rc2's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty good, although i felt the ending was lackluster. Loved the characterization and the twists and turns.
mcgrathprj's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
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
3.75
brom's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-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 not one of those books whose main characters just happen to be queer, and it’s also not one about the struggles of being queer. Yet none of this would work if they were straight.
The characters are intriguing, and complicated and so very human.
The story unravels itself more and more over time until you finally get the full picture.
And I found myself cheering on the main characters and their con very fast, only occasionally anxious if they’ll manage to pull it off.
Absolutely picturesque setting, stunning imagery and an unexpected glimpse into the lives of our queer ancestors.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Terminal illness, and Death
Minor: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Murder, Infidelity, and Addiction
kiramccomb's review against another edition
4.0
Loved it! You become invested in the characters, their relationships , and their well-being. You root for them despite everything.
natashay's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Drug use, Murder, Sexual violence, Alcohol, Sexual content, Terminal illness, and Violence
mayuscv's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It made me fall in love with Venice and it made me hate tourists even though I am one(?)
mtunno's review against another edition
4.0
I’m convinced that this book is about how old men exploit twinks and that the only way forward is to be twink4twink
ofliterarynature's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Book club pick July 2023
I was looking for some fun, thrilling, ‘be gay, do crime’ etc. This was absolutely not that. It was remarkably depressing and unsuspenseful, and the two leads were not particularly convincing confidence men, let alone an interesting couple. I recommend everyone give this a hard pass.
I was looking for some fun, thrilling, ‘be gay, do crime’ etc. This was absolutely not that. It was remarkably depressing and unsuspenseful, and the two leads were not particularly convincing confidence men, let alone an interesting couple. I recommend everyone give this a hard pass.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape