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A review by ozlitlist
Twisted Love by Ana Huang
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.25
Look.
I love romance, I love “dark” romance. I love a problematic protag or love interest. This book does not understand the draw of the genre and only the problems.
Dark romance hinges on the idea that loving a villain can be attractive: since they are so disgusted by society, if they find beauty in something it must truly be unique and beautiful. The concept that kindness can thaw even the iciest heart. That it can inspire change or growth. - and hey, it’s fantasy, the idea of being obsessed over or intrinsically tied to someone can be attractive to a certain audience. A villain can forgive all flaws, certainly, since they are so flawed themselves.
To those who do not write the genre well, it comes dangerously close to romanticizing abusive behavior. The concept that the villain does not need to change or drags the other person under their control.
This book takes that second option to the extreme. None of these characters are remotely lovable or even realistic. They are caricature-ish, flimsy, and uninteresting at best. And frankly the idea of “romance” it explores is genuinely terrifying. This tell-don’t-show style of writing is some of the most appalling I have ever wasted my time reading. And it perpetuates the problematic concept that violence and the disregard of others is the epitome of an expression of love.
I actively discourage others from reading this book, even if you’re in search of a “fun/bad” read, and the fact that I could guess this author got her start on Wattpad is telling to say the least
I love romance, I love “dark” romance. I love a problematic protag or love interest. This book does not understand the draw of the genre and only the problems.
Dark romance hinges on the idea that loving a villain can be attractive: since they are so disgusted by society, if they find beauty in something it must truly be unique and beautiful. The concept that kindness can thaw even the iciest heart. That it can inspire change or growth. - and hey, it’s fantasy, the idea of being obsessed over or intrinsically tied to someone can be attractive to a certain audience. A villain can forgive all flaws, certainly, since they are so flawed themselves.
To those who do not write the genre well, it comes dangerously close to romanticizing abusive behavior. The concept that the villain does not need to change or drags the other person under their control.
This book takes that second option to the extreme. None of these characters are remotely lovable or even realistic. They are caricature-ish, flimsy, and uninteresting at best. And frankly the idea of “romance” it explores is genuinely terrifying. This tell-don’t-show style of writing is some of the most appalling I have ever wasted my time reading. And it perpetuates the problematic concept that violence and the disregard of others is the epitome of an expression of love.
I actively discourage others from reading this book, even if you’re in search of a “fun/bad” read, and the fact that I could guess this author got her start on Wattpad is telling to say the least
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Death, Blood, Violence, Death of parent, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Cursing and Child death