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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual assault
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was intrigued by the themes of Catholic guilt, but I think in the end this book wasn't a great fit for me. It felt a bit repetitive, dwelling on feelings with little plot line to drive it forward. I think the prose was I interesting, but it did slow my progress through the book. I think people who can relate to trauma from religious upbringings would find this book much more resonant than I.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
I received an ARC from NetGalley a while ago, so thank you to them!!
I really enjoyed Fragile Animals, especially the religious themes, which were thought-provoking and beautifully woven into the story. I love how the story handles faith, doubt, and devotion.
However, I was a little let down by the horror elements. They didn’t feel as strong or as fully developed as the rest of the book and left me wanting more. Still, a compelling and unique read overall!
I really enjoyed Fragile Animals, especially the religious themes, which were thought-provoking and beautifully woven into the story. I love how the story handles faith, doubt, and devotion.
However, I was a little let down by the horror elements. They didn’t feel as strong or as fully developed as the rest of the book and left me wanting more. Still, a compelling and unique read overall!
Weird and heart breaking book that ends with hope.
It's very slow so wouldn't recommend for anyone who needs a fast-paces story.
Favorite quote: "so Father McBride Father mcdied".
It's very slow so wouldn't recommend for anyone who needs a fast-paces story.
Favorite quote: "so Father McBride Father mcdied".
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Let me start by saying this book was marketed as a vampire romance, and if you’re expecting your standard romance or smut, you might be a little confused. It's more literary fiction than anything, and it certainly gives you a lot more to consider than just fangs and romance. So, if you're into philosophical ponderings on religion, trauma, and relationships (and maybe have a tolerance for some grosser scenes), you might get something out of it.
I’ll admit, the main character didn’t exactly win me over. She’s a little unlikeable and, at times, just plain bland. But honestly, I think that’s kind of the point. The book feels less about her personal arc and more about dissecting the emotional and psychological undercurrents she’s swimming in. It's about exploring the way relationships are sometimes built on trauma, sometimes on dependence. So while I didn’t fall in love with her, I appreciated the way she was used to reflect larger themes.
And let’s talk about Moses. The book teases you with his vampiric traits, pale skin, thin frame, the occasional blood-sipping moment, but doesn’t really give you the full supernatural experience. Instead, it uses vampirism as a metaphor. It’s an exploration of parasitic relationships in more subtle, unsettling ways. A much older man in a relationship with a younger girl could easily be seen as a form of “vampirism.” Same goes for how the protagonist leans on her mother emotionally—that’s the real bite.
The writing, though? Wow. Some passages are downright gorgeous, honestly. I found myself savoring a few, but they were often sandwiched between some... let’s say, less appealing moments. There’s a lot of body horror in this one, and it’s not just blood that makes things gross. The girl’s digestive system could really use a visit to a gastroenterologist. That’s not a spoiler, just a warning.
All in all, I enjoyed the ambiguity. The fact that the book doesn’t fully explain things gives it a certain depth. It left me thinking, even if it didn’t always leave me feeling what I expected. So, if you’re cool with a bit of mystery and some unsettling imagery, this is worth checking out.
I’ll admit, the main character didn’t exactly win me over. She’s a little unlikeable and, at times, just plain bland. But honestly, I think that’s kind of the point. The book feels less about her personal arc and more about dissecting the emotional and psychological undercurrents she’s swimming in. It's about exploring the way relationships are sometimes built on trauma, sometimes on dependence. So while I didn’t fall in love with her, I appreciated the way she was used to reflect larger themes.
And let’s talk about Moses. The book teases you with his vampiric traits, pale skin, thin frame, the occasional blood-sipping moment, but doesn’t really give you the full supernatural experience. Instead, it uses vampirism as a metaphor. It’s an exploration of parasitic relationships in more subtle, unsettling ways. A much older man in a relationship with a younger girl could easily be seen as a form of “vampirism.” Same goes for how the protagonist leans on her mother emotionally—that’s the real bite.
The writing, though? Wow. Some passages are downright gorgeous, honestly. I found myself savoring a few, but they were often sandwiched between some... let’s say, less appealing moments. There’s a lot of body horror in this one, and it’s not just blood that makes things gross. The girl’s digestive system could really use a visit to a gastroenterologist. That’s not a spoiler, just a warning.
All in all, I enjoyed the ambiguity. The fact that the book doesn’t fully explain things gives it a certain depth. It left me thinking, even if it didn’t always leave me feeling what I expected. So, if you’re cool with a bit of mystery and some unsettling imagery, this is worth checking out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Blood, Excrement, Toxic friendship
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I found so many bits of this book really compelling and beautifully written, but from the moment Moses was described as being a pale, spindly, skeletal man with dirt under his finger nails I was never going to be anything other than averse to him.