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nithya_natalya's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a very fun novel, and once I got into it, moved very quickly. Very dark and bitter, and a satisfying portrayal of the decay beneath the glitz of capitalism and celebrity. The only reason that I didn't give this five stars is because I wanted it to go further than it did. While the atmosphere and general mood of the novel felt gothic, the climax and resolution didn't feel grisly and tragic and destructive enough. It felt like eat the rich, except we only got the appetizer before the novel was over.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Medical trauma, Emotional abuse, Death, Death of parent, Chronic illness, Child abuse, Addiction, Abandonment, Gaslighting, Drug abuse, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Grief, Ableism, Medical content, Vomit, Self harm, Murder, and Confinement
amandalorianxo's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
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
3.0
The Great Gatsby esque allure was evident when you discover the world Lena finds herself in with the Verdeau family but it’s only obvious in the few parties she finds herself working. Lena, our main character, was living in Italy with her hand when she is told to come home due to her father’s health and the family’s need for an extra paycheck to keep everything afloat.
Lena soon finds a job as an assistant “doc” to one Jonathan Verdeau. It’s a little illegal / shifty since Lena dropped out of med school but no one questions Lena after she helps Jonathan when she’s trying to find her train pass to go home post interview.
Before Lena knows it, she is caught up bit by bit until it’s too late to stop. So I was expecting more gothic / dark vibes but that kind of flickers in and out. It’s more about the messed up mindset of rich people and unfortunately those they attempt to bring down under with them Lena is one of those people Martin Verdeau (the man that hires her) tries to throw under the bus. Lena is caught up fancying the daughter Audrey (I think both MC’s are bi?) If you are into a lightly dark novel (level 0.5/1 in darkness factor) with poison and plants with queer characters, all yours.
I don’t want to spoil anything but I was a little underwhelmed. The pacing felt a wii too fast towards the last 25% and it was all wrapped up a little too well.
Lena soon finds a job as an assistant “doc” to one Jonathan Verdeau. It’s a little illegal / shifty since Lena dropped out of med school but no one questions Lena after she helps Jonathan when she’s trying to find her train pass to go home post interview.
Before Lena knows it, she is caught up bit by bit until it’s too late to stop. So I was expecting more gothic / dark vibes but that kind of flickers in and out. It’s more about the messed up mindset of rich people and unfortunately those they attempt to bring down under with them Lena is one of those people Martin Verdeau (the man that hires her) tries to throw under the bus. Lena is caught up fancying the daughter Audrey (I think both MC’s are bi?) If you are into a lightly dark novel (level 0.5/1 in darkness factor) with poison and plants with queer characters, all yours.
I don’t want to spoil anything but I was a little underwhelmed. The pacing felt a wii too fast towards the last 25% and it was all wrapped up a little too well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Drug use
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
caseythereader's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Thanks to Dutton Books for the free copy of this book.
- TRIPPING ARCADIA is quite the ride! Blending gothic horror with modern nightmares and a heavy dash of queerness, it's visceral and gripping at every turn.
- I found myself quite invested in the Verdeaus in an unexplainable way just as Lena was.
- Some of the plot machinations were a bit tidy and predictable, but I still quite enjoyed the trip. I'll be interested to see what Mayquist does next.
- TRIPPING ARCADIA is quite the ride! Blending gothic horror with modern nightmares and a heavy dash of queerness, it's visceral and gripping at every turn.
- I found myself quite invested in the Verdeaus in an unexplainable way just as Lena was.
- Some of the plot machinations were a bit tidy and predictable, but I still quite enjoyed the trip. I'll be interested to see what Mayquist does next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Cursing, Drug use, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Vomit, Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Death of parent, Gun violence, Murder, Violence, and Death
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