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fishky's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
k_isadore's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.5
This was a complicated, one-of-a-kind read. The atmosphere was rich, aromatic, and mysterious. The characters and their motivations were complex and multivalent. The knotted weave of emotions, humanity, and beastiality were unique. The first chapter was a slog, but the rest of the book was well worth it.
immunomaven's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
froggy1png's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Such an entrancing read! My first introduction to Indra Das, I must read more of his works - so sad, so emotional, so fantastical, what a delight!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Drug use, Gore, Homophobia, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Grief, Cannibalism, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
tiredtristan's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Murder
Moderate: Body horror, Cannibalism, and Injury/Injury detail
aurabora's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Rape, Violence, Excrement, and Cannibalism
charles_dunham's review
4.0
Most books that claim to defy genres are an amalgam of recognizable tropes. The Devourers, however, really is a different animal and the process of discovering it was a pleasure. In a nutshell, a professor in Kolkata is given privileged access to the memories of a violent shape-shifting race. What follows is part-ethnography, part revenge story, and part tragedy. It's also a circumspect story about finding affection amid isolation (I hope to see it on the ballot for a Lambda award). A quirk of the author is that the fleshy mortality of the characters is illustrated with fluids: urine and vomit, but especially blood, which is spilled and splashed across many chapters, though scenes of combat are rare. In the context of the story, however, it's illustrative rather than excessive. The writing was occasionally uneven, but the journey was uniquely enjoyable, and the ending was surprisingly satisfying. The Devourers is not likely to appeal to a wide audience, but some adventurous readers will appreciate it deeply.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy.
telltalepage's review
4.0
I had no idea what to expect from this book. I was taken by the beautifully illustrated cover and haunting title and went from there totally blind. I didn't even read the dustjacket beforehand.
I feel like this book was about humanity, identity and acceptance, as well as largely about brutality and change. It tackled a lot of things in so few pages, and it did it with some truly beautiful writing, whether it be visceral or psychological. There was a lot going on in this, and yet at its core it was not a very plot driven book. But that made it no less engaging than a highly plotted novel.
I don't want to say too much about this except that I'm glad that I read it and I'll probably be digesting (no pun intended) the content of this for quite a while.
I feel like this book was about humanity, identity and acceptance, as well as largely about brutality and change. It tackled a lot of things in so few pages, and it did it with some truly beautiful writing, whether it be visceral or psychological. There was a lot going on in this, and yet at its core it was not a very plot driven book. But that made it no less engaging than a highly plotted novel.
I don't want to say too much about this except that I'm glad that I read it and I'll probably be digesting (no pun intended) the content of this for quite a while.
littl3lau's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape