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creadsbooks 's review for:
Master of Salt & Bones
by Keri Lake
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Let me preface this by saying this book isn't for everyone. I highly recommend you be mindful of the triggers before reading it.
It would be unfair to compare it to [book:Anathema|209741142] because it's more of a traditional gothic romance to gothic fantasy. Blackstone Manor and the book's overall feel is hauntingly beautiful and ticks every box that classic gothic romance down to the almost incestuous family dynamic. It portrays different types of predators, both sexual and non. It delves into sadism and the question of it being genetic, or even if this mental health condition they have is genetic.
My takeaway from Lucien's decision not to engage in what his father forces him into is that he chooses not to be the same monster the secret society members are. He is, on some level, unhinged, but I see that as a result of past untreated trauma and the abuse he suffered in his upbringing. The members of the secret society and the doctor CHOSE to commit those acts, labeling it as for the good of science or an interest in sadism. They're abusing their power and searching for fulfillment because life alone isn't enough. I believe that was Lake's point in Lucien choosing to feed his adrenaline cravings with acts that teeter on the points of life and death. Isa responds similarly because she's also a victim of abuse. Lucien is a murderer. There's no denying it. However, he only goes after those who go after the ones he loves. It's hard to view someone like that as a monster compared to the other characters in the story.
Was the twist predictable? Yes, but as is the case with most gothic romances. Despite the age gap, I find Isa and Lucien to be each other's cures. Their relationship could be labeled as toxic and possessive, but given their history, it makes sense that they would burn the world down to save the other. It's a love that could grow with time.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It's not my favorite of hers by a long shot, but if you can handle the triggers, it's well worth the read.
My takeaway from Lucien's decision not to engage in what his father forces him into is that he chooses not to be the same monster the secret society members are. He is, on some level, unhinged, but I see that as a result of past untreated trauma and the abuse he suffered in his upbringing. The members of the secret society and the doctor CHOSE to commit those acts, labeling it as for the good of science or an interest in sadism. They're abusing their power and searching for fulfillment because life alone isn't enough. I believe that was Lake's point in Lucien choosing to feed his adrenaline cravings with acts that teeter on the points of life and death. Isa responds similarly because she's also a victim of abuse. Lucien is a murderer. There's no denying it. However, he only goes after those who go after the ones he loves. It's hard to view someone like that as a monster compared to the other characters in the story.
Was the twist predictable? Yes, but as is the case with most gothic romances. Despite the age gap, I find Isa and Lucien to be each other's cures. Their relationship could be labeled as toxic and possessive, but given their history, it makes sense that they would burn the world down to save the other. It's a love that could grow with time.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It's not my favorite of hers by a long shot, but if you can handle the triggers, it's well worth the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicide
Moderate: Drug use, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Death of parent, Pregnancy