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4.43 AVERAGE
4.43 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I read this book as part of the Indie Ink Awards. I thought the idea of the setup was really interested and felt pretty invested in the two main characters, Laurel and Spencer, right from the get go.
I think Spencer was a little too sad for my tastes (he cries basically every time he shows up in a chapter), but I loved his vibe. I could have done without the litany of Twilight references; I think those were unnecessary and cheapened the text as being an original one.
I think a lot more could have been done in regards to the set up and interweaving more of what happens in the final climax of the book into the rest of it. For most of the book it felt cozy, which was fine, but I was wondering why the book was listed under the horror genre given how comfy everything seemed to be. Given everything that happens close to the end, I wish there had been a little more work in building that at the beginning. I found myself skimming the town point-of-view sections entirely.
I did feel like the author perhaps had a version of this book where the husband was physically abusive to Laurel, and that got edited out. The way that the other characters talk about him makes it seem like it maybe was once the case before, and it didn't seem like it correctly matched with what was happening in terms of how she was currently experiencing the emotional abuse. I thought perhaps the author was working up to having the husband become physically abusive and have that be the tipping point for Spencer to kill him, but that did not happen. Either way, the abuse angle didn't seem to match up just right, and I think the depths of that could've been explored better.
Great LGBTQ+ rep in here. I enjoyed watching their relationship get built and how that blossomed over time in this sweet and innocent way, even if I knew where it was going to inevitably end up. Loved Laurel's friends too. Overall a solid read.
I think Spencer was a little too sad for my tastes (he cries basically every time he shows up in a chapter), but I loved his vibe. I could have done without the litany of Twilight references; I think those were unnecessary and cheapened the text as being an original one.
I think a lot more could have been done in regards to the set up and interweaving more of what happens in the final climax of the book into the rest of it. For most of the book it felt cozy, which was fine, but I was wondering why the book was listed under the horror genre given how comfy everything seemed to be. Given everything that happens close to the end, I wish there had been a little more work in building that at the beginning. I found myself skimming the town point-of-view sections entirely.
Great LGBTQ+ rep in here. I enjoyed watching their relationship get built and how that blossomed over time in this sweet and innocent way, even if I knew where it was going to inevitably end up. Loved Laurel's friends too. Overall a solid read.
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Two things seem to last beyond death, friendship and the generational trauma.
But friendships make the trauma bearable and helps to ease or even overcome it.
But friendships make the trauma bearable and helps to ease or even overcome it.
The people around the Harbour had been soaked in coal dust for hundreds of years, getting sick by the droves. Coal had gotten inside their chests and took up residence there, killing them slowly. The damp, the lack of sun, the poverty…some things stayed in the blood long after they should have been gone.
So... I thought I was going to read a slightly dark story with a queer vampire.
Turns out I got a lot more - and I'm so glad I did!
Turns out I got a lot more - and I'm so glad I did!
"[...] You can’t be afraid of a drive-through. You’re a centuries-old creature of the night." Laurel was staring at me and trying to contain her laughter.
I put my hands up, frustrated. “Exactly! What am I supposed to have ordered at a drive-through? A short brunette with family trauma issues?”
I don't want to give away too much, but sorrow, grief and violence behind closed doors can take its toll on a community over time. And it takes the strongest people to break out of a vicious cycle while staying in that community, and getting a little help from the outside helps.
Laurel rubbed her face with her hands. “You know how people talk about having, like…a little voice in their head? Like the one that calls them fat or ugly or whatever? I thought it was literal. This voice has been there for years, telling me I should hurt people.[]"
also, can we get more of Spectre? I wan more Spectre.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
At first I wanted 10 percent more foreshadowing for some ~*~stuff~*~. Then I decided it was fun and I should chill out! And I still feel the second way!
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
It's Twilight for grownups. Justice for Marc!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder
slow-paced
The adult, queer, anti-Twilight vampire love story you never knew you needed. Atmospheric, eerie, and cute as. Not exactly a stand alone novel, but doesn't have a big cliffhanger so much as a TBC. And after that paranormal twist working its way in... Well worth a contemporary, sweary read.
i thought i knew exactly where this was headed, and then i read chapter 20.
this is part of a series, but the ending is not a cliffhanger. it’s wrapped up well enough that there’s no need to wait for book 2.
spencer is a treasure. laurel is super relatable. the town’s POV tells stories of the residents, both current and historical. bisexual + poly representation, a little banter, vampire jokes, and a healthy dose of ‘WTF just happened’
this is part of a series, but the ending is not a cliffhanger. it’s wrapped up well enough that there’s no need to wait for book 2.
spencer is a treasure. laurel is super relatable. the town’s POV tells stories of the residents, both current and historical. bisexual + poly representation, a little banter, vampire jokes, and a healthy dose of ‘WTF just happened’
A Haunting Reflection of Coal Country
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
Coal Gets in Your Veins is a poignant exploration of life in a Canadian ex-coal mining town, a place where the industry's grip extends beyond the mines and into the very fabric of the community. This haunting tale, dripping with angst and harsh realities, resonated deeply with me as someone whose family hails from a similar community.
The author's raw and authentic portrayal of the characters was incredibly compelling. The author's ability to capture the nuances of small-town life, the relationships among the residents, and the underlying tensions is truly masterful. Each individual felt so real, their struggles and desires mirroring the experiences of countless others who have grown up in such environments. The intertwining of supernatural elements, such as a (queer) vampire, added a unique and intriguing layer to the narrative, while also serving as a metaphor for the dark forces that can consume individuals and communities (imo). Laurel and Spencer together make an entertaining switch point of view. The town itself also having its own POV was both new for me and a stunning addition to the feel and imagery of the story.
Cat did an excellent job of expressing her understanding of generational trauma passed down through families. The book is dripping with the essence of it. Families who worked in the mines endured physical and emotional hardships associated with coal mining. This exploration of the past's impact on the present is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking as someone who has familial ties to this way of life.
The book also delves into the complexities of abusive relationships and the yearning for a better life. The author's portrayal of these themes is both sensitive and unflinching, offering a stark glimpse into the challenges faced by many individuals. As someone who works in family intervention, I found Cat’s exploration of these themes very accurate.
If you grew up in a small Canadian town, or if you're simply interested in stories that explore the depths of human experience, Coal Gets in Your Veins is a must-read. This haunting and unforgettable novel offers a powerful reflection of the lives of those who have been shaped by the unforgiving nature of coal mining and the enduring legacy of trauma.
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
Coal Gets in Your Veins is a poignant exploration of life in a Canadian ex-coal mining town, a place where the industry's grip extends beyond the mines and into the very fabric of the community. This haunting tale, dripping with angst and harsh realities, resonated deeply with me as someone whose family hails from a similar community.
The author's raw and authentic portrayal of the characters was incredibly compelling. The author's ability to capture the nuances of small-town life, the relationships among the residents, and the underlying tensions is truly masterful. Each individual felt so real, their struggles and desires mirroring the experiences of countless others who have grown up in such environments. The intertwining of supernatural elements, such as a (queer) vampire, added a unique and intriguing layer to the narrative, while also serving as a metaphor for the dark forces that can consume individuals and communities (imo). Laurel and Spencer together make an entertaining switch point of view. The town itself also having its own POV was both new for me and a stunning addition to the feel and imagery of the story.
Cat did an excellent job of expressing her understanding of generational trauma passed down through families. The book is dripping with the essence of it. Families who worked in the mines endured physical and emotional hardships associated with coal mining. This exploration of the past's impact on the present is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking as someone who has familial ties to this way of life.
The book also delves into the complexities of abusive relationships and the yearning for a better life. The author's portrayal of these themes is both sensitive and unflinching, offering a stark glimpse into the challenges faced by many individuals. As someone who works in family intervention, I found Cat’s exploration of these themes very accurate.
If you grew up in a small Canadian town, or if you're simply interested in stories that explore the depths of human experience, Coal Gets in Your Veins is a must-read. This haunting and unforgettable novel offers a powerful reflection of the lives of those who have been shaped by the unforgiving nature of coal mining and the enduring legacy of trauma.