Scan barcode
singalana's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I picked this book as “seasonally appropriate” since it takes place during Christmas. There's an author's note before the story starts that this probably isn't a book you should gift to your grandma, and I agree. Also, some of the language is dated, there's animal cruelty and some men "being men" (aka sexist behaviour), so be warned.
I'm not sure about the genre. Despite the name, there isn't much terror unless you count swearing and sex jokes. Maybe magical realism? I don't know how to classify the book.
There's a vast cast of characters who have appeared in other books, but I didn't find it hard to follow the story or the characters. The story starts when a boy sees a man in a Santa costume murdered. He asks an angel to make Santa come back to life. And mayhem ensues.
This book has more swearing, drugs and (tasteless) sex jokes than what I'd expect from a Christmas book. But it was also less funny and less terrifying than I expected. But I have to admit that I liked the ending, hence the rating.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Sexism, and Misogyny
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Drug use, Mental illness, Rape, Kidnapping, Violence, Animal cruelty, Blood, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Animal death, Death, and Alcohol
bebidocrimes's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Quick, fun read that's pretty entertaining. Like if a Hallmark movie also had hiding a body and fighting off zombies. Painfully 2004 on a lot of topics, but it intentionally pushes some of those stances to the comical extreme, to the point it was hilarious. Gift of the Magi with drugs, but with 2004 stakes of using marijuana? I cannot and will not speak on the schizophrenic/DID writing, but I did really love Molly and am so glad she saved the day. I really can't decide if it's actually because of the time it was written, or if I am supposed to dislike Tuck, but Jesus Christ, dude. A Mexican-American woman in California is not 'exotic' please use almost any other adjective. Surprising lack of angel scenes for what the title advertises, and no zombies until the book is almost over!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Murder, Violence, Drug use, Cursing, Gun violence, Sexual content, Death, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Gore
hrtlss_grl's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Sexual content, Cannibalism, Alcoholism, Cursing, Death, and Mental illness
More...