Reviews tagging 'Blood'

Church by K.G. Reuss

4 reviews

readsbykirby's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• 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

Church by K.G. Reuss

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.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail

always_reading_rachel's review

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• 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

Take me to church! Good Lordy. This was a good bully, why choose story. I love Ashes he is for sure my favorite. These guys are so unhinged it's literal insanity, yet they still pull you in. I'm not sure what that says about me, but who cares. I'm dying to continue the series because of that MASSIVE cliffy at the end..... rude. LOL l don't 

think Seth is going to handle this too well......

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Content Warnings

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

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• 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

This book is almost a complete rip-off from The Blackwood Institute-series by J. Rose lmao.
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🌶

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Content Warnings

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

kaitlynn_l2's review

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• 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

Very interesting and dark read. Really good though! 

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Content Warnings

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