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warlocksarecool21's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
In regards to the plot/writing, I thought the author did a good job shrouding everything in mystery, even though Alon is our protagonist, they’re kind of an unreliable narrator so it’s like we’re figuring it out with the rest of the crew. While I did like watching Hemlock and the other producers get their comeuppance, I felt that the commentary surrounding their sins was a little heavy-handed but that didn’t bother me too much. I wish the relationship between Alon and Chase was developed a bit more, I wasn’t really convinced that they liked each other than they were both hot and the same age but I am a cranky asexual.
Finally, even though the writing was purposely detached at times, the creepiness and suspense throughout the book was really done. The significance of the balete trees and the mahakiya plants was really interesting to me, and I was definitely weirded out at times. The balete monsters and everything else the Diwata conjured up definitely gave me the same creepy vibes as all the creatures and weirdness of the Upside Down in Stranger Things, so if you liked that element of the show you’ll probably enjoy this book.
This is a creepy yet fun YA horror and I definitely recommend it.
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Racism, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual assault, Suicide, and Sexual harassment
awkwardimagination's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Cursing, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, Car accident, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Suicide, Medical content, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation
alicelalicon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Death, Gun violence, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Domestic abuse
shortsweet123's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Body horror and Violence
ashes_book_cave's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Animal death
amandadevoursbooks's review
- 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? No
5.0
A Hollywood crew arrives on a supposedly haunted island, only to discover it's the home of a sleeping god hell bent on justice and retribution.
In this YA horror told from the perspective of the local teen guide, the twists and turns drive the plot forward, the characters make it feel real, and the ending wraps it all up nicely.
It's got tree monsters, sink holes, an adorable dog, and a sweet little queer romance, and I freaking loved it.
Does the dog die?
More about the dog if you want more detail.
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Rape and Colonisation
tspice24's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
annelihghh's review
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
guessgreenleaf's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual assault
madamenovelist's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
The sexual assault is only referenced in the past. The animal death turns out to not *actually* be a death but it’s still upsetting for a moment.