A review by crystalgem
Mary: An Awakening of Terror by Nat Cassidy

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

I couldn’t get over how poorly written this was. The main character is probably the most bland, unlikeable character I’ve ever read about, and the absolute clusterfuck of a plot is honestly terrible. What was the point of any of it? So many twists and turns, none of them surprising or meaningful.

The whole book is quite serious and then we have a character saying things like “queef” as a joke. She kills her aunt by stuffing porcelain statues down her throat and somehow when she becomes a ghost, she’s cracking jokes and hovering around like this is a Disney movie.

Why are we referencing demons and religion, but then none of that is even relevant, however reincarnation - oh, that part is real. Seeing ghosts? Real. Oh wait, and the ghosts are actually furies, not ghosts. You know, from Greek mythology. Throw that in there. And they can touch people (only if someone encourages them, though.) And it’s a book about middle age - actually, no, it’s a book about misogyny. Wait, no, it’s a book about accepting death. Except, okay, it’s actually about - ope, I just realized I don’t care.

After reading the mention of Azazel, I was hoping we’d see some cool theological horror a la Hereditary, but alas, that was just me getting my hopes up.


Would not recommend. 
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