zirogods's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this so fucking much. So fun and reads like a fanfiction (compliment). The characters are super fun, and id say the main intrigue of the book. Laurence and Quentin have such a good dynamic and they are - dare i say - very cute. The plot also kept my interest the whole time and even though there were sometimes long areas between main plot events, the character interaction and tension between the characters was just so good. I really liked how the mystery was still kept throughout the whole book and you slowly discover important information as you go. It felt perfectly paced, never a dull moment. I also really appeciated the subtle discussion of consent that i felt was a theme throughout the book. Definately a new one of my top favorite books. I am so excited to read the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcoholism, Biphobia, Death of parent, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, and Vomit
deestraith's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm really torn on this one. I want to boost the indie-ness, and the plot was strong and well paced. I was interested in the mystery of the plot and in the chemistry between the two main characters. On the other hand, there's a lot editorially that doesn't jive with me / gives me pause. Like the line editor needed to do another several passes to clear up repetition, clunky characterization, weird grammatical foibles at the sentence level and awkward dialogue. I'm also sad that the women characters, the few that are there, are basically there as struts for the main characters, with no detectable agenda of their own, but that's pretty typical of this genre of romantic fiction so I'm like, trying not to see that as a fault of the author. Also, can't tell about racial diversity in this world. At a guess I'd say everybody is white.
I'd say read this if you plan to read fast, if you're looking to be entertained! But give it a pass if you're looking for something very polished or with a very nuanced anti-oppression angle.
I'd say read this if you plan to read fast, if you're looking to be entertained! But give it a pass if you're looking for something very polished or with a very nuanced anti-oppression angle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Cursing, Death of parent, Drug use, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Vomit
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Rape and Suicide
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