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readsbykirby's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
K.G. Reuss's "Church" brilliantly introduces readers to the haunting world of Chapel Crest—a school and asylum for the insane, where dark secrets lurk behind every corner and the line between sanity and madness blurs.
This first installment of "The Boys of Chapel Crest" presents a compelling bully RH-romance narrative featuring Dante Church and Sirena, two characters whose fates are intertwined by trauma and desire.
The story begins with hints of Sirena's inhumane tragic backstory, her muteness a choice born from a traumatic experience with her best friend Seth. Shipped off to Chapel Crest by her creepy stepfather, she finds herself navigating the treacherous social hierarchy ruled by the enigmatic boys known as the Watchers: Church, Stitches, Sin, and Asher.
The tension escalates as we learn that Seth is also a patient/student at Chapel Crest, adding layers of complexity to Sirena's emotional and mental journey.
While the plot unfolds slowly we get a glimpse into the minds of all the characters...Sirena's pain and Dante's inner turmoil. Although Dante may not be the most redeemable character, his complexity adds depth to the story, making it all the more intriguing.
As The Watchers relationship with Sirena develops, readers are left questioning their motivations and the possibility of redemption amidst their tumultuous romance.
Reuss masterfully crafts a darkly atmospheric setting that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the mysteries of Chapel Crest.
The cliffhanger ending leaves us craving more, ensuring that fans will eagerly anticipate the next installment.... K.G. isn't dubbed "Queen of Cliffy's" for no reason....
Overall, "Church" is a thought-provoking read that expertly blends psychological elements with the intensity of young love, making it a must-read for those seeking a fresh take on the bully-romance genre.
Graphic: Bullying, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
always_reading_rachel's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
misswirum's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Unfortunately (or not), Reuss can't be compared with J.Rose, so this book only get 2 ⭐️ from me.
I only read this book because of characters from Church is crossing over in other books from this author. It's apparently a whole universe.
I LOVE main character with a broken mind full of trauma, but I don't think the author knows enough about mentall illness. The book have been set in a normal school. The "mental illness" does nothing for the plot, except for Serena being mute of course.
The MMC also grapes/SA the FMC. Just a heads up. Oh, and it's insta-love. They fall in love with the FMC after like one hang-out? And the FMC doesn't care that they SA her 🤪
Ugh. And justice for Bryce ❤️
2/5⭐️
2/5📝
2/5🌶
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Abortion
jess_bythebook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Sirena Lawrence was so full of life like every 10 year old child her age. At least, until her best friend tried to kill her. But much to the dismay of her family, her trauma manifested into the form of selective mutism and she was sent away to an asylum under the guise of a religious school. Secrets are everywhere. Nothing is safe. Trust no one.
“I was silent. It was safer that way.”
The Watchers run the school. Nothing gets by them and no one crosses them. So when a new student starts to turn heads, the four Watchers take notice and set their certifiably insane sights on her.
“You weren’t truly broken until we broke you.
Those were the rules.
We’re going to have lots of fun together.”
Psychologically dark and twisted, this book is definitely filled with drama and plenty of edge of your seat moments that leave you wanting more. Each character is darker than the last and I loved how they all showed their emotions in their own unique warped ways. Check your triggers and buckle your seatbelts. You’re in for a wild ride.
“He could very well be the answer to all my prayers. He could also be the reason for all my screams.”
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Violence, Religious bigotry, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Child abuse
kaitlynn_l2's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment