Reviews

Goddess of Filth, by V. Castro

Only show reviews with written explanations

oddly's review against another edition

3.0

This book pays homage to that witchy girl group goodness, that feeling that The Craft evoked in teens in the 90s (and still today, TBH). With Castro