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rmperezpadilla's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- 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
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Animal death and Dementia
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Drug use, Hate crime, Vomit, Death of parent, and Alcohol
fraeyalise's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-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
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. The author is a wonderful person and I really enjoyed their other works when I was younger.
This is a popcorn book- it's for fun. Don't think too hard about the society or the world or how the vampires work. I had so many questions. If Xiaodan uses her powers with other vampires around, can she control the beams? Why didn't Zidan get ashed when she first showed off her powers in that tiny vault room in the archives? How does the blood sharing actually work? Why is everyone in town obsessed with Remy's life? Why does the first court want to take over a place with sunlight anyways? How does vampire/human peace actually work, and why does anyone want it? That be like humans going to cows and making an alliance. Vampires seem to have no weaknesses except swords? Why wouldn't vampires just take over humans? Reapers, yes, but reapers didn't have bloodwakers until fairly recently in the book's history, and even the best reaper is no match for the main vamps. If this was a movie, I'd be yelling at the screen. Eventually I had to turn my brain off manually and realize this is a fun anime-style story. It is meant to be a fun turn your brain off kind of thing. Don't think about anything too much and you'll have a much better time.
I think it could have been shorter, or more streamlined (or both). Also everyone has too many names and they are interchanged randomly, so it was hard for me to follow who was who.
The strongest parts for me were when Remy and the couple finally got together. Those scenes are steamy and powerfully written. I wish there was more of their relationships building, and less of all the other stuff. Loved the polyamory rep. Very consensual and respectful.
This is a popcorn book- it's for fun. Don't think too hard about the society or the world or how the vampires work. I had so many questions. If Xiaodan uses her powers with other vampires around, can she control the beams? Why didn't Zidan get ashed when she first showed off her powers in that tiny vault room in the archives? How does the blood sharing actually work? Why is everyone in town obsessed with Remy's life? Why does the first court want to take over a place with sunlight anyways? How does vampire/human peace actually work, and why does anyone want it? That be like humans going to cows and making an alliance. Vampires seem to have no weaknesses except swords? Why wouldn't vampires just take over humans? Reapers, yes, but reapers didn't have bloodwakers until fairly recently in the book's history, and even the best reaper is no match for the main vamps. If this was a movie, I'd be yelling at the screen. Eventually I had to turn my brain off manually and realize this is a fun anime-style story. It is meant to be a fun turn your brain off kind of thing. Don't think about anything too much and you'll have a much better time.
I think it could have been shorter, or more streamlined (or both). Also everyone has too many names and they are interchanged randomly, so it was hard for me to follow who was who.
The strongest parts for me were when Remy and the couple finally got together. Those scenes are steamy and powerfully written. I wish there was more of their relationships building, and less of all the other stuff. Loved the polyamory rep. Very consensual and respectful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, and War
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Rape, and Grief
laios's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- 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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content and Death of parent
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Rape, and Slavery
kestrelfire's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is one of the best things I've read all year!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Alcohol
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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
3.5
I actually had no idea what I was getting into when I picked this one up, just needed a queer vampire book for one of my reading challenges for the year. And I've enjoyed some of Chupeco's YA fantasy, so I was interested in seeing her foray into the adult fantasy world. For the most part, I wasn't disappointed!
There is some excellent romantic chemistry between the three main characters, and I liked the detective/mystery energy that the rot investigation brought. I do think overall, the book is a little longer than it needs to be because it feels like it drags a bit at the end. There's a pretty good hook for the sequel, so I might actually pick that one up to see where the story goes next!
There is some excellent romantic chemistry between the three main characters, and I liked the detective/mystery energy that the rot investigation brought. I do think overall, the book is a little longer than it needs to be because it feels like it drags a bit at the end. There's a pretty good hook for the sequel, so I might actually pick that one up to see where the story goes next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Vomit, and Pregnancy
bibliosaurier's review against another edition
5.0
[new favourite]
This is exactly my kind of book. Adult high fantasy with a complex plot (including fantasy politics!!) and world building, loveable, well developed characters, and some queer (!) romance.
