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challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This might be one of the top five most twisted books I’ve ever read. I think it’s good to keep in mind this is a fantasy/horror book and it acts like it.
75% of it is horribly unsettling. It’s weird and dark and the characters aren’t likable and incredibly problematic. But I think that’s the point of fairytales - they’re dark and ugly like life sometimes.
The execution of this book is insane though. It’s irrefutable that Ava is an incredible writer and she makes you feel every last bit confused, disgusted, uncomfortable and shocked. It’s also written like a fairytale, which I feel like has thrown some readers expecting a more modern fantasy geared story, this ain’t it. But Ava still does it in a way that feels interesting and not drab and I think she very artfully retold the story in a way that is more understandable for modern audiences while having that fairytale feel.
I appreciated the light at the end of the tunnel that was the ending. It is still a “happy ending”, but was woven into the rest of the story in a way that felt right and not cheesy but also didn’t make me want to die the same way a super gruesome horror ending would.
I would go into this with the mindset that this book isn’t to be enjoyed, sort of reminiscent of the Portrait of Dorian Gray. If you enjoyed it the way you would a modern fantasy, you’re either twisted or missed the point entirely.
75% of it is horribly unsettling. It’s weird and dark and the characters aren’t likable and incredibly problematic. But I think that’s the point of fairytales - they’re dark and ugly like life sometimes.
The execution of this book is insane though. It’s irrefutable that Ava is an incredible writer and she makes you feel every last bit confused, disgusted, uncomfortable and shocked. It’s also written like a fairytale, which I feel like has thrown some readers expecting a more modern fantasy geared story, this ain’t it. But Ava still does it in a way that feels interesting and not drab and I think she very artfully retold the story in a way that is more understandable for modern audiences while having that fairytale feel.
I appreciated the light at the end of the tunnel that was the ending. It is still a “happy ending”, but was woven into the rest of the story in a way that felt right and not cheesy but also didn’t make me want to die the same way a super gruesome horror ending would.
I would go into this with the mindset that this book isn’t to be enjoyed, sort of reminiscent of the Portrait of Dorian Gray. If you enjoyed it the way you would a modern fantasy, you’re either twisted or missed the point entirely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Eating disorder, Sexual assault, Blood, Murder, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content
Minor: Self harm, Cannibalism
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault
Minor: Child abuse
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
while the vibe of this book is dark and gothic, we have to experience it through the eyes of the whiniest character who not only experiences very little character development but is extremely one dimensional. 90% of the characters in this book lack depth (unless you count trauma as depth and I don't) and their looks are their main personality trait (and we're reminded of whether they're ugly or beautiful every other page)
the lack of character exploration highlighted a plot that wasn't paced very well; it didn't feel like much happened until the last 40 pages and the ending felt rushed.
I was shocked to see the writing style praised in other reviews. ava reid undoubtably did describe the atmosphere, but having 3-6 similes on each page (I wish I was exaggerating) made them obvious and ineffective. I will say some were absolutely stunning!!!! but they drowned in a sea of the unnecessary, like a sailor haphazardly thrown overboard. I typically love atmospheric, moody, flowery prose and gothic fairy tale retellings so I was disappointed that this book did not live up to a single expectation I had for it.
one more thing: if you read ACOTAR and were tired of SJM's repetitiveness of someone making "a vulgar gesture" you should stay far away from this book. if I had a dollar for every time this whiny b*tch "felt bile rise in her throat" or for every mention of blood or teeth I could purchase a book (or 6) that would actually deliver on its promises. body horror works well for me when it’s shocking/unexpected; overuse of several elements made for ineffective writing.
reading this has desensitized me to blood and guts and similes. I think I maybe get why someone could like it? but if you did I cannot relate less. hate to give a book a 1-star review; thought about DNFing around 45 pages & definitely should've.
the lack of character exploration highlighted a plot that wasn't paced very well; it didn't feel like much happened until the last 40 pages and the ending felt rushed.
