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booksthatburn's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
Quentin is an over-the-top caricature of British aristocracy, due to a combination of his little-discussed father's eccentricities and the way his wealth has insulated him from plebian realities. Whether he might better handle British slang is unclear, but he completely misunderstands the many, many American euphemisms for anything to do with sex or sexuality in a way that gradually makes it obvious that something strange is going on with how he processes the concept. Laurence is a recovering heroin addict who is being stalked by an ex-boyfriend, a situation which gets even weirder when prayers to his god for help result in Jack showing up on his doorstep, complete with a demand that Laurence feed him sexual energy.
I appreciate the choice to have a main character (Quentin) who is sex-repulsed and asexual (but probably not aromantic). I think it's handled pretty well, especially with regards to the friendship/relationship between the main characters (Laurence is bisexual). It's important to note that the villains are antagonists partly due to their disrespect of personal autonomy and disregard for consent, especially but not only with regards to sex. This means that certain elements of the plot revolve around unwanted sexual contact and conversations aimed at both main characters. There's also a focus on addiction and recovery, of working through the destructive patterns in their lives and trying to make long-term changes.
I hope the sequels feature Quentin working through the mental blocks which are disrupting his life, but without treating it like he needed to be fixed with sex. Based on how this book went, I have high hopes that this will be handled well going forward, but I'll be keeping my eye on it.
I appreciate the choice to have a main character (Quentin) who is sex-repulsed and asexual (but probably not aromantic). I think it's handled pretty well, especially with regards to the friendship/relationship between the main characters (Laurence is bisexual). It's important to note that the villains are antagonists partly due to their disrespect of personal autonomy and disregard for consent, especially but not only with regards to sex. This means that certain elements of the plot revolve around unwanted sexual contact and conversations aimed at both main characters. There's also a focus on addiction and recovery, of working through the destructive patterns in their lives and trying to make long-term changes.
I hope the sequels feature Quentin working through the mental blocks which are disrupting his life, but without treating it like he needed to be fixed with sex. Based on how this book went, I have high hopes that this will be handled well going forward, but I'll be keeping my eye on it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug use, Alcohol, Bullying, Stalking, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Death, Death of parent, Vomit, Child abuse, and Grief
Minor: Pregnancy, Acephobia/Arophobia, Ableism, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual content
zirogods's review
dark
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this so fucking much. So fun and reads like a fanfiction (compliment). The characters are super fun, and id say the main intrigue of the book. Laurence and Quentin have such a good dynamic and they are - dare i say - very cute. The plot also kept my interest the whole time and even though there were sometimes long areas between main plot events, the character interaction and tension between the characters was just so good. I really liked how the mystery was still kept throughout the whole book and you slowly discover important information as you go. It felt perfectly paced, never a dull moment. I also really appeciated the subtle discussion of consent that i felt was a theme throughout the book. Definately a new one of my top favorite books. I am so excited to read the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcoholism, Biphobia, Death of parent, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, and Vomit
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