This is exactly my kind of book. Adult high fantasy with a complex plot (including fantasy politics!!) and world building, loveable, well developed characters, and some queer (!) romance.
I especially loved how none of these elements felt forced or unnecessary! Each was given its room in the book, without another coming short.
Remy, the MC, is so precious. Then his developing relationship with Xiaodan and Malekh! Their dynamic is so nice, and Malekh especially is such an interesting character, he’s my love (though who am I kidding, they all are, the rest of their found family, too!). I loved watching them slowly learn to understand one another on such a deep level, it's soo sigh, queers
They didn't make it a shameful thing to be sexually intimate with each other, either! It's all very healthy and consensual (and hot, two of them a vampires!! (none of it is actually all that explicit but please still take this being an adult book seriously))
Then there are the topics of love and respect. Remy learning that he's worthy of love. One of my favourite tropes in media.
And I should probably mention that the vibes are immaculate as well. So is the magic/ science system (fantasy world building!)
I’m trying to hold back my rambles here, I meant to make this short, but oh well, here I am.
Mainly, what I’m trying to say is, if you like fantasy politics, and vampires, and fight scenes, and found family, and poly romance, and queer joy, give this book a chance! You won't regret it.
Then there are the topics of love and respect. Remy learning that he's worthy of love. One of my favourite tropes in media.
And I should probably mention that the vibes are immaculate as well. So is the magic/ science system (fantasy world building!)
I’m trying to hold back my rambles here, I meant to make this short, but oh well, here I am.
Mainly, what I’m trying to say is, if you like fantasy politics, and vampires, and fight scenes, and found family, and poly romance, and queer joy, give this book a chance! You won't regret it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Minor: Domestic abuse
theochick's review
Not the vibe for me right now!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence, and Violence
lyraparledor's review
Couldn't suspend disbelief. The fight descriptions would have worked for me with an anime or a video game, but in a book they felt just too farfetched and wonky for my tastes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Violence
kelsokake's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
When I first started reading this, I wasn't entirely sure that I was actually going to enjoy it. Actually, I almost DNF-ed it in the first 25%, but I'm so glad that I actually stuck with it!
It's an incredibly rich world with an obvious history and different cultures, but I do feel like it could have been explained a bit differently. I often found myself a bit confused about locations, titles, and characters. I really and truly feel like this book would have benefited from providing a reference point - a list of important characters and their titles and/or at the very least a map would have helped to alleviate a lot of my confusion. With how much time was spent naming specific cities and their distance from each other, a map would have really helped to put things into perspective.
The characters were my favorite part of this. Even though I hated him in the beginning, I grew to love Remy. He's hilarious, incredibly thoughtful and giving, and has the lowest sense of self-esteem I've seen in a long time. Watching his character grow and develop more confidence and self-worth was so rewarding.
Xiodan and Malekh's dynamic is so perfect too, especially when you add in Remy. Malekh is so sweet to Xiodan and has the perfect asshole/love dynamic with Remy that I absolutely love.
The plot was interesting and definitely kept me reading. I was actually surprised by the reveal at the end; I was thinking something completely different throughout the book. I won't say that this lived up to the high expectations I gave it in my mind, but I definitely enjoyed reading it and I've already placed a hold on the sequel in Libby!
It's an incredibly rich world with an obvious history and different cultures, but I do feel like it could have been explained a bit differently. I often found myself a bit confused about locations, titles, and characters. I really and truly feel like this book would have benefited from providing a reference point - a list of important characters and their titles and/or at the very least a map would have helped to alleviate a lot of my confusion. With how much time was spent naming specific cities and their distance from each other, a map would have really helped to put things into perspective.
The characters were my favorite part of this. Even though I hated him in the beginning, I grew to love Remy. He's hilarious, incredibly thoughtful and giving, and has the lowest sense of self-esteem I've seen in a long time. Watching his character grow and develop more confidence and self-worth was so rewarding.