I was shocked to see the writing style praised in other reviews. ava reid undoubtably did describe the atmosphere, but having 3-6 similes on each page (I wish I was exaggerating) made them obvious and ineffective. I will say some were absolutely stunning!!!! but they drowned in a sea of the unnecessary, like a sailor haphazardly thrown overboard. I typically love atmospheric, moody, flowery prose and gothic fairy tale retellings so I was disappointed that this book did not live up to a single expectation I had for it.
one more thing: if you read ACOTAR and were tired of SJM's repetitiveness of someone making "a vulgar gesture" you should stay far away from this book. if I had a dollar for every time this whiny b*tch "felt bile rise in her throat" or for every mention of blood or teeth I could purchase a book (or 6) that would actually deliver on its promises. body horror works well for me when it’s shocking/unexpected; overuse of several elements made for ineffective writing.
reading this has desensitized me to blood and guts and similes. I think I maybe get why someone could like it? but if you did I cannot relate less. hate to give a book a 1-star review; thought about DNFing around 45 pages & definitely should've.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Gore, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Sexual harassment
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Vomit, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Colonisation
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Eating disorder, Sexual assault, Violence
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book is insane. It’s dark, gruesome, and realistic in some ways. The problem I had with it is that it’s a really difficult read, it takes a minute to piece things together but once it’s all laid out for you, you can see the final picture. Also I feel like the near ending conflict was a bit too fast, but the way it concludes is very relieving and it makes you happy for where Marlinchen and Sevas end up. You mostly focus on the characters and not an overall plot. Even through all of its whimsical themes, folklore, and reading like a fairytale, it is a realistic story about life, especially trauma. This is incredible. ⭐️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Gore, Sexual assault, Blood
Moderate: Eating disorder, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Grief, Cannibalism, Murder, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Xenophobia, Vomit, Antisemitism, Death of parent
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is unflinching and unapologetic. It is atmospheric and haunting; it made my stomach churn and turned my dreams tense and anxious. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Ava Reid takes experiences with thorns and teeth and presents them realistically and without fanfare. This book is dark and twisted, and you should 100% check your triggers before diving in, but I think it fits the genre well and comes to a fitting fairytale ending, however grim. The thing about trauma and horror are that they leave lasting scars.
I see the complaints about insta-love and plotting, but they just don’t hold water to me. We are being drawn along and guided by Marlinchen’s experiences as her life begins to unravel and knit itself back together. In some ways, this is a very character-driven book, and expecting it to have predictable, logical plotting misunderstands the nature of the story. Regarding relationships, I think it’s perfectly reasonable that after their evening together and recognizing the broken pieces in each other, Marlinchen and Sevas would feel bound and endeared to each other. As with any piece of media, you do not see every single interaction in their time together that would make them fall for each other. I think calling them “ride or die” after meeting three times is an overstatement. They’re young and scared and have found refuge in each other that they’re desperate to keep.
Overall, this book sunk its teeth into me (pun intended?). Ava Reid continues to impress me and to make me venture beyond my reading comfort zone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Blood, Vomit, Cannibalism, Gaslighting, Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
All consuming. This book was about all consuming love and greed and jealousy and hunger.
Similarly to The Wolf and the Woodsman, I was convinced the book was going to end tragically. I suppose it did, in a way. I’m really relieved it wasn’t a sad ending, but another part of me wonders if it should’ve been sad… but I’m gonna say no because I emotionally wouldn’t have been able to handle that
Similarly to The Wolf and the Woodsman, I was convinced the book was going to end tragically. I suppose it did, in a way. I’m really relieved it wasn’t a sad ending, but another part of me wonders if it should’ve been sad… but I’m gonna say no because I emotionally wouldn’t have been able to handle that
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Gaslighting
Moderate: Self harm, Suicide, Xenophobia, Cannibalism
Minor: Animal death
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am shocked that I liked it tbh…
I didn’t know half of the time if anything was real or we just had an unreliable narrator and that kept me very interested.
Very gory though. Do not go into it without looking at the trigger warnings
I didn’t know half of the time if anything was real or we just had an unreliable narrator and that kept me very interested.
Very gory though. Do not go into it without looking at the trigger warnings
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gore, Pedophilia, Self harm, Sexual assault, Blood, Cannibalism, Gaslighting