theirgracegrace's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Leviathan is an interesting take on the cosmic horror genre. Thomas Treadwater is a returning soldier during the English Civil War who returns home to find his father on his deathbed, his sister inconsolable and their servant accused of witchcraft. While Andrews clearly has an understanding of the time period and of the mindset of those who lived in it, much of the book feels sluggish as Thomas desperately searches for answers. Even after getting them, he refuses to do much with them, causing a time jump of 60 years to when he finally gets the nerve to confront his fear. While an interesting take, only those with a deep interest in cosmic horror or period dramas will find the book "bewitching."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Religious bigotry, Terminal illness, Torture, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Sexism, Death, Kidnapping, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, War, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol, Animal death, Vomit, Police brutality, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
The book takes place in the mid-17th century so there is a lot of Christian religious imagery and content. Also,Spoiler
Esther and later Milton
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