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stormywolf's review
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Phew, this is the first physical book I've read in quite some time. That's right, my library didn't have an e-book of this one available in time for the Vampire Book Club's discussion date (though I did request it and its sequel for the future), so I had to hoof it old-school (it's been probably 5 years since I went full digital) through a paperback copy! Was it worth the papercut potential?
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I really enjoyed the world-building, if not necessarily the inhabitants of said world. Maybe it's just NYC and its denizens, but I found the consensus that humanity was only as good as a food-source for the vast majority of coterie to be a bit of a downer. It was fun to visit, but I definitely wouldn't want to live there. Then again, the prospect of a wider world with perhaps more progressive/cooperative people, or the possibility of some future developments, is enough to have me eager to return for the sequel(s). So if you're looking for some snarky protagonists, a fascinating take on monsters and the supernatural, or just a fast-paced romp through New York City, you should probably give The Shambling Guide a try. As with any visit to a big city, just be mindful of the more unsavory parts (if you have an aversion to that) and have a good time.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I really enjoyed the world-building, if not necessarily the inhabitants of said world. Maybe it's just NYC and its denizens, but I found the consensus that humanity was only as good as a food-source for the vast majority of coterie to be a bit of a downer. It was fun to visit, but I definitely wouldn't want to live there. Then again, the prospect of a wider world with perhaps more progressive/cooperative people, or the possibility of some future developments, is enough to have me eager to return for the sequel(s). So if you're looking for some snarky protagonists, a fascinating take on monsters and the supernatural, or just a fast-paced romp through New York City, you should probably give The Shambling Guide a try. As with any visit to a big city, just be mindful of the more unsavory parts (if you have an aversion to that) and have a good time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Cannibalism, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body shaming, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Dementia, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
The animal death is hedgehogs. Mental illness/dementia/schizophrenia is all explained later as having a supernatural reason, but that is only revealed at the end. Chronic/terminal illness & cannibalism has to do with zombies.