Reviews with content warning for Rape - The Monster of Elendhaven

Reviews tagging 'Rape'

The Monster of Elendhaven by Jennifer Giesbrecht

46 reviews

readingpicnic's review

3.75

I don't really know how I feel about this book...it has to marinate a bit more. I will say that these are some actually morally gray characters in very fucked up ways, which was fun sometimes. I think I got confused about what was happening at some points in the book, and I didn't really understand the ending, so I almost want to reread it... It did keep me guessing the whole book about what was going on, and most of my theories ended up being wrong lol. The lack of consent in this book was upsetting...I'm not sure if it was because the main characters are meant to be fucked up or if it's romanticizing the SA? Pretty fucked though. They are sooo toxic. I don't think I understood either of the main characters' motivations for the entirety of the book whic lended to my confusion. The atmosphere in this book was so incredibly well done: the oiliest, greasiest, grimiest gay book I've ever read. The body horror was also amazing, with disgusting lines like "curdled genitals" on a dead body. Also, why is Johann literally Addie LaRue? Reading this felt like reading a toxic gay anime fanfiction; like, this is what I imagine Noé and Vanitas fanfics are like from the anime The Case Study of Vanitas.

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scottsland_yard's review

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dark mysterious fast-paced

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? It's complicated

2.5

I was excited to read this after finding a signed copy in a local bookshop, though I was a little let down once actually reading it. Though at times I found the characters fun/likeable at times, the majority of the time I was too busy trying to figure out what was going on with the plot (and not in a fun mystery way)

The plot line is convoluted and difficult to follow, the characters come across as a bit try-hard edgy (though they do have their moments), and the world building is lacking in substance and clear rules, especially around the use of magic.

It reads like a Sweeney Todd fan adapted a fanfiction, which is unfortunate.

That being said, it's definitely not the worst thing I've read, and I'm sure some would find it quite enjoyable. It's fantastical and gory, and it's a huge bonus that the main two characters are gay. Or at least, into each other.

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slimygf's review

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dark mysterious slow-paced

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

4.5

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virgilsinferno's review against another edition

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dark funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Absolutely enjoyable! The primary characters are fun even if absolutely horrific. I had a real good time with this!

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kalitrap's review

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adventurous dark fast-paced

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

3.5

a fast easy read, gritty and dark
not really horror, more disturbing?
if you expect something good to come out of this, oh how wrong you are

i did enjoy the characterisation, and the plot fit neatly together quite well.

there' something to be said about projecting your fury and need for vengeance so strongly into the world that it spits out something so vile, just fucked and monstrous enough to help you through your sordid plans. your own handmade helper of doom.

the ending did feel a bit eh when the book had started out so well
a bit abrupt and rushed
also
if you're looking for romance, cursed or otherwise, look away
this isnt the book for you my guy
(some kissing parts also get uncomfy-ly nonconsensual just fyi)

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jems_'s review

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3.5

An interesting concept and atmosphere, though the execution felt just a little off.

I do love dark sceneries and myths which I think this book did perfectly. It had a dark and gritty atmosphere, one you wouldn’t want to be in yourself. A glum industrial town would not be the place I‘d like to spend any amount of time in. Such is Elendhaven.
I also liked the myths in this book and the tad bit of the supernatural making them real.

The characters however felt a bit inconsequential at some points. With how I imagined them, some of the things they did and said felt somewhat out of character.

I would’ve also liked for the book to be a bit longer to explore the characters, especially the „monster-ization“ a bit longer and maybe over the course of that the author could’ve slowly introduced this behavior that seemed odd to me now and make it more believable.

Also beware of the trigger warnings if you read this!

One other thing: As a German reading this, it was funny because it uses some German terms. I mean „Elend“ alone is German and roughly translates to „misery“ which makes sense for the town.

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tinyjude's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

From the get go I fell in love with the atmosphere the author transports us into. The gothic vibes, the gorey and unhinged characters, the gruesome and fatally flawed (aka toxic) situations situasionship these two has going on. It reminded me of Bloodborne or Dishonored in some aspects, either by the vibes and monstruousity in it all, or the revenge at all costs plotline. I loved the writing too, hollow and haunting, full of imagery that surely clicks much better on a second read. The descriptions of the characters and the mythical aspect of the city, with us as spectators rooted in the city yet still watching everything unfold from a deep mist that clouds our perceptions in the same way the sorcerer manipulates everyone here. The idea of a master-monster also reminded me a lot of Frankenstein, although both stories differ in a lot of aspects. Nonetheless, I believe it's a gritty novella perfect for when you are in the mood to read dark, gory, stuff like for Halloween, and be left wondering about the world a little bit (a sense of acrid lingering that follows you around like the shadow of Elendhaven.

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