Xiodan and Malekh's dynamic is so perfect too, especially when you add in Remy. Malekh is so sweet to Xiodan and has the perfect asshole/love dynamic with Remy that I absolutely love.
The plot was interesting and definitely kept me reading. I was actually surprised by the reveal at the end; I was thinking something completely different throughout the book. I won't say that this lived up to the high expectations I gave it in my mind, but I definitely enjoyed reading it and I've already placed a hold on the sequel in Libby!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Dementia, and Abandonment
Minor: Addiction and Alcohol
erintempleton's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
three words i would use to describe this book, in no particular order: trauma, tension, and soup. there is an abundance of all three, which i will discuss below.
Trauma - these characters, especially our dear sweet Remington, have massive amounts of unresolved trauma, and it was a rollercoaster ride the whole time, albeit a pretty carefully realistic one. it never felt like Remy's experiences were shallow or trivial, and i really appreciated the way that Zidan and Xiaodan help him unlearn some of the harmful messages he was taught from childhood. A++ for that.
Tension - i mean this not only as sexual tension but also just plain suspense and court intrigue. there is so much to be drawn in by, and the narration really hooked me from the beginning. i'm a huge sucker for an outsider MC who uses humor as a coping mechanism, as it always lends itself to learning about the 'inside' world in non-obvious/cheesy ways. With the introduction of Zidan and Xiaodan, Remy's whole outsider bit gets flipped on its head, and it was really enjoyable to watch him struggle with that intimacy by fighting it the whole time.
the sexual tension was GREAT too, i just wish that their first time together would have been different:/ the way it was all wrapped up inRemy's immediate need for healing and the weird connection between ingesting vampire blood, healing, and horniness kinda spoiled the momentum for me. Just left a weird taste in my mouth, that's all, especially considering Remy's understandable wariness with manipulation and sex.
Soup - this might seem odd, but i noticed that 'soup-like' was an unusually common description here. in chapter six, specifically, it's used like three times in the span of ten or so pages?? so i just kept tracking it, and it came up a couple other times too. idk, it just struck me as a weird thing to say about fog or a dead monster. maybe Remy just really likes soup.
Ultimately, i'm giving this a 3.5 rating. It was really well done and exciting, but i don't think i'll read it again, as it was (imo) a bit too painful at times to read Remy's inner monologue about not being worthy of love. fans of Gideon the Ninth would probably really love this book, if that helps, and i would recommend it to anyone who can get on board with the content warnings! there are a lot of them, or there should be, so just be aware.
Trauma - these characters, especially our dear sweet Remington, have massive amounts of unresolved trauma, and it was a rollercoaster ride the whole time, albeit a pretty carefully realistic one. it never felt like Remy's experiences were shallow or trivial, and i really appreciated the way that Zidan and Xiaodan help him unlearn some of the harmful messages he was taught from childhood. A++ for that.
Tension - i mean this not only as sexual tension but also just plain suspense and court intrigue. there is so much to be drawn in by, and the narration really hooked me from the beginning. i'm a huge sucker for an outsider MC who uses humor as a coping mechanism, as it always lends itself to learning about the 'inside' world in non-obvious/cheesy ways. With the introduction of Zidan and Xiaodan, Remy's whole outsider bit gets flipped on its head, and it was really enjoyable to watch him struggle with that intimacy by fighting it the whole time.
the sexual tension was GREAT too, i just wish that their first time together would have been different:/ the way it was all wrapped up in
Soup - this might seem odd, but i noticed that 'soup-like' was an unusually common description here. in chapter six, specifically, it's used like three times in the span of ten or so pages?? so i just kept tracking it, and it came up a couple other times too. idk, it just struck me as a weird thing to say about fog or a dead monster. maybe Remy just really likes soup.
Ultimately, i'm giving this a 3.5 rating. It was really well done and exciting, but i don't think i'll read it again, as it was (imo) a bit too painful at times to read Remy's inner monologue about not being worthy of love. fans of Gideon the Ninth would probably really love this book, if that helps, and i would recommend it to anyone who can get on board with the content warnings! there are a lot of them, or there should be, so just be aware.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail