Reviews

I dunno man I feel like this book didn’t quite land for me. There’s a way to tackle serious issues with comedy but this book just left me feeling sad. I get that the ending shows that Gideon really needed to grow up but that doesn’t change the fact that I spent most of the book wanting to scream at him for being a terrible fucking resource to someone feeling suicidal. I just sorta felt worried for all the callers all the time. And he also wasn’t doing much good for Margot honestly. Like I know it was sorta addressed in the end but like? Idk. Also so much of this book was just convos. Tbf maybe I have too much baggage to really enjoy the book? Idk man idk.

The references to the Dresden Files and Rubblebucket were wild tho I feel like I haven’t read a book with references so relevant to me in a long time and it was so jarring in a fun way.

piratebaker's review against another edition

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dark emotional fast-paced

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

3.5

bhagestedt's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny medium-paced

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

4.5

potatoplank's review against another edition

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3.0

Heavy trigger warning for this book. It deals with a lot of sensitive topics and they are brought up repeatedly.

This was one of 4 books I bought from the publisher when they were at the Philly Punk Rock Flea Market this year. I have no idea why, but I thought this was going to be a "dark" comedy based on how it was explained to me and the back cover didn't seem heavy. This wasn't the case and it was really apparent within the first 30 pages.

I liked how unique the book is and I grew to enjoy the way Katz explored Gideon's past while also exploring the modern-day. Towards the end of the book, I thought the book was heading in a different direction (I'd prefer not to spoil anything), but it seemingly quickly reversed course and I found the ending was unsatisfying.

Overall, I don't regret spending my time on this book since I did enjoy it. I'm honestly not even sure the type of person I'd recommend this to though.

headphonejack's review against another edition

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4.0

Content Warning: Rape

causearuckus's review against another edition

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4.0

Interesting take on more mental health and suicide framed around a vampire.

lazygal's review against another edition

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4.0

That title is enough to make you smile, right? No sparkly or bloodthirsty vampires here, Gideon is old fashioned and trying to make amends for his bloodthirsty existence. But let's be honest: would you trust a vampire to staff a suicide hotline? Gideon's not exactly the warmest, fuzziest undead person. And as a guardian for orphaned girls? What about parent/teacher meetings?

Mostly fun, except for the really extensive flashbacks. Fewer of those and this would have been 5 stars.

ARC provided by publisher.

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