Reviews with content warning for Violence - Black Sheep

I finished this in one day. Holy shit.

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

THE RIB!! “DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL” THIS IS THE BEST DEPICTION OF SATAN IVE EVER READ. I WAS SCARED!!

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bookwyrm25's review against another edition

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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

1.5

I thought this book would never end, and I listened to it on 2x speed. The characters are all insanely unlikable and the story is absurdly predictable. It would have improved leaps and bounds if any of the characters actually provoked any kind of stronger emotion than indifference or just mild dislike towards them. I was promised camp and was given nothing.

Also, I get that satanism is a fun thing to play on, but did you really have to make it Christianity but replace god with Satan? Christianity is extremely bloody and cruel in reality, when Satanism isn't actually unless it's a cult just saying that they're satanists when they aren't. And I've never heard of a cult that prohibits swearing and makes you quote scripture all the time. It was Christianity in disguise, and not done well.

Honestly I just don't think this author is for me. If you like long, boring, and predictable this is for you.

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mikathereviewer's review against another edition

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challenging dark slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

The book wasn't as good as I hoped it to be. I know that it was about a religion and family issues, but I didn't know that it was about Satanism.

Satanism is a religion I know a lot of, and also know that many people misinterpret it or have theories that aren't true. Satanists don't do cults, they also don't worship evil. They have Satan as a symbol of a 'Fallen Angel', not as 'Ruler of Hell'. The religion is all about doing things when asked or when allowed and not doing it otherwise. And that if one is rude to a Satanist they will face normal consequences, they won't get their ribs taken out and be forced to seal something. Satanism isn't bad. Or let's say, they aren't acting like everyone thinks and reading this book was really exhausting. There was even a scene where Vesper said that she don't know the difference between Catholics and Satanists. That already shows how stupid the book is and that no research was done. One believes in Jesus and one believes in Satan or rather in no one. Satanists don't have to believe in Satan. He is only a symbol in the Religion. As Satan is a fallen angel for things he did that he considered right, he became a symbol. A symbol to stand against authority and do what one condemns right. Most Satanists are non-violent and use Satan as an inspiration for their moral beliefs. So this book is highly offensive for Satanists and also people who as me think that one shouldn't support wrong accusations against any Religion. I am an atheist and I don't care that much, but it's sad to see that due to wrong or bad research before writing the book once again people belief that Satanism is bad and evil. I know it's only fiction and that it shouldn't be taken so seriously, but moments like 'I failed to see how Satanists were any different from Catholics' and 'Satanists didn’t have the tooth fairy' made me think that the author really didn't know what Satanism actually is outside of this fiction. That's the main reason I gave this book 1 star. Here's a short summary of the other points:

- Slow pace
- Weird wording (sometimes)
- Triggered me a bit (sexual assault)
- Too many references of other fandoms (Star Wars, Netflix Shows, etc.)
- Too many Anapher phrases (no other methods were used to sympathise the words)
- Flat characters
- Stupid decisions made by the MC (shares her trauma with someone she just met and gets mad when he tells it everyone)
- Too many things unexplained (why did the dog tried to eat her when she was a baby? Dogs don't do that usually. No explanation as to why Brody changed his mind on Vesper and married Rosie instead. Why did Brody cheat on Rosie?)
- MC is an escort (wants to kiss an almost married man)
- Emotional states were wrong (numbness doesn't make you feel anything, including boredom)
- Cringe (Man says he is Lucifer and all-mighty and they want to make Vesper a sacrificial offer)
- Simple + boring ending + too often used already (unoriginal)

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amypalmer's review against another edition

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dark funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I did enjoy this book though I felt it was slow, which is weird as I read this very fast and it has a low page count. It is full of internal monologue and is more about the characters view of the world than horror. I got this in my abominable book subscription and would say it has elements of horror. I found parts predictable though they were still amusing. I really liked the Vesper as a main character, her voice was fun and interesting.

The last 100 pages or so are really good and amp up the horror. I just think the pacing was a little slow.

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