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baileyreadsromance's review against another edition
There's no redemption after that. Absolutely just not my thing.
Graphic: Rape and Death
Moderate: Violence
bekahzabel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Confinement, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Murder, Child death, and Torture
annife's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual content, Death, Physical abuse, Rape, and Violence
Moderate: Child death
colca's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Graphic: Rape, Miscarriage, and Violence
bangiebangs's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Are there redeeming qualities? Not if you don't want to read about SA. Skip this book, truly. For me, it was the first one that really went there, but I still liked the story overall. It doesnt break any ground (monstrous MMC, an FMC who is dropped into his clutches, and slow enemies to lovers, the tortured man rescued by a kind woman, etc).
The reason I can still enjoy the book is probably that the rape scenes aren't truly fleshed out - we get the mechanics, we don't get a lot of description of how it feels (beyond "my ass still hurts") or the fallout (ie. how does Ada feel afterwards, what physical and mental effects are there). This doesn't diminish what happens, of course, but it does make it much easier to focus on the slow process of her seeing more of him and gaining some understanding. (Fwiw, the worst part for me was her reaction to him "twisting" her legs - so much more palpable, and gave me more of a visceral reaction).
In order for this all to work I think you have to understand that people (especially women) do have rape fantasies, and that that is ok. To be clear, it is *not* ok to actually rape someone, but fantasizing about that is just something that many people do. (I'm explicitly excluding cis men or people who actually want to sexually assault somebody and talking about a sexual fantasy here). I think it's legitimate to suspend disbelief and enjoy the book for what it is: an enemies to lovers rape fantasy, even if it is not something I'd want to read uncritically (meaning without acknowledging the rape, and accepting that this can still be a turn on... as a fantasy.) And because it is a fantasy, a dark one at that, it's acceptable that this is not CNC but actual non con.
With that out of the way: the pacing is pretty good, though feels a tad hurried at times (it's not a long book). The dialogue... eh. His blunt way of talking about fucking her sometimes took me out of the story a little, mainly because he otherwise talks like a being that has lost touch with humanity and isn't particularly modern. But ok.
The world-building was great, super interesting take! Also enough mystery left for book 2.
Recommended if you liked Pestilence, dark romance, rape fantasy and dont mind gore and violence. Explicitly not for you if you mind any of that and/or graphic descriptions of death and decay (incl children)
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Infertility, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Torture, Vomit, Alcohol, Child death, Domestic abuse, Sexism, Terminal illness, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death of parent, Chronic illness, and Religious bigotry
malisac16's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Child death, Religious bigotry, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual assault, Infertility, Sexual violence, Violence, Death, Rape, Murder, and Torture
Minor: Domestic abuse
lexareadsaalatte's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Check trigger warnings.
As much as I wasn't a fan of this book, I couldn't stop as I have a self-problem with DNF.
It's Dark. That's fine. But like, remember it's d a r k. Abusive level. And that became a big part of the story and overshadowed plot.
I liked the premise of the story and it being different enough that I wanted to continue reading. But Enosh just is problematic beyond dark
My Rating System:
5 β Masterfully created work of art with many strong qualities. Will re-read. Cannot imagine my life without it. Devastated it is over.
4 β Solid Work. Enjoyed from beginning to end.
3 β Decent with poor execution in some manner. Neutral.
2 β Wasn't good but not completely bad. Only 1 or 2 redeeming qualities
1 β DNF and/or no redeeming qualities
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Graphic: Rape, Violence, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Infertility, Child death, and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal death
christyjoreads's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Slavery, and Sexual assault
bloodybella's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Violence
cemyers42's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Physical abuse, Violence, and Rape