A review by podanotherjessi
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean

challenging dark medium-paced

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

5.0

To paraphrase Sunyi Dean, she was told there were no more vampire stories left to tell, so she found one. This book really struggles with the question of morality when eating people is necessary to survive. It also dives into family a lot in so many different ways. What makes someone family? What if helping someone means hurting someone else? When does someone stop being family? And most importantly, how far are you willing to go for someone you love? And all of it was handled beautifully. The story progresses in such a beautiful, unfolding way that I really enjoyed. It's told in dual timelines, and the flashbacks are timed perfectly to unravel the mystery of what happened to Dev a little bit at a time. Every time you think you know what she's doing and why, another piece is revealed that changes everything. Also lesbians and an allegory for ableism. Special recommendation of the audiobook. There's a lovely interview between Sunyi Dean and the narrator, Katie Erich, at the end that added a lot of interesting layers to the story.