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kimsbookerynookery 's review for:
My Ex, the Antichrist
by Craig DiLouie
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What an absolute nostalgic thrill ride! Beware all who don’t like pop culture references, you probably won’t like this one. However, if you were part of the pop-punk, punk or rock scene in the late 90’s and early 2000’s this could be written for you.
It’s written in a mockumentary format centering on FMC Lily Lawless years after she confesses to a murder, the FMC, her bandmates, and various characters who interacted with the band during their tumultuous rise to fame. The twist: the man who helped bring the band together, and Lily’s ex boyfriend, is the literal antichrist. I went into this with the expectation of a goofy horror centering around the ex-girlfriend of a typical archetype of the toxic male lead-guitarist that just so happens to be the antichrist. And while it was certainly all of that, there was so much more to the story and characters.
I found myself caring so much for the characters and their growth as they told their sides of the story. Lily’s character was complicated and such a good representation of morally grey without making you hate her.
As for the plot, it was intriguing from start to finish with smatterings of absolute chaos, and I loved it. There were some moments that dragged a little, but by the end I completely understand why they were essential to the overall story. The only thing that irked me is the overwhelming theme of Christianity being a sanctuary. It felt a little disjointed with the story as a whole and felt slightly forced. I chose to overlook it as it didn’t seem like the author was trying to convert readers, just provide a source of hope in the opposite of the antichrist. Overall I had a lot of fun reading this one and highly recommend this to anyone looking to add a little chaotic nostalgia in their lives.
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.