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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this was a 2.5 star read for me.
I will preface this by saying that this is not usually the type of fiction/fantasy that I would normally go for, but the premise & summary of the novel sounded so great, I had to request it.
Unfortunately for me, the novel and timeline of events/plots was confusing. It’s written in a series of “scenes” or vignettes as some have called it, following a cohort of different characters/communities in each. I wasn’t sure of the exact timelines, to the point that I had to look up how to read the novel and then finally got a bit of clarity of what was being described.
The writing was beautiful, and though I enjoyed each scene, it was very hard for me to follow what was going on. I also enjoyed that it was set in Boston, since that is where I currently live, and could recognize all the different neighborhoods and landmarks.
I do think perhaps the writer was trying to accomplish much with this novel, as it also felt like a political and cultural statement within a fantasy metaphor.
This seems like the type of novel that would do well for readers that like to read and re-read and pick up on more themes within a book the more times they’re able to go over it, it is layered and complex. However, very hard to follow on the first try for me.
Overall, this was a 2.5 star read for me.
I will preface this by saying that this is not usually the type of fiction/fantasy that I would normally go for, but the premise & summary of the novel sounded so great, I had to request it.
Unfortunately for me, the novel and timeline of events/plots was confusing. It’s written in a series of “scenes” or vignettes as some have called it, following a cohort of different characters/communities in each. I wasn’t sure of the exact timelines, to the point that I had to look up how to read the novel and then finally got a bit of clarity of what was being described.
The writing was beautiful, and though I enjoyed each scene, it was very hard for me to follow what was going on. I also enjoyed that it was set in Boston, since that is where I currently live, and could recognize all the different neighborhoods and landmarks.
I do think perhaps the writer was trying to accomplish much with this novel, as it also felt like a political and cultural statement within a fantasy metaphor.
This seems like the type of novel that would do well for readers that like to read and re-read and pick up on more themes within a book the more times they’re able to go over it, it is layered and complex. However, very hard to follow on the first try for me.
I really wanted to love this book, but to be honest if it had been explained to bet the horror anthology that it is I probably wouldn’t have read it. But that alone isn’t the reason for my rating— it’s that the scenes we get with so many characters just don’t go anywhere. I DNF’ed at 60% and still I felt we hadn’t fully sunk our teeth into anything. I was really curious about the narrator’s plotline and Laina’s. I wish we’d just stuck to those.
medium-paced
slow-paced
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
J’ai beaucoup aimé mais j’ai aussi été beaucoup perdue pendant cette lecture. Il me faudra du temps pour tout remettre dans l’ordre. Mais c’était assez bouleversant, plein d’espoir et de désespoir à la fois.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I don't often enjoy scifi, but this was incredibly well done, with excellent world building. I sometimes couldn't quite remember how the characters we ebb and flow through are connected since there are quite a few of them, but overall this is really well done and I think I'll be picking up the sequel.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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:
Complicated
Really a crazy book. It's a great update to the Lovecraftian vibe, adding diversity in place of the bigotry. The language and characters are the main stars, with the plot itself being a bit sidelined and even convoluted. It's really worth the read.