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A review by christinetyared
Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I had similar feelings toward Lair of Dreams to this book. The main mystery plot, which focused on ghosts and asylums, was much more interesting to me than the plot in Lair of Dreams. This book is much darker and scarier and the stakes are higher. I feel like all the threads began to come together in this book, and everything was much easier to read and figure out. Despite that, the plot overall of this book is quite lacking, it’s a lot of filler (the filler in itself isn’t bad per-say, but it still is filler); it pretty much is the set up for the final book, so it’s not the most satisfying to read on its own. I think I’ve you’ve already read the first two books in the series, you might as well continue on with it because it still is good and continues a lot of the vibes from the rest of the books. Additionally, it dives deeper into themes of America’s past, racism, ableism, and other serious topics, which makes it a somewhat thought-provoking and also harrowing read.
Now onto the spoilers.
(CW: gun violence, sexual assault, bombings)
Let me start with specific things (aka people) I liked.
1. Sam. Just Sam. I feel in love with him in book 2 and I loved him in this book. He’s witty and charming and smug but also caring and sweet. I’ve always loved his dynamic with Evie, and I’m glad they finally got together. But he was kidnapped right after because you can never just be happy in stories like these.
2. Ling. Although she was a very minor character in this story, I loved the (albeit small) plot line of her sexuality. I was excited when I thought she was a lesbian, but then I was even more excited when I found out she was asexual. It’s always nice to see more asexual rep, and I look forward to see how things with her and Alma continue in the next book.
3. Theta. I loved her backstory and thought it was very interesting. I was really sad when she broke things off with Memphis, but happy they managed to figure things out because I love them together.
Things (aka people) I disliked:
1. Mabel. I’ve never liked her, she was just the boring best friend, and although she did get more character in this book, I didn’t like her any better. I thought the whole concept of her feeling like an outsider could be really compelling, but I don’t like how she acted as a result. Her plot seemed very irrelevant and the big part at the end also just didn’t need to happen. Which, lets talk about that for a minute.
2. The bombing at Marlowe’s exhibit. I cannot explain it but Mabel’s whole story gave me major Heathers vibes but not in a good way, and to me, her trying to stop Arthur from blowing up Marlowe’s exhibit reminds me of Veronica trying to stop JD from exploding Westerburg High. One issue is that Mabel changes her mind in a second. After working so hard to let go of her old ways and be corrupted, the fact that she flips back and tries to stop everything in one second just doesn’t seem right. I just thought the whole scene was way darker than it needed to be and just didn’t need to happen. I also want to point out that there is gun violence in the scene because I haven’t seen it brought up, and as a gun violence survivor it does impact me somewhat to read about it.
3. Jericho. Like Mabel, I’ve never liked Jericho. He was the definition of cardboard to me, he had no personality. And in my opinion, he and Mabel deserved each other. He got worse in this book. I understand how he could reflect a corrupted person, like the ideal person: a strong, macho, white, able bodied, male. But I didn’t like it in all honestly. Also at one point he sexually assaults Mabel, which is what ends the love triangle, and I don’t think sexual assault is an appropriate way to break off a love triangle. Many people have pointed it out that it’s useless.
Now onto the spoilers.
(CW: gun violence, sexual assault, bombings)
1. Sam. Just Sam. I feel in love with him in book 2 and I loved him in this book. He’s witty and charming and smug but also caring and sweet. I’ve always loved his dynamic with Evie, and I’m glad they finally got together. But he was kidnapped right after because you can never just be happy in stories like these.
2. Ling. Although she was a very minor character in this story, I loved the (albeit small) plot line of her sexuality. I was excited when I thought she was a lesbian, but then I was even more excited when I found out she was asexual. It’s always nice to see more asexual rep, and I look forward to see how things with her and Alma continue in the next book.
3. Theta. I loved her backstory and thought it was very interesting. I was really sad when she broke things off with Memphis, but happy they managed to figure things out because I love them together.
Things (aka people) I disliked:
1. Mabel. I’ve never liked her, she was just the boring best friend, and although she did get more character in this book, I didn’t like her any better. I thought the whole concept of her feeling like an outsider could be really compelling, but I don’t like how she acted as a result. Her plot seemed very irrelevant and the big part at the end also just didn’t need to happen. Which, lets talk about that for a minute.
2. The bombing at Marlowe’s exhibit. I cannot explain it but Mabel’s whole story gave me major Heathers vibes but not in a good way, and to me, her trying to stop Arthur from blowing up Marlowe’s exhibit reminds me of Veronica trying to stop JD from exploding Westerburg High. One issue is that Mabel changes her mind in a second. After working so hard to let go of her old ways and be corrupted, the fact that she flips back and tries to stop everything in one second just doesn’t seem right. I just thought the whole scene was way darker than it needed to be and just didn’t need to happen. I also want to point out that there is gun violence in the scene because I haven’t seen it brought up, and as a gun violence survivor it does impact me somewhat to read about it.
3. Jericho. Like Mabel, I’ve never liked Jericho. He was the definition of cardboard to me, he had no personality. And in my opinion, he and Mabel deserved each other. He got worse in this book. I understand how he could reflect a corrupted person, like the ideal person: a strong, macho, white, able bodied, male. But I didn’t like it in all honestly. Also at one point he sexually assaults Mabel, which is what ends the love triangle, and I don’t think sexual assault is an appropriate way to break off a love triangle. Many people have pointed it out that it’s useless.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence