boyfriend which I felt was explored a bit more than necessary. And the group of drunk friends was tedious at times to say the least. I could have used a lot more Oskar and Eli in there instead of those guys for sure. There's an interesting and horrifying bit with an undead guy that was a pleasant surprise even if it wasn't totally necessary to the story.
Meanwhile, the movie version is very true to the book and happens to cut out all the things I didn't think we're especially interesting so there's that too!
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
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
If originally heard of this through the film which I was surprised to find was the highly sanitised version of the story. The peasophilia aspects are uncomfortable to read but they are integral to the story rather than being used for shock factor as they often are in horror. This is an extremely well-written book, with the pacing (often an issue in horror as the scares come either too late or too early) perfect for the story. I’ve seen the comparison made between this author and Stephen king a lot but it’s hard not to when it’s so well written and eerie, and is only intended as a compliment from me.
4 Stars
This was an incredible story. A very dark tone was set, right from the beginning. You think places like Swedan, Netherlands, etc.; are bright, cheery, touristy areas; well this book just doesn't show that. We are introduced to alcoholics, bullies, emotionally weak, and depressed individuals. Small town-minded people who don't 'see'; or who couldn't possibly see what's going on around them.
I think the book gave us the insights into Eli & Hakans relationship; insights that many of us, were not expecting..
I enjoyed this book, was grossed out by this book, intrigued by this book; and had many questions answered.
This book is definitely worth a re-read.
This was an incredible story. A very dark tone was set, right from the beginning. You think places like Swedan, Netherlands, etc.; are bright, cheery, touristy areas; well this book just doesn't show that. We are introduced to alcoholics, bullies, emotionally weak, and depressed individuals. Small town-minded people who don't 'see'; or who couldn't possibly see what's going on around them.
I think the book gave us the insights into Eli & Hakans relationship; insights that many of us, were not expecting.
Spoiler
In the movie, Hakan is made out to be a totally sympathetic character, who is lured in by years-long friendship and servitude with Eli (abby); only to find out that the book tells a different tale. It showed Eli's absolute naivete and youth to use this pedophile to fulfill his/her need for bloodI enjoyed this book, was grossed out by this book, intrigued by this book; and had many questions answered.
This book is definitely worth a re-read.
Well, that was disturbing. Very good but oh so creepy and unsettling. Every time I finished reading, I felt like I needed a shower, or confession, or some other way to cleanse myself. This book oozed icky beauty. Maybe the best vampire tale I have read in years.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced