A review by dariusmortee
Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid

challenging dark sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Let me start by saying this isn’t a bad book. However, I had quite a bit of trouble reading it. 

Ava’s writing is amazing. It is compelling and makes you think. The brutality of this story was clearly a well thought out choice. You will need a bit of a strong stomach, although I didn’t have any trouble with that. 

I did have a problem with the oversexualisation in this story. The fact that Marlinchen masturbates in the very first chapter was a big turn off for me. This happened more often. I was getting into the story and was enjoying myself and then a tasteless sexual remark would be made. 
I understand part of that has to do with what the trauma and abuse Marlinchen had to go through, did to her and there is something to say for that. It did however influence my reading experience a lot. 

This book will make you feel uncomfortable. If you don’t mind the sexual comments and if you do. I missed quite a lot of trigger warnings as this is a very triggering book. I believe that was done on purpose. I did however expect a trigger warning from Ava Reid.
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