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A review by darquedreamer
My Dearest Darkest by Kayla Cottingham
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My Dearest Darkest was one of my top reads this spooky season. I absolutely loved it! It was gripping, emotional, horrifying and unique.
I loved all the humor and nostalgia. I loved the vivid atmosphere, the strong characters, and the graphic horror. I loved that I got Mean Girls, The Craft, Death Becomes Her and Jennifer's Body vibes from the story, and I loved all the imagery, symbolism, and messages found within the story.
I feel like both Finch and Selena were on journeys of self discovery, and acceptance of their sexualities. There were strong lessons in dealing with jealousy, grief, feelings of inadequacy, feeling like you don't fit in, and comparing one's self to others. I loved that the author focused on the importance of getting to know someone despite their appearance and reputation, and that she showed that everybody has their own shit to deal with, whether others know it or not.
My Dearest Darkest very strongly centered around the fact that "hell is a teenage girl," and that self acceptance (including your own personal demons) and self love is important. It also strongly revolved around exploring how far one is willing to go, or give, for personal desires, and/or things they are desperate for. And, this is where the true horror lies.
But, I think what stood out for me the most was the characters, the friendships, and the relationships. All major and minor characters were so strongly developed and really drove the story. I loved seeing their personalities and their arcs . I loved seeing how the dynamics changed between them, and I loved how each one felt necessary and unique to the story.
This was definitely one of my favorites. Great cast. A+ horror. 90's style teen angst nostalgia, and a great story line!
I loved all the humor and nostalgia. I loved the vivid atmosphere, the strong characters, and the graphic horror. I loved that I got Mean Girls, The Craft, Death Becomes Her and Jennifer's Body vibes from the story, and I loved all the imagery, symbolism, and messages found within the story.
I feel like both Finch and Selena were on journeys of self discovery, and acceptance of their sexualities. There were strong lessons in dealing with jealousy, grief, feelings of inadequacy, feeling like you don't fit in, and comparing one's self to others. I loved that the author focused on the importance of getting to know someone despite their appearance and reputation, and that she showed that everybody has their own shit to deal with, whether others know it or not.
My Dearest Darkest very strongly centered around the fact that "hell is a teenage girl," and that self acceptance (including your own personal demons) and self love is important. It also strongly revolved around exploring how far one is willing to go, or give, for personal desires, and/or things they are desperate for. And, this is where the true horror lies.
But, I think what stood out for me the most was the characters, the friendships, and the relationships. All major and minor characters were so strongly developed and really drove the story. I loved seeing their personalities and their arcs . I loved seeing how the dynamics changed between them, and I loved how each one felt necessary and unique to the story.
This was definitely one of my favorites. Great cast. A+ horror. 90's style teen angst nostalgia, and a great story line!