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lateromantic's review
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
3.5
Could've been a 5* book if it had fewer twists, strands, characters. I liked the voice, it was kind of Arthur Koestler x Dan Brown. as a bridge player, I'm obsessed with the idea of grand jeu now. wish it had been queerer tbh.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Xenophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, Antisemitism, Blood, Abandonment, Sexism, Suicide, Colonisation, Religious bigotry, Misogyny, Alcohol, and Mental illness
added a trigger warning for antisemitism because the persecution oftheirgracegrace's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
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
2.75
What I liked about the book: the richness of the language and the complicated system of roles and reversals that kept me reading. What I disliked: literally everything else. The attempt at Holocaust imagery is absurd, the love story completely overshadows the setting and the threats, and the characters are completely forgettable and ordinary. The author is also a TERF and you can see it in the way that the final reveal is played out. Honestly want my money back.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Death, Genocide, Grief, Misogyny, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Sexism, Abandonment, Child abuse, Hate crime, Religious bigotry, Mental illness, Sexual content, and Suicide
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Gaslighting, and Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual harassment, Death of parent, and Police brutality
While the book itself does not handle transphobia and related topics, a particular reveal late in the book comes across as transphobic on the part of the author.
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