Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - Brainwyrms

Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

Brainwyrms by Alison Rumfitt

69 reviews

ellisdex's review against another edition

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challenging dark tense fast-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

5.0

jesus christ. i have brainwyrms brainworms

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brandongordon's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"Brainwyrms" by Alison Rumfitt is a book that left me with a whirlwind of emotions, a testament to the author's ability to push boundaries and challenge readers. This novel is not for the faint of heart, as it delves into dark and disturbing themes while offering a unique perspective on love, trauma, and identity. Readers should heed author's preface before diving in, "Brainwyrms features (very) taboo sex that many would consider unsafe or unsanitary, as well as sexual violence and child abuse."

The story revolves around Frankie, a survivor of a transphobic terrorist attack, and her enigmatic and submissive lover, Vanya, who harbors a peculiar fascination with parasites. As their relationship unfolds, so does the web of secrets and conspiracies that threaten to tear them apart. What starts as a seemingly unconventional love story evolves into a chilling exploration of how misunderstandings, shame, and trauma can infiltrate queer relationships, even within a niche fetish community.

Alison Rumfitt, known for her debut novel "Tell Me I’m Worthless," once again proves herself as a powerful voice in transgressive queer horror. While her previous work held a cracked mirror to the rise of fascism and transphobia, "Brainwyrms" takes a different approach. It's filled with wit, humor, and a dose of absurdity, as the antagonists in the story resemble cartoon villains. However, beneath the surface, the novel tackles serious issues with a ferocity that is impossible to ignore.

What sets "Brainwyrms" apart is its ability to provoke visceral reactions. While "Tell Me I’m Worthless" was genuinely terrifying, this book delves into the realms of disgust and discomfort, challenging readers to confront their own limits. Rumfitt's prose is frenetic, daring you to put the book down and walk away, but at the same time, it keeps you hooked.

In conclusion, "Brainwyrms" is a shocking, grotesque, and downright filthy journey into the depths of love, pain, and identity. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those willing to venture into the darker corners of literature, Alison Rumfitt's latest offering is a daring and thought-provoking read that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for generously providing me with a digital ARC of "Brainwyrms" by Alison Rumfitt to read and review prior to the release date on 10/10/2023.

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kentanapages's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Actual review to come. Immediate reaction What the f did I just read, I am disturbed. This is some f#@ked up sh!t. Every trigger warning. it’s horrifying it’s just so disturbing i read it in one sitting

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gilroi's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional medium-paced

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

4.25

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in return for a fair review. Sorry for reading it in one sitting.

Weird, lyrical, unhinged, whip-smart, extremely painful. This book is difficult to describe, but that's a compliment; it's complex and refuses to compromise, while still having highly engaging and readable prose. Most experimental / poetic novels are a little too obtuse for me, but Rumfitt's eye for prose and person always sits well.

In the end, I think I liked it less than Tell Me I'm Worthless, though I don't really think that's the book's fault. While it begins with (helpful!) content warnings, it doesn't really go into enough detail for me (I'm fine with books not having content warnings, for the record, but this book's CWs were a bit vague). In the end, it dwelled on subjects I personally find incredibly gross. Not morally suspect, not bad, not wrong, just, for me, subjectively, gross. And that will inevitably make me like a book less, no matter how well it's written.

And Brainwyrms is incredibly, startlingly well written. It's at least as good as Tell Me I'm Worthless, perhaps better in how it expands its scope and aims. The book has a lot more to say on a wide range of issues, but still hits the topic home. If you disliked the unsubtlety and long rambly prose style of TMIW, though, this book is similar. Personally, I find that a success; I love Rumfitt's work and her style.

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