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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Startling. Well written generally, but could have used some editing. I'd have cut at least 500 pages worth. That said, it is an unusual gothic soap opera of a book, which somehow holds on tightly to the various threads without losing any of them. So many ideas common to us who explore metaphysical books weaved in an original pattern, Anne Rice style. Man, the lady does have style, much the same country that King explores but with a lot more romance. She writes of beautiful tormented monsters while he writes of ugly tormenting creatures, but they feel like authors on the opposite sides of the same coin. Nightmare worlds made real that somehow reach into our dark desires. Like standing on the edge of a cliff and feeling that amazing pull to let go and fall, despite the utter terror of the idea. Always fascinating writer. Not for everyone.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
the first two thirds of this novel present first the generational rumors of the mayfair’s for first street, then a condensed history of the prior twelve generations of mayfair witches. a compelling history that confronts and challenges the rumors or to confirm half and introduce a dark entity that grants the witches their immense power. and hidden amidst the history of the mayfair family lies the motives and desires of this entity.
spoilers ahead:
the back third of this book relies heavily on the cast of protagonists uncovering the desire and motivation of lasher, the entity tied to the mayfair family by a thirteen century pact. once uncovered the protagonists know how to thwart the being. don’t engage with it. don’t listen to it. don’t entertain it. however the titular mayfair which of the cast, rowan, not only lies to her husband about talking with lasher but engages in a sexual affair with him and ultimately grants him his desires. it seems as if she forgot her own instructions on how to thwart the so obviously evil lasher and his generational eugenics scheme full of incest. the standard elegant prose of rice is the only thing that saved the rating of this novel.
spoilers ahead:
the back third of this book relies heavily on the cast of protagonists uncovering the desire and motivation of lasher, the entity tied to the mayfair family by a thirteen century pact. once uncovered the protagonists know how to thwart the being. don’t engage with it. don’t listen to it. don’t entertain it. however the titular mayfair which of the cast, rowan, not only lies to her husband about talking with lasher but engages in a sexual affair with him and ultimately grants him his desires. it seems as if she forgot her own instructions on how to thwart the so obviously evil lasher and his generational eugenics scheme full of incest. the standard elegant prose of rice is the only thing that saved the rating of this novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Sexual violence
I loved this book. The way the story bounces between perspectives early on worked so well. The Mayfair Witches are a compelling bunch, and the story keeps you guessing until late who the antagonist really is. I really enjoyed this one, and I’m excited to keep reading the series. 12/5 would read again.
dark
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
No
Excellent book, gets slow in the middle… realllllly slow. But the rest was enjoyable. Sets up a sequel that I have not yet read called Lasher. (This is the first book in the Mayfair Witch Trilogy.)
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Is this book good? I dont know. It’s well written and immensely interesting, but it’s also problematic and like many Anne Rice books too caught up in her odd interpretations about what lies at the heart of people.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Murder, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes