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A review by captainshane
Exquisite Ruin by AdriAnne May
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a unique retelling of the minotaur story that I enjoyed! The characters were unique and interesting, as well as the gods and their motivations.
We follow two main characters through a maze as they grapple with their history as a couple, betrayal towards each other, and their own personal past traumas. They must overcome it all to escape the maze. We have lovers to rivals to lovers, and a beautiful dose of masochism/sadism.
Pain has a unique role in this story and is written in extremely well!
There were moments where the plot got a bit cyclical and lost. I got the feeling that the author was writing with a notebook next to them making sure they didn't leave any plot holes, but the messiness of it was a bit confusing and had me wishing the characters would just get to the point and the action.
We had a few themes like betrayal and self-deprecation that came up so often and without progress that I stopped caring about them by the end of the book. The characters did eventually grow and change but I stayed for the love and action. I did thoroughly enjoy the ending!
Do check Trigger Warnings before giving this book a try!
We follow two main characters through a maze as they grapple with their history as a couple, betrayal towards each other, and their own personal past traumas. They must overcome it all to escape the maze. We have lovers to rivals to lovers, and a beautiful dose of masochism/sadism.
Pain has a unique role in this story and is written in extremely well!
There were moments where the plot got a bit cyclical and lost. I got the feeling that the author was writing with a notebook next to them making sure they didn't leave any plot holes, but the messiness of it was a bit confusing and had me wishing the characters would just get to the point and the action.
We had a few themes like betrayal and self-deprecation that came up so often and without progress that I stopped caring about them by the end of the book. The characters did eventually grow and change but I stayed for the love and action. I did thoroughly enjoy the ending!
Do check Trigger Warnings before giving this book a try!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, and Murder