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readundancies's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
This is, I believe, a republished and slightly altered version of Snyman’s previous work Muti Nation.
And while I agree with a lot of the alterations made, I am genuinely disappointed by this novel.
I had really high expectations that were cultivated in the beginning of this story and they quickly feel off the deep end.
Because at the beginning?
The differently styled chapters were working so well for me. And I was really into the premise of the story and how it was being laid out. It was very procedural and case focused, detective style and I hadn’t read something mystery focused like this in a while, so I got excited.
Sue me.
The highlights were the mythology and worldbuilding. I’m not familiar with very much about South Africa as a whole, and Snyman really eases you into the world she’s created while still keeping a lot of real world elements and languages and cultural beliefs embedded within the story. It was fast paced with worldbuilding that is tinged with a sardonic sense of humour and investigative procedure that I had been craving. The team of characters working in SIRCAS seemed to genuinely complement one another, and as a whole I was really enjoying the story and the writing.
But then I started having issue with the editing. There was a not infrequent amount of tense shifting, even from sentence to sentence that was noticeable and annoying.
AND THEN came something which did not need to be incorporated into the story at all in my opinion, the romance.
The love triangle coupled with the horrid character dynamics and interpersonal relationships are the worst part of this book. The characters, especially Esme in particular became immediately insufferable. Like we’re talking 180 degree turns on character dynamics which ruined everything for me.
This didn’t need romance and the fact that the romance is one of my biggest issues with this story says a lot. And yet, this story will probably work for a lot of people, I'm just not one of them.
So yeah, I’m pretty flipping bummed at the outcome of this story and just so you’re aware, this began a reading slump for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Death, Medical content, Body horror, Stalking, Torture, Violence, and Gore
Minor: Rape, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
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