Reviews tagging 'Violence'

Most Ardently by Susan Mesler-Evans

2 reviews

the_true_monroe's review

dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

My only knowledge of Pride And Prejudice prior to listening to this audiobook was from The Sleepy Bookshelf, which I was meant to fall asleep during, and I did. Even so, I did pick up on a lot of the ways this book retold the story and really want to read Pride and Prejudice for real now.

With that being said, I did not realize at first that this was meant to parallel Pride And Prejudice so at first a lot of things caught me off guard. For example,

Elisa’s mom Alejandra is extremely inappropriate in a way that is outwardly gross- she was not just trying to sneak them into a relationship - her words and actions were sexualizing her children… for money.

One story I really liked was

between Collin and Charlene. Collin was not said to be autistic/ neurodivergent but he was definitely characterized that way especially with the special interests and excessive scripting. Seeing his growth once he recognized major issues of his, and standing up to his mom was wonderful. This whole thing including how he ended up friends with Elisa felt natural.

I was very shocked though how this book dove very deeply into

statutory rape, grooming and pedophilia

. I think it was very well done in terms of realistic experiences and addressing victim shaming but, woah.

Overall, some other things that I did like were how queer characters were just there- yes there were mentions of homophobia and transphobia but there was so much love and acceptance. The interludes were also fun although at first confusing. 

3.5 /5 although I may update this once I actually fully read Pride And Prejudice.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, Classism, and Vomit

Moderate: Rape, Stalking, Sexual violence, Death of parent, Violence, Gaslighting, and Alcohol

Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Transphobia, Sexual harassment, Biphobia, Physical abuse, Car accident, Self harm, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, and Ableism

jo_lzr's review

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship

Moderate: Pedophilia, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, Violence, Toxic relationship, and Sexual harassment

Minor: Rape