Reviews tagging 'Body horror'

Rouge by Mona Awad

40 reviews

elizabeth_lepore's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Death of parent, and Grief

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Racism, and Body shaming

scrubsandbooks's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-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

4.0

Truth be told, I found Bunny to be a much better read but this was still something unique and sucked me right into the mystery. I am in absolute awe in Mona Awad's writing. I especially loved the commentary about the beauty industry's power over consumers like it's a damn cult and I'm now sitting here and embracing all my flaws because it could be worse. I could end up in a fever dream like Belle and almost not get out of it.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Grief

Moderate: Body shaming and Body horror

quotecj's review against another edition

dark emotional funny 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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent, Violence, Body shaming, Death, and Body horror

Moderate: Racism

aliyachaudhry's review against another edition

dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-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

4.0

need to read mona awad's review of top gun: maverick

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Bullying, Blood, Body shaming, Death of parent, and Grief

Moderate: Racism

devynreadsnovels's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Body shaming, Death of parent, Drug use, Dysphoria, Violence, Abandonment, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, and Murder

Minor: Cannibalism, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, and Emotional abuse

novelswithariana's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-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

4.5

🌸 ARIANA'S BOOK REVIEW 🌸

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨/5

Genre: Horror, Gothic, Thriller, Contemporary, Adult, Fantasy

If you're a fan of horror fiction or enjoy a spine-chilling read, "Rouge" by Mona Awad should be at the top of your must-read list. Awad's gripping tale takes readers on a dark and suspenseful journey, leaving them both enthralled and unnerved.

In "Rouge," Awad seamlessly combines elements of horror and psychological suspense, crafting an unsettling atmosphere that captivates from the very first page. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, eager to devour every word.

At its core, this story reflects on the beauty industry and media's exploitation of people's insecurities from a young age. "Rouge" exposes the damaging narrative that women are only valuable if they conform to specific standards. It also sheds light on the manipulation and fascination of older men with young girls, highlighting the power dynamics and the pervasive nature of such relationships.

What sets "Rouge" apart from other horror novels in the genre is Awad's unique ability to blend the supernatural with everyday experiences and emotions. The sense of dread and unease seeps off the pages, making even the most mundane activities feel unsettling. As the story unfolds, readers will question the boundaries between reality and nightmare.

This thought-provoking and captivating read leaves a lasting impact. "Rouge" goes beyond surface-level scares, delving into important social commentary while challenging traditional narratives. Awad artfully crafts a narrative that demands attention, prompting readers to question societal expectations and the damaging effects of the beauty industry. With its intricate exploration of mother-daughter relationships, manipulation, and the dark truths of society, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally charged experience.

People who have read ‘Silver Nitrate’ (Silvia Moreno-Garcia), ‘Black Sheep’ (Rachel Harrison) and ‘Death Valley’ (Melissa Broder) may like this book. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, and Body horror

Moderate: Body shaming and Racism

maecaitlin's review against another edition

dark reflective tense 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

2.25

A tad bit disappointed given I usually adore Awad’s style, but the form was far too abstract to properly form any meaning. I do like the themes of beauty and age where she wittily breaks down influencer culture. The bulk of the book is confusing and poorly structured.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Death of parent, and Fatphobia

fionamatilda's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious medium-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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, and Grief

Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Body shaming, Cannibalism, Dementia, and Racism

chasingpages1's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• 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

3.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death of parent, and Body horror

Moderate: Animal death and Animal cruelty

lizzyreadz's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Mirrors, moisturizing and murderous spa demons! This was a slow burn thriller that delivers a punch in the end. At the heart is a complicated love story between a Mother & Daughter. Nicely done.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, and Body horror

Moderate: Addiction, Gaslighting, Gore, and Self harm