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hazelwood's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.25
Yay finally an aroace vampire story!!! Though I'm quite annoyed that the next book in the series is apparently a prequel... I need to know what happens next! The narrator (Arlo) was very relatable although his voice took some getting used to, especially his tendency to over-analyze every social interaction - a very realistic representation of social anxiety. I like that each side character has their own lives outside of their interactions with Arlo too. I found Arlo triply relatable, as an aroace introvert and kind of touch-repulsed person myself. I liked the illustrations of each character in between chapters, although it was frustrating not being sure who was who (no labels for illustrations). The plot revolves around Arlo becoming a vampire after a fateful encounter with a "date" with devious intentions. At first he doesn't take it well despite there being a whole group of good vampires (the Thorns) who offer him help. He goes into a self-destructive spiral that only ends when he finally accepts their help. Eventually, he joins the Thorns and gains a loving queer found family. There is a mysterious (evil?) being stalking him the whole time, trying to turn him into something else. The ending was kind of sad and confusing to be honest, and I'm not sure what to think about it. Which is why I hope it will be expanded into a series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Cursing, Death, Eating disorder, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Stalking, Acephobia/Arophobia, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail