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A review by anjae
Corrupt by Penelope Douglas
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I liked it. But there are so many things in this that bothered me that I physically couldn’t make myself rate it higher.
There is absolutely no real remorse for anything the guys did to Rika. Yes, they “felt sorry” whatever whatever, but they put her through hell and we’re just gonna think it’s fine? I guess my main problem is that the long-lasting trauma from sexual assault and the later effects of gaslighting weren’t addressed. Rika needs so much therapy (and needs to break up with Michael).
The sex was fun though, and I do like the idea that Rika is as crazy as them. I’ll give it that.
I think if any of the guys were held accountable (and there were any consequences for the horrific acts they inflicted on Rika), if Rika’s future PTSD and trauma relating to the events were discussed, or if Rika was very clearly stated to be just as crazy as them (and therefore every character in the book was clearly and explicitly stated to be morally grey), then this could have immediately jumped up to a 3, maybe even a 3.5. But because this book makes this seem like normal romantic behavior and doesn’t seem self aware in any way, I can’t rate it that high.
There is absolutely no real remorse for anything the guys did to Rika. Yes, they “felt sorry” whatever whatever, but they put her through hell and we’re just gonna think it’s fine? I guess my main problem is that the long-lasting trauma from sexual assault and the later effects of gaslighting weren’t addressed. Rika needs so much therapy (and needs to break up with Michael).
The sex was fun though, and I do like the idea that Rika is as crazy as them. I’ll give it that.
I think if any of the guys were held accountable (and there were any consequences for the horrific acts they inflicted on Rika), if Rika’s future PTSD and trauma relating to the events were discussed, or if Rika was very clearly stated to be just as crazy as them (and therefore every character in the book was clearly and explicitly stated to be morally grey), then this could have immediately jumped up to a 3, maybe even a 3.5. But because this book makes this seem like normal romantic behavior and doesn’t seem self aware in any way, I can’t rate it that high.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Rape, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence
Minor: Animal death and Biphobia