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hycinthos's review against another edition
1.0
real rating 2.5
There were some moments that kept me interested, but towards the end the story began to drag. I'm sure I skimmed at least 50 pages just to get to the end. I wouldn't consider this a fantasy novel, it was a romance novel with elements of fantasy (and thriller). I also wouldn't say the fantasy aspect was well explored. It's obvious from the beginning who the killer is. The idea was there but the execution was eh.
There were some moments that kept me interested, but towards the end the story began to drag. I'm sure I skimmed at least 50 pages just to get to the end. I wouldn't consider this a fantasy novel, it was a romance novel with elements of fantasy (and thriller). I also wouldn't say the fantasy aspect was well explored. It's obvious from the beginning who the killer is. The idea was there but the execution was eh.
rchll's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This is a pretty unique read that I did like, but unfortunately, although it had the makings of a cool, weird style in the beginning, it sort of broke down for me and I found myself more confused than anything else. I'm still not entirely sure of what happened at the end there lol
saltysiren's review against another edition
4.0
So overall the book was engaging, twisty and turny in a good way that I enjoyed. Yet at the end I felt incomplete mainly because some bits and pieces made no sense to me, how they all tied in and why. Maybe I'm dense but it just didn't "come together" fully for me in the historical portion of the story.
kblincoln's review against another edition
4.0
Not sure where to let my feelings land after finishing this book. This is not a story for the squeamish. It's an alternating POV novel where a horrible, remorseless, but strangely aesthetically profound serial killer told in second person "you do this, you do that" contrasts with the very personal "I" of his intended victim.
The victim, meanwhile, has sexual encounters with two men. The novel does a clever dance to keep you guessing between the two men (unless you skip to the end like I did).
The killer seems to both love and appreciate his victims while not seeing them as people at all, but merely tools for his own work.
Katharine, the victim, can be a bit opaque at at times, and I found it hard to let her hold the emotional heart of the story because sometimes her interactions with the two men left me wondering at her motivations.
The weird fable interspersed with the story never really made sense to me, and at the end, the revelation about the historical/mythic origins fell a little flat (although the ghosts helping Katharine part was extremely cool).
But then there would come a passage about the flavor/taste/texture/sound of an emotion that is so spot on that it totally made the book worth reading in a dreamy, thoughtful, sensual way. Like:
"Shock is the color of the spots before the migraine, blue and black and floating. It tastes of sugar water, it tastes of rubber, it stings like a slap, burns like a cheek pressed against the floor."
I am disturbed and touched and disgusted all at the same time. So maybe not an enjoyable read, but definitely one that stretches you emotionally.
The comparison with Lauren Beukes’s The Shining Girls is very apt, although I cared much more for the characters (and the straightforward writing style without artsy POV and strangely framed police interrogations) from the Shining Girl.
The victim, meanwhile, has sexual encounters with two men. The novel does a clever dance to keep you guessing between the two men (unless you skip to the end like I did).
The killer seems to both love and appreciate his victims while not seeing them as people at all, but merely tools for his own work.
Katharine, the victim, can be a bit opaque at at times, and I found it hard to let her hold the emotional heart of the story because sometimes her interactions with the two men left me wondering at her motivations.
The weird fable interspersed with the story never really made sense to me, and at the end, the revelation about the historical/mythic origins fell a little flat (although the ghosts helping Katharine part was extremely cool).
But then there would come a passage about the flavor/taste/texture/sound of an emotion that is so spot on that it totally made the book worth reading in a dreamy, thoughtful, sensual way. Like:
"Shock is the color of the spots before the migraine, blue and black and floating. It tastes of sugar water, it tastes of rubber, it stings like a slap, burns like a cheek pressed against the floor."
I am disturbed and touched and disgusted all at the same time. So maybe not an enjoyable read, but definitely one that stretches you emotionally.
The comparison with Lauren Beukes’s The Shining Girls is very apt, although I cared much more for the characters (and the straightforward writing style without artsy POV and strangely framed police interrogations) from the Shining Girl.
monies's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
boggy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
kgroberts13's review against another edition
4.0
This books was an amazing mix of thriller, romance, fantasy, and horror. I hesitate to say more as it will spoil plot and the effect of the story on a reader. Do yourself a favor: go read this book!
If you liked Gone Girl... go read this book! If you like paranormal mysteries... go read this book! If you like romantic thrillers... go read this book!
My only caveat - if you don't like intense descriptions of violence, maybe don't read this book. :)
If you liked Gone Girl... go read this book! If you like paranormal mysteries... go read this book! If you like romantic thrillers... go read this book!
My only caveat - if you don't like intense descriptions of violence, maybe don't read this book. :)
laura_mcloughlin's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not sure what to think of this book. It was definitely creepy (especially those told from the second person pov of the serial killer) but it was also very confusing. I'm really not sure what happened at the end. It is only book 1 of a trilogy so maybe those questions will be answered. I'm really not sure what the Maiden's story had to do with anything and even what the prophecy was all about. Was it fulfilled? Is Kat really dangerous to humanity? Really I have no idea.
cindai23's review against another edition
4.0
This was a suggestion on my Book Riot page, and it intrigued me. I do not think I can sufficiently explain what this story is about. The writing is amazing, that much I can tell you. Ms. Jaff writes with a lyrical slant that is wonderful, and her prose is full of beautiful imagery. The characters are a mystery. The "pages" from an ancient manuscript are compelling. In fact, the mystery that lies within the story, is compelling enough that, even though I never found resolution, I wanted to keep reading. I think this is going to be a trilogy, so maybe the deeper questions I have will be addressed further in other stories. Because, make no mistake, I will read the next one! Her writing is too masterful to ignore, and I REALLY want to know exactly what the answers are to all my questions!
iloveswedishchef's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
While not a fan of some of Jaff’s stylistic choices (e.g. very lengthy itemized lists), as a sucker for any thriller, I thoroughly enjoyed the book from beginning to end, despite the straight-forward (and rather predictable) plot. Clearly setting up the sequels, the fantastical elements are a little out of left-field, and my opinions on this book is up-in-the-air until the trilogy resolves.
Update: Sequel gave strong Jesus/Mary vibes which is not my cup of tea. Will not be continuing.
Update: Sequel gave strong Jesus/Mary vibes which is not my cup of tea. Will not be continuing.