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devin_raquel's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I picked this book up due to a TikTok review stating how horribly disgusting the imagery was: they were right. Everything that I thought this book would be about turned out to be incorrect, and all I was left with was a bloody mess. Quite literally.
Utilizing the third-person omniscient format, Aaron Dries offers a multitude of deranged perspectives in which the reader can experience this story: Amity, Caleb, Tobias, Robert Mann, Susan Sycamore, Matt, the “Last Son”, The Shark. Each character, each personality, with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Some battling against themselves, while some fight with the island they stand on.
Despite the grim details, there were several parts of this book that I resonated deeply with. Amity’s reliance on her brother Caleb; beyond an interpreter for her deafness. Amity’s jealousy of Caleb’s relationship. The “last son’s” inner monologue before throwing off himself off the cliff, are just some of a few scenes that tugged on my heartstrings.
If you’re able to look past the blood and gore, I think Dries has created a through-provoking story about survival in the face of many evils. Is it worth it to keep fighting?
Favorite Quote: All creatures sought retreat at the end.
Favorite Quote: All creatures sought retreat at the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Torture, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, Stalking, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Excrement, Vomit, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy
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