I'm rating 3.75, because the book was pretty good, but it did bug me how innocent and virginal Marissa is - physically doesn't know her own literal body‽ Are you joking? I loved Butch though, right along with Vishous, and am disappointed they didn't get together. I went ahead and looked at the spoilers and V doesn't even get a guy, he's suddenly fucking pencil straight after this book from the sounds of things. And that scene during the transformation ceremony and all! I'm glad we didn't get a kill your gays moment, but we almost did, and did we not get one just because Butch, V, and Marissa are not gonna become a thruple? Also, I liked the way that Ward included info about Butch's background for the first time, and the plot with the Omega and the Lessers is interesting. I just feel like there's so much neglected potential with Vishous, and that brought the rating down an entire star. It's a really strong pairing, and I actually think the strength of V+Butch, combined with the fact that Marissa had absolutely no clue about it, detracted from the story. If Marissa had known and been fighting for Butch, or if they had become a trio, or if Butch and Marissa realised they weren't a good fit and Butch got with V, that all would've been done a little better, and probably got a 4.5 or higher star rating out of me.
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Sexism, Violence, Domestic abuse, and Blood
Moderate: Bullying, Classism, Drug use, War, and Abandonment
Minor: Alcohol, Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, and Torture