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lktx's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I wanted to like this book more than I did. It's a gothic horror novella that slowly descended into the horror. I actually liked the ending, and though Sivre slipped out of character once or twice, the end felt much true to her character.
Pros:
- Lovely narrator for audio book
- Protagonist, Sivre, was an interesting character and I enjoyed her struggle of faith.
- The small cast of characters were interesting.
- Hints of the greater world were intriguing.
Cons:
- Leapt between character POV and difficult to tell whose head I was in at times.
- Had some lovely phrasing, but overall was a little too extravagant and over the top.
- The doctor (Vandorous) was a bit stereotypical and predictable.
- Wish we'd gotten to know more of the other three on the island.
Pros:
- Lovely narrator for audio book
- Protagonist, Sivre, was an interesting character and I enjoyed her struggle of faith.
- The small cast of characters were interesting.
- Hints of the greater world were intriguing.
Cons:
- Leapt between character POV and difficult to tell whose head I was in at times.
- Had some lovely phrasing, but overall was a little too extravagant and over the top.
- The doctor (Vandorous) was a bit stereotypical and predictable.
- Wish we'd gotten to know more of the other three on the island.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness and Death
Moderate: Suicide
blacksphinx's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Medical content, Suicide, Classism, and Grief
lighterthaneyre's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
I sometimes found it hard to engage with stylistically- there was lots of character development but much of it was internal dialogue and description. I think that's a personal preference issue.
The atmosphere was delightfully decaying, refined and feral. The personification of the house was exquisite, and I just wish it started sooner.
There's some cool world building you get through the lenses of the characters, and a lot is hinted at that seems interesting. The setting is very much removed from usual "mainland" so the tidbits about the mainland are really striking.
The atmosphere was delightfully decaying, refined and feral. The personification of the house was exquisite, and I just wish it started sooner.
There's some cool world building you get through the lenses of the characters, and a lot is hinted at that seems interesting. The setting is very much removed from usual "mainland" so the tidbits about the mainland are really striking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Death
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