Scan barcode
dalek_caan's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
liaantje's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Mental illness, and Abandonment
weirdomen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The first book in the series was so close to being five stars for me, but I have to be honest and say I didn't feel the character development was the greatest. Rae and Leon do have great internal conflicts and they're explored, but I think the book needed to be slightly longer to really flesh out why they change by the end of the book. I'm also not the biggest fan of insta-love and both characters basically fell instantly in love with each other and first sight, but it's bearable because neither immediately accepts their feelings like rational beings should (in my opinion). I can understand why Rae comes to love Leon, but I'd still like better answers as to why Leon was so in love with Rae when he hardly knew her. I'm hoping reading the other books in the series might give some insight, but I'm doubtful.
I'm still excited to read the rest of the series though and willing to try Laroux's other series, Losers too. Bully romances, such as Losers, aren't my thing, but if the author handles the darkness and gray areas of bully romances like she handled the dark themes in this book, she may show me I can like bully romances too under the right conditions.
Also, a small piece but important (to me) part of the story was also knowing Rae and Leon are both open and proudly bisexual. As well as Zane and Cullum who are featured in the next books. I wouldn't be surprised if there were more queer characters in the books and I love that!
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Death, Gore, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Alcoholism, Confinement, Drug use, Gun violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
reginaexmachina's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gore, Mental illness, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Grief