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rachel_jozie's review against another edition
dark
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? Yes
3.5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*I’m not going to give you the ‘what this book is about’ blurb – you can read that elsewhere.
1. I read Audrey’s first go at this concept ‘Skin’ back in August of 2023 and I wanted MORE. So, when I saw she had expanded the Founder’s sick little world to include perspectives from different employees and additional information on the company, I knew I needed to read this right away. I was not disappointed.
2. ‘Skin’ is included, with some expansion, as Teddy’s portion of the story. When I originally read Teddy’s story I thought that it was an amazing concept, but there were some parts that I felt could have been fleshed out a bit more. Some areas, in my opinion, needed a bit more context to fully make sense, and that’s exactly what I got with this book. All the questions that had been hanging out there for me were answered in full brutality.
3. The Founder is absolutely terrifying. The whole idea that with enough money and enough corrupt people on your side, you can do anything, makes me cringe. Perhaps, because this whole book gives current-time vibes. It doesn’t feel like this is that far off with such a weirdly large and loud portion of the population clearly believing women are only here for men’s pleasure and not to have any of their own personality, thoughts, or bodily autonomy.
4. This is horror – I’d say there’s enough of a statement to be categorized as Splatterpunk, but if not, it leans toward the Extreme. It’s not quiet cozy horror, so make sure you check the content warnings and are comfortable with everything inside.
*I’m not going to give you the ‘what this book is about’ blurb – you can read that elsewhere.
1. I read Audrey’s first go at this concept ‘Skin’ back in August of 2023 and I wanted MORE. So, when I saw she had expanded the Founder’s sick little world to include perspectives from different employees and additional information on the company, I knew I needed to read this right away. I was not disappointed.
2. ‘Skin’ is included, with some expansion, as Teddy’s portion of the story. When I originally read Teddy’s story I thought that it was an amazing concept, but there were some parts that I felt could have been fleshed out a bit more. Some areas, in my opinion, needed a bit more context to fully make sense, and that’s exactly what I got with this book. All the questions that had been hanging out there for me were answered in full brutality.
3. The Founder is absolutely terrifying. The whole idea that with enough money and enough corrupt people on your side, you can do anything, makes me cringe. Perhaps, because this whole book gives current-time vibes. It doesn’t feel like this is that far off with such a weirdly large and loud portion of the population clearly believing women are only here for men’s pleasure and not to have any of their own personality, thoughts, or bodily autonomy.
4. This is horror – I’d say there’s enough of a statement to be categorized as Splatterpunk, but if not, it leans toward the Extreme. It’s not quiet cozy horror, so make sure you check the content warnings and are comfortable with everything inside.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Incest, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Blood, Trafficking, Cannibalism, and Murder
katvou's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
“Bad things happen to good people all the time. It’s part of life. That’s all this is: an unfortunate event.”
“I don’t mind the insects. We can share the body. A good person always shares their things.”
“A sandwich can be pulled apart. A laptop can be broken down piece by piece. Even humans can split from their skin.”
This book was amazing! Dark, gory, shocking, and disturbing, but at the same time addictive and easy to read.
The writing was captivating and there were so many layers to the story. Loved how the book was in multiple parts, highlighting different characters and their roles in the Pure Companion Company. The whole idea of the company was fascinating and it was interesting to read how they perfected the product.
The farm part was the most disturbing to me, and I’m glad I’m a vegetarian because I probably wouldn’t be able to look a steak in the same way.
This was the first book I’ve read from the author, but won’t be the last. I can’t wait to read more!
Please check the trigger warnings before reading!
Thank you author Audrey Rush and Booksirens for the ARC. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
“I don’t mind the insects. We can share the body. A good person always shares their things.”
“A sandwich can be pulled apart. A laptop can be broken down piece by piece. Even humans can split from their skin.”
This book was amazing! Dark, gory, shocking, and disturbing, but at the same time addictive and easy to read.
The writing was captivating and there were so many layers to the story. Loved how the book was in multiple parts, highlighting different characters and their roles in the Pure Companion Company. The whole idea of the company was fascinating and it was interesting to read how they perfected the product.
The farm part was the most disturbing to me, and I’m glad I’m a vegetarian because I probably wouldn’t be able to look a steak in the same way.
This was the first book I’ve read from the author, but won’t be the last. I can’t wait to read more!
Please check the trigger warnings before reading!
Thank you author Audrey Rush and Booksirens for the ARC. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail