carlyxdeexx 's review for:

Sunstone, Vol. 1 by Stjepan Šejić

4.5

emotional funny reflective sad tense fast-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

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Really sweet and compelling romance that just so happens to blossom in a BDSM context, and the BDSM context is approached very genuinely, and is a nice introduction to the actual world of BDSM versus just being a titillating set piece. There is a genuine earnestness and vulnerability in the writing that could be a turn-off for some, but suits the themes well, and the introspective explorations of self-doubt and anxiety that are prevalent throughout. I do think the author is very explicit rather than implicit about everything regarding emotions and intimacy. Usually that’s too much? Like you don’t want to be hit over the head too much with “this-is-exactly-how-we-felt” in words. And repeated more than once! Usually that’s a big writerly no-no. But, I think it works well for this particular story. It ties into the theme of ultimate honesty and trust. And just saying the things you don’t want to just say. The personifications of shame, the alternate versions of conversations, they also tie into that nicely. It makes sense, and isn’t annoying like you’d expect.