Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - The Roanoke Girls

Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

13 reviews

tilly_thecat's review against another edition

dark sad

2.5

I'll give this book credit, it's unflinching in it's story of a topic most would rather not think about and...I couldn't stop reading it!

That said, there were a few things that make this a difficult read. For one, I think the sexual content was gratuitous. These characters are horny AF all the time and it gets old fast. Every interaction between Lane and Cooper ends with a drawn out sex scene, every kiss has tongue, etc. It was a slog to get through at times.

Obviously there's a major ick factor considering the subject. However I don't think the author actually went far enough. The characters don't seem to have any problems calling the Roanoke girls (victims who have been groomed since birth) sluts and whores, but no one calls out Yates for what he is: a rapist and a pedophile.

This might just be a nitpick but I think GENERATIONS of incest would definitely have more consequences. Inbreeding isn't the same as cloning. Seriously, they are all hotties and have zero health issues? Because of this it makes it seem more like a sick fantasy, and harder to suspend my disbelief.

Content Warnings

useyourgoodeye's review against another edition

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dark sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The themes of the book were difficult but I decided to trudge through because I had to know the outcome.

Content Warnings

antidietleah's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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yourfavavery's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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cateyeschloe's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I was warned going in that this book is dark and twisted, and that definitely rings true!

I read the book in a day and enjoyed (if I can use that word for this subject?) every minute of it.

The story had me engaged from the Prologue and I stayed engrossed throughout every chapter. The characters are all interesting and multi-faceted, each shining a light on varying shades of grey in their moral compasses. The majority of characters have an effective character development and arch one way or another and where that growth may be lacking in some areas intentionally serves the story quite well.

The book presents many characters who are extremely flawed and deeply affected by the ripple effects of situations and traumas in their lives. The interesting aspect, though, is that the author makes a point not to vilify most of these characters regardless of the choices they make and the actions they take (save for perhaps one character, who in my opinion cannot be anything other than a villain, so that could just be my lens coloring that perspective).

The author also does an excellent job of highlighting how often both society, individuals, and sometimes even our own minds will shift blame onto victims (specifically women) and twist the situation away from the actions and motivations of the perpetrator or abuser.

This book tackles trauma, depression, suicidal ideation, internalized misogyny, assault, and abuse head on in many different forms and makes a concerted effort to showcase each of these from an outlook of empathy and patience.

The topics covered in this book are grizzly, uncomfortable, and often very unsettling. However, I will definitely say it’s not an overly graphic book, in my opinion. The author explains what is going on without getting so visceral in the details that you reach a point where you feel like you need to shower.

It lost a few points from me simply because I wished the ending had resolved things a little more completely or thoroughly, but the choices the author makes do still make sense.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone with the stomach for darker, troubling subjects!

As a suggestion however, I would definitely recommend checking out the trigger warnings before reading if you have any concerns.

Content Warnings