Scan barcode
bookishvicky's review against another edition
5.0
I can’t even explain how much I loved this. Vesper’s voice was so distinct, so desperate and cynical and raw. The atmosphere and setting was FANTASTIC— the twist of just what god they celebrate was beautifully done, and I while I did see that One twist coming, it still felt shocking and I had to just take a moment during the reveal.
Every character was so full of life. I truly just loved every character dynamic (especially Carl, the goofy dad in a pentagram tie. Love ya man).
As a long time horror fan, this is a love letter to slasher films, satanic cult documentaries, Blackcraft Cult as a whole— but this is also a beautiful story of finding one’s own identity after their childhood has been stolen from them, after having to endure living a lie and conditional love. It’s just so strong.
And the dialogue!! HOLY SHIT! It was all done so well, I was actually terrified for Vesper during her birthday party. All in all I’m gonna be screaming about this one for a while
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Death, Cannibalism, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Blood, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Animal death, Torture, Body horror, and Murder
eli99's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It only had one moment that truly felt scary. Very minor horror like the type you see in YA, but with an older author. Some cliches thrown in, buy that was expected.
Moderate: Cannibalism, Toxic friendship, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Gaslighting, Torture, Grief, Stalking, and Gore
sierraclimbs's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The rest of the book, although a quick read, was not very enjoyable. It was predictable, slow to get to the point & unnecessarily wordy.
The whole time I was just thinking “this is meant to be an audiobook & listened to, not read”
I know writing conversationally is a style & I’ve even enjoyed books written this way, but this one just felt too casual
It also completely misrepresents Satanism & uses it as a stand in for Fundamentalism
Graphic: Gore, Body horror, and Blood
Moderate: Alcoholism, Torture, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Vomit, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death of parent, Cannibalism, and Panic attacks/disorders
xoxogossiplaur's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Torture, Fire/Fire injury, Child abuse, Murder, Death, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Animal death, and Blood
cytokine_storm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Murder, Toxic relationship, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Toxic friendship, Violence, Body horror, Gaslighting, Gore, Physical abuse, Torture, Blood, Child death, Death of parent, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
karen_lo's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Loved the story, the concept, and the protagonist who was so resilient despite all the things she goes through.
I wish it was a bit longer cause I wanted to know more about certain characters, but overall was the perfect read for this spooky season!
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Blood, Animal death, Cannibalism, Religious bigotry, Abandonment, Fire/Fire injury, Sexism, Torture, Toxic relationship, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Murder
Minor: Sexual harassment
starrysteph'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? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Blood, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Murder, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Torture, Grief, Abandonment, Cannibalism, and Sexual harassment
sunshinestark's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Murder, Torture, Animal death, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Cannibalism, and Death