phoxyphoenix's review against another edition
2.5
Graphic: Blood, Stalking, and Death
Moderate: Murder, Racism, Violence, Sexism, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
thebougiebookworm's review against another edition
- 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
I won’t lie to you — I bought this book solely on the basis of its cover. It’s so cool and I did see it was about vampires, and one thing about me is I will never turn down a vampire story.
There is so much to love about this book. The setting, 1800s New Orleans, is as vibrant a character as the actual people. The vivid imagery and attention to detail Renée Ahdieh pours into this novel allows the reader to actually immerse themselves in this world. The characters have rich backstories and are morally complex. I was surprised how well developed everyone was considering the sheer size of the cast.
My minor critique was with the pacing. I felt it was tediously slow at times and almost too accelerated at others. Even so, the story roped me in from the beginning and had me actually surprised by a few of the twists and turns that come to light in the final act.
The ending was a bit abrupt and left me slightly puzzled, but I assumed that’s intentional as this is merely the first book in a four book saga. Needless to say, I will absolutely be picking up the next three as soon as possible!
Moderate: Kidnapping, Torture, Gun violence, Blood, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
readsbymoonlight's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Violence and Blood
Minor: Death and Murder
aubdotcom's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Violence
bookishromantics's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Gore, and Death
Moderate: Stalking and Sexual assault
Minor: Racial slurs
lousnewchapter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
Moderate: Blood, Death, Gore, Grief, Violence, Injury/injury detail, and Murder
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Stalking
siglerbooknook's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent and Abandonment
mermay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
Graphic: Blood, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Rape, Racism, Sexism, and Stalking
allyordyna's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Graphic: Blood and Murder
Moderate: Classism, Gore, Violence, Sexual assault, and Sexism
Minor: Injury/injury detail, Stalking, Religious bigotry, Rape, and Racism
katestermonster's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Things that I liked: I really appreciated the banter in this book. There were some clever lines. On top of that, I adored the use of different languages and accents. I was enthralled the gruesome crime scenes and the magic that is New Orleans. Last but not least, I stan Arjun and Odette.
Graphic: Murder and Blood
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Rape, Racism, and Classism