Reviews tagging 'Addiction'

On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel

58 reviews

onmalsshelf's review

Thanks to the publisher for this review copy. Obviously this one is working for a lot of people, but it is not for me at this time. I may consider picking it up at a different time. 

DNF @ 60%

When I say I tried, I TRIED. 

I’ve been reading this since June 10th (today is September 10th) and I only got to 60%. 

I don’t mind dark books, but this is DARK and bleak - making for a combination that had me putting down my kindle after each chapter. I tried this on Kindle via eGalley as well as audio from Libby. 

While I know that it’s important for authors to inform readers of things that often get forgotten by using fiction, I get concerned when they started using overly descriptive language that seems like it would fit more in a romance novel.  

I wish that she had used the River aspect more because once that was gone, there was no flow. 

I finally set it down once animal neglect was added in because of course the author just has to pile on more dark things. 

I will say, the narrator for this is fantastic. Without the audio, I’m not sure I would have gotten to 60%. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug use, Animal cruelty, Blood, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Violence, Sexual content, Death of parent, Addiction, Murder, and Panic attacks/disorders

slascano's review

adventurous dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Sexual assault, Drug use, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, Torture, Trafficking, Violence, Addiction, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Drug abuse

kaitcetera's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

This was the most depressing book I’ve ever read and while I powered through, it was not worth it. I have enjoyed McDaniel’s writing in the past, but this book full of addiction, rape, violence, was too heavy. There is friendship and love but almost no hope.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Sexual violence, Rape, Physical abuse, Violence, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Car accident, and Bullying

clareash's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Addiction, and Child abuse

smagzisreading's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse and Drug use

Moderate: Child abuse, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, Rape, Child death, and Addiction

unfiltered_fiction's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Murder, Drug use, Pedophilia, Addiction, Rape, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Drug abuse

Moderate: Police brutality and Miscarriage

Minor: Car accident, Animal cruelty, and Animal death

ksanderss's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

A very sad, reflective, poetic story. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Death, Drug use, Pedophilia, and Addiction

cclardo's review

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

5.0

This is a beautiful, devastating story of addiction, grief, and humanity. Tiffany McDaniel is masterful with her lyrical prose and delicate unspooling of the plot. 
This book is not for everyone. Check content warnings and know that portions of this book are like a gut punch. 
I also want to note that I have seen this marketed in the mystery/thriller category and that is a misrepresentation of the book. If you are looking for a heartbreaking exploration of self and survival, read this book. If you are looking for a mystery/thriller about a serial killer and a potential victim, this will not scratch that itch.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Child abuse

Moderate: Rape, Animal cruelty, and Violence

Minor: Miscarriage and Pregnancy

chrisp189's review

challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Drug abuse, Death, Addiction, Drug use, and Rape

kirstym25's review against another edition

dark sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Miscarriage, Addiction, Drug abuse, Rape, and Pregnancy

Moderate: Murder