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aparker89's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Wow! This one has left me speechless! While the middle of the story did feel a little slow it was pivotal for creating the absolutely incredible ending! For my first Masterton book, I am SO impressed! This book definitely told me why he is a considered a master of Horror! Will definitely be recommending this one and reading more of his works!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Alcohol, Blood, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Body horror, Gaslighting, Gore, and Death of parent
Moderate: Vomit, Sexual assault, Murder, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Violence, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Bullying
elskabee's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
0.25
[DNF at 90% so I'm counting this as read] Do yourself a favour and don't read this.
here's a list of grievances:
- cardboard cut out characters
- very bland and repetitive dialogue
- withholding of information in a way that was frustrating rather than mysterious
- extremely dry and bland writing overall
- some extremely unnecessary transphobia (where a priest says that "gender confused" people seek exorcisms and that he recently exorcised a trans woman who wanted to murder her own family)
- casual homophobia
- misogynistic writing (women described mainly in regards to their breasts for example; most female characters lacking any agency as opposed to the male characters, also constantly seeking or being given guidance by male characters; one of the lesbian characters' job is described as being a "gender equality fuhrer"; so much more I can't be bothered writing about)
- oh and when we got to a full on sexual assault scene described in detail for several pages??? I finally decided I'd had enough and the intrigue of the plot wasn't enough any more.
I'm not one of those people who avoids male writers, but I'm certainly going to be a lot more careful before I pick up something without a recommendation from someone I trust, because this reading experience was horrible.
here's a list of grievances:
- cardboard cut out characters
- very bland and repetitive dialogue
- withholding of information in a way that was frustrating rather than mysterious
- extremely dry and bland writing overall
- some extremely unnecessary transphobia (where a priest says that "gender confused" people seek exorcisms and that he recently exorcised a trans woman who wanted to murder her own family)
- casual homophobia
- misogynistic writing (women described mainly in regards to their breasts for example; most female characters lacking any agency as opposed to the male characters, also constantly seeking or being given guidance by male characters; one of the lesbian characters' job is described as being a "gender equality fuhrer"; so much more I can't be bothered writing about)
- oh and when we got to a full on sexual assault scene described in detail for several pages??? I finally decided I'd had enough and the intrigue of the plot wasn't enough any more.
I'm not one of those people who avoids male writers, but I'm certainly going to be a lot more careful before I pick up something without a recommendation from someone I trust, because this reading experience was horrible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Homophobia, Confinement, Suicide attempt, Transphobia, and Lesbophobia
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