Reviews with content warning for Murder - The Ballad of Black Tom

Reviews tagging 'Murder'

The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle

50 reviews

bi_n_large's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious 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

4.0

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orizenda's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.5

I rly liked this but ig I just don’t care about lovecraft type stuff. and i know next to nothing abt the lord anyway. but like what a way to critique racism in america. excited to read more by LaValle

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zoe_celeste123's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This is a wonderful rendition of Lovecraftian lore that captures the essence of eldritch horror while also addressing and critiquing the racism and xenophobia in Lovecraft's original stories. This is a story I will remember for a very long time.

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jaimc's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

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cantfindmybookmark's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.75

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thebearnest's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced

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

2.5

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loyddl's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

4.5

A nice book with mostly short chapters, you’ll be able to get through this one pretty quick. It did take me a minute to get into but I did enjoy it, especially as the book picked up in the second half. My one gripe is that the book changes perspective’s half way through. It would have been so interesting to read from the main character’s point of view (Tommy) instead of a side character in the more tense moments. Or at least see Tommy’s thought process leading up to the climax. If the book was a little longer it could have delved further into Tommy’s character arch while splitting the perspectives. But as it is, the book is still an enjoyable read.

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