A review by sofipitch
Maeve Fly by CJ Leede

dark 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? Yes

4.75

I feel like it's been a while since I've read a (new not reread) stay up late reading book. I read the last half of this book all in one sitting. This book was both fun and well written. The prose serves this book and it's tone so well. I really didn't click with Mosfeugh for example and this book somehow doesn't manage to be insufferable like some other "feminist serial killer"/femcel lit. I think a big part of it is something the narrator points out herself, women are expected to have a tragic backstory. This book is only feminist in that it allows the MC to take the same serial killer role only afforded to men. But she doesn't kill due to an injustice done to her. She isn't richteous, he is just as despicable as the rest of them, which was refreshing. It also strikes a good balance of still making her interesting while she is awful, which sets it apart from a lot of extreme lit where the loadstone is that shock/disgust/horror reaction, but it doesn't have much else going for it. Again, so well written.
Definitely had some horrific parts but sometimes I felt like the author was a little frugal with descriptions. I also saw someone say the last 1/3rd was pure gore but also not really. Not the book's fault but in case anyone reads this before reading the book you will feel less let down bc that was how I felt. But I will be reading more by this author holy shit. I might feel inclined to give it 5 stars but I don't want to have to see the cover when it pops up in that display section lmao
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