Scan barcode
podanotherjessi's review
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It's strange to say for a book this short, but I wish this had ended about 20 pages early. I really liked the slice-of-life romantic scenes interspersed with the flashbacks. But the commune elements at the end lost me.
zedohee's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
while this isn’t a new take on the genre, the black lesbian angle—which this novella lovingly explored with bright, endearing characters whose affection for each other felt lasting and true—adds unique depth and complexity, freshening up a well known premise. switching between the 19th and 20th century, loving safoa examines the relationship between captor and victim, lover and maker, and what it means to be alive, to stake your claim in a world that would rather you not exist at all.
and although safoa had the more exciting backstory, i found cynthia’s POV to be more compelling, not only because the love she had for safoa was palpable and affecting, but because it seemed like safoa’s story was whittled down to the essentials in order to fit into the constraints of a novella. same as the ending, which was ambitious, but didn’t really land like it would have had this been a full novel, given the space to elaborate on their adventures. i appreciate that the author told the story she wanted and didn’t stretch it just because but i still wanted more.
and although safoa had the more exciting backstory, i found cynthia’s POV to be more compelling, not only because the love she had for safoa was palpable and affecting, but because it seemed like safoa’s story was whittled down to the essentials in order to fit into the constraints of a novella. same as the ending, which was ambitious, but didn’t really land like it would have had this been a full novel, given the space to elaborate on their adventures. i appreciate that the author told the story she wanted and didn’t stretch it just because but i still wanted more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Racism
katieconrad's review against another edition
emotional
medium-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? No
4.0
joreadsbooks's review
emotional
reflective
fast-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
This is a swift, deft novella about a couple at a crossroads. Safoa, a vampire, has been alive for centuries, and human Cynthia wants to know where they stand. What unfolds is a hopeful tale of survival, love, and blood.
It's tender. It's hot. These women love each other despite the ugliness both historical and modern that has been thrown their way. Much like The Gilded Stories, this story spans several time periods and does not flinch from the experiences of Black people especially in the context of imperialism and colonialism.
The modern day world-building is really cool as well, with different feedings having different effects on people. It's bloody, it's sapphic, and the ending in the near future had me crying softly.
It's tender. It's hot. These women love each other despite the ugliness both historical and modern that has been thrown their way. Much like The Gilded Stories, this story spans several time periods and does not flinch from the experiences of Black people especially in the context of imperialism and colonialism.
The modern day world-building is really cool as well, with different feedings having different effects on people. It's bloody, it's sapphic, and the ending in the near future had me crying softly.
muchlibrary's review
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This is a beautiful and loving romance story tracing the evolving relationship of two Black lesbians who are learn trust and vulnerability together. It is non-linear and moves between their voices. One section narrates prolonged white violence, but otherwise the focus is primarily on the passion and decisions of the two women. As a novella it is a quick read- I started and finished in the same evening.
More...