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cursedepub's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Charmingly gothic, fiendishly funny" is RIGHT! I admit I picked this book up because it has all the things I love in a story - motifs of death and the occult, morally dubious characters with difficult personalities, and a morbid, incisive, diabolical wit. Happy to report it did not disappoint! I laughed out loud at many points and was extremely invested in the battle for Johannes' soul as enacted on various levels throughout the plot. I especially liked how different facets of Johannes’ personality were revealed chapter by chapter, especially as he is played off his brother Horst, and our impression of him fluctuates as he is built up and brought down by the narrative.
I will say the reveal of Johannes' motivation to become a necromancer at the end does come off dated and cliche in 2024, as does the overall depiction of women in the story - the book's women characters are mostly representative of typical archetypes viewed through the male gaze (femme fatale, ingenue, damsel in distress,fridged girlfriend, etc.), and are used by the narrative mainly to prop up and support male characters' arcs.
Still, an overall highly enjoyable, witty, and deftly crafted novel - although it may not be to everyone's taste, even with the sexism aside. This was definitely my most fun read so far this year.
I will say the reveal of Johannes' motivation to become a necromancer at the end does come off dated and cliche in 2024, as does the overall depiction of women in the story - the book's women characters are mostly representative of typical archetypes viewed through the male gaze (femme fatale, ingenue, damsel in distress,
Still, an overall highly enjoyable, witty, and deftly crafted novel - although it may not be to everyone's taste, even with the sexism aside. This was definitely my most fun read so far this year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Violence
Moderate: Body horror, Domestic abuse, Sexism, Grief, and Murder
bebidocrimes's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
While I was hoping for a closer look at how necromancy works in this world, I really enjoyed the premise and characters. From a mortal perspective, it's chilling how far Cabal was willing to go with or without influence, but writing wise it felt cheeky, like the demons in Good Omens and it struck that balance well. The moral dilemma carried the weight it needed to, just to turn around and remind us that Hell is just constant menial paperwork. I want to read more about Cabal (and his brother, RIP Horst I love you) and what he's doing with that lady in his basement.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
bnielsen214's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Murder
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