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A review by emory
Codename Villanelle by Luke Jennings
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
I feel like I can't give that accurate of a review as my interest came entirely from reading the inspiration for and comparing this to Killing Eve.
A fine thriller with seemingly low stakes as the main characters do not ever actually meet in this installment. Each scene is thoroughly set with emblematic and grandiose details of whichever European country Villanelle's about to assasinste someone at any given point. This can come across as extraordinary mood setting or unnecessary and ostentatious simply depending on the scene.
The fact that Villanelle's bisexuality is played as a moral failing and caused by sociopathy is a bit annoying, as are the pretty gratuitous sex scenes involving her, but what did I expect from a spy thriller that includes a female assassin?
Very middle of the road read for me, but again, it's hard to think strictly about the books pacing and plot when you are already aware of most of its plot and are familiar with someone else's interpretation of the characters. Good way to kill a day if you need.
A fine thriller with seemingly low stakes as the main characters do not ever actually meet in this installment. Each scene is thoroughly set with emblematic and grandiose details of whichever European country Villanelle's about to assasinste someone at any given point. This can come across as extraordinary mood setting or unnecessary and ostentatious simply depending on the scene.
The fact that Villanelle's bisexuality is played as a moral failing and caused by sociopathy is a bit annoying, as are the pretty gratuitous sex scenes involving her, but what did I expect from a spy thriller that includes a female assassin?
Very middle of the road read for me, but again, it's hard to think strictly about the books pacing and plot when you are already aware of most of its plot and are familiar with someone else's interpretation of the characters. Good way to kill a day if you need.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Gore, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Murder, Violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Racism, Transphobia, Sexual assault, and Torture
Minor: Rape and Misogyny