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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
Not really feeling it tbh, I’m not gripped and not developing that care for the characters
dark
emotional
medium-paced
A sexy and bloody read about a sapphic Romance set during the roaring 20s prohibition in Harlem between a vampire and the heir to a vampire hunting dynasty. Loved it!
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a vampire story like none I have read and that is very refreshing.
Discussions of forced medical treatment and experimentation on Black bodies in the name of “a cure” for vampirism speaks to the decades of forced medical treatment and experimentation that happened for generations knowingly and unknowingly alike at the hands of white physicians.
Weave in a budding sapphic romance between Elise and Layla, two of the main characters (no on page spice but it is alluded to in a few scenes there is nothing explicit at all as this is a YA).
Hayley Dennings does amazing storytelling with this novel.
Discussions of forced medical treatment and experimentation on Black bodies in the name of “a cure” for vampirism speaks to the decades of forced medical treatment and experimentation that happened for generations knowingly and unknowingly alike at the hands of white physicians.
Weave in a budding sapphic romance between Elise and Layla, two of the main characters (no on page spice but it is alluded to in a few scenes there is nothing explicit at all as this is a YA).
Hayley Dennings does amazing storytelling with this novel.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC. I listened to "This Ravenous Fate" by Hayley Dennings and, for the most part, I enjoyed the performance. However, I think I would have enjoyed reading the physical copy better.
Pros:
The plot is thrilling and fast-paced. Dennings does a pretty good job weaving in themes of racial tension and systemic oppression with the clash between reaper clans and reaper hunters. It's an interesting mix that adds depth to the story. In my opinion sapphic romance did not disappoint. The friendship between Layla and Elise was believable and provided a solid foundation for their romantic relationship. I also enjoyed the investigation/mystery storyline and all of the historical context of how the reapers came to be. The way the lore is laid out is very clear and easy to understand, which sets the series up nicely. I believe this series has so much potential.
Cons:
At first, I wasn't really buying the chemistry between Layla and Elise, but as the story progressed, I started to enjoy their dynamic a little more. However, Elise's parents were insufferable. Mr. Saint felt like a bit of a caricature. He's portrayed as the stereotypical Black male villain. The narration didn't help either, as the voice change for his character was jarring and took me out of the story.
The setting is supposed to be 1920s New York, but honestly, it didn't really capture the essence of the 20s for me. Aside from the mention of the Cotton Club, it felt more like present-day. And the conflict between Elise and her dad felt a bit forced. I wish it had been fleshed out more to make it more believable. The action towards the end was a little hard to follow, and after one of the major conflicts, the story started losing my attention. The last 45 minutes or so were tough to get through.
Despite these points, I genuinely enjoyed the story especially considering it is Dennings debut novel. I'm definitely picking up a physical copy and will continue reading the series. I'm excited to see Hayley Dennings grow as an author because she is truly talented.
Pros:
The plot is thrilling and fast-paced. Dennings does a pretty good job weaving in themes of racial tension and systemic oppression with the clash between reaper clans and reaper hunters. It's an interesting mix that adds depth to the story. In my opinion sapphic romance did not disappoint. The friendship between Layla and Elise was believable and provided a solid foundation for their romantic relationship. I also enjoyed the investigation/mystery storyline and all of the historical context of how the reapers came to be. The way the lore is laid out is very clear and easy to understand, which sets the series up nicely. I believe this series has so much potential.
Cons:
At first, I wasn't really buying the chemistry between Layla and Elise, but as the story progressed, I started to enjoy their dynamic a little more. However, Elise's parents were insufferable. Mr. Saint felt like a bit of a caricature. He's portrayed as the stereotypical Black male villain. The narration didn't help either, as the voice change for his character was jarring and took me out of the story.
The setting is supposed to be 1920s New York, but honestly, it didn't really capture the essence of the 20s for me. Aside from the mention of the Cotton Club, it felt more like present-day. And the conflict between Elise and her dad felt a bit forced. I wish it had been fleshed out more to make it more believable. The action towards the end was a little hard to follow, and after one of the major conflicts, the story started losing my attention. The last 45 minutes or so were tough to get through.
Despite these points, I genuinely enjoyed the story especially considering it is Dennings debut novel. I'm definitely picking up a physical copy and will continue reading the series. I'm excited to see Hayley Dennings grow as an author because she is truly talented.
dark
emotional
tense
Been wanting to read it since this was bittersweet poison. I need it. Queer black vampire lesbians. Say no more.
Edit:
I’ve read it now and well…..I loved it and uhm I don’t think any book can ever compare
Edit:
I’ve read it now and well…..I loved it and uhm I don’t think any book can ever compare
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
It felt like there were a few too many epilogue chapters, but a wonderful debut.