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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
As a black lesbian I really wanted to like this book. However, for all the hype that it got, I thought that it was rather rushed in some instances. Unfortunately, the plot and the climax is given away in the summary, something I am noticing of a lot of newer books. It's unfortunate because it takes away the suspense. I will say despite that, there are some tense moments between Layla and Elise. There were some characters I felt that didn't need to be there and were created simply to introduce a plot point. This is the author's first book so I won't be too harsh, especially because there are few sapphic (said because I am unsure if one of them are lesbian or bisexual as neither was outright stated) black novels that include a dark skinned love interest. I really loved the Jazz Age setting as this is something that I feel more people can explore in black fiction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood
Moderate: Death, Racism
Sadly, dnf at 60%.. I like the premise, but i just wasn't getting into the story or the characters. I wanted to love it. I hate not finishing, but with 7 hours left? Just not doing it.
adventurous
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As a black booktube girlie, seeing another black booktube girlie publish and release her own book was inspiring, and I wanted to support all the way. This book is set in 1920s Harlem, New York where humans and reapers - vampire-like "undead" creatures created from a failed science experiment - live together as foes. Reaper Layla Quinn and notorious reaper-killer's daughter Elise Saint were once best friends now turned bitter enemies. But a shocking reaper attack forces the two to band together to investigate and stop more murders from wreaking havoc on New York.
This had a good premise. I think what prevented me from enjoying this as much as I could've is, there was a lot going on. The writing felt very stilted and heavy with backstory. I understand it's set in 1920s, but it doesn't have to be written like it's from the 1920s lol. And the history around how reapers came to be was confusing (Are only black people reapers? Is it only in the U.S.A?) That said, it got better as time went on and Layla and Elise were paired together. I liked their dynamic, even though they were both toxic for each other (Elise, looking at you). But I'll give credit where it's due: the mystery they were trying to solve is unlike anything I've read in a book, and I think for her first book Dennings did a good job weaving it out. I can definitely see a sector of people fangirl over this book. I also liked that other themes - Racism, classism, and toxic family dynamics were heavily brought up throughout the book.
The big reveal of the evil guys was not surprising, and the explanation of their master plan was HELLA confusing. Layla being a dumbass in the last few chapters because apparently she was able to figure out these plans, but then when she had the chance to thwart it, she fell for their trap willingly? Smh. Also, while I appreciated the enemies-to-lovers arc between Elise and Layla, I'm surprised there was no commentary on their sexuality or the taboo of their lesbian love in the time period they are in. The ending feels half-satisfying, half-incomplete and my only thought is, the sequel will have to do a lot of explaining. But I'm up for it.
This had a good premise. I think what prevented me from enjoying this as much as I could've is, there was a lot going on. The writing felt very stilted and heavy with backstory. I understand it's set in 1920s, but it doesn't have to be written like it's from the 1920s lol. And the history around how reapers came to be was confusing (Are only black people reapers? Is it only in the U.S.A?) That said, it got better as time went on and Layla and Elise were paired together. I liked their dynamic, even though they were both toxic for each other (Elise, looking at you). But I'll give credit where it's due: the mystery they were trying to solve is unlike anything I've read in a book, and I think for her first book Dennings did a good job weaving it out. I can definitely see a sector of people fangirl over this book. I also liked that other themes - Racism, classism, and toxic family dynamics were heavily brought up throughout the book.
The big reveal of the evil guys was not surprising, and the explanation of their master plan was HELLA confusing. Layla being a dumbass in the last few chapters because apparently she was able to figure out these plans, but then when she had the chance to thwart it, she fell for their trap willingly? Smh. Also, while I appreciated the enemies-to-lovers arc between Elise and Layla, I'm surprised there was no commentary on their sexuality or the taboo of their lesbian love in the time period they are in. The ending feels half-satisfying, half-incomplete and my only thought is, the sequel will have to do a lot of explaining. But I'm up for it.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It was okay, but I was a bit bored. I dunno why, maybe just wrong time/mood.
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
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:
Complicated
i wanted to love this book more than i did. but from the third act on, it kinda fell flat for me. i was so intrigued while listening to most of the book. but once things were finally happening, i was so baffled by choices. and i kinda don’t know how more can come from this
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
DNF'd at 30%
I kept not wanting to pick this up which for me means it's time to say it's not for me. The premise was fantastic. The writing isn't bad at all for a debut. I think i found the world building a little meh and just wasn't engaged by the set up. I kept waiting and waiting to be pulled into the story.
I kept not wanting to pick this up which for me means it's time to say it's not for me. The premise was fantastic. The writing isn't bad at all for a debut. I think i found the world building a little meh and just wasn't engaged by the set up. I kept waiting and waiting to be pulled into the story.
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This Ravenous Fate had me stuuckk. this 1920s set young black queer angst was thrilling to read. This story is a enemies to lovers YA story. reading this, there were def some thoughts about how it compares to immortal dark by tigest girma. there are some similarities such as black vamps, enemies to lovers. this story was more on the plot and the who did it theme than the romance as was immortal dark, i think. if you're thinkin about it, def read them both!
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
was really excited to read this because sapphic vampire x vampire hunter is right up my alley, but unfortunately it fell a little flat for me. it felt slow with the plot not moving forward for a while and only picking up until the end (i did like how it ended) (i’m excited for the next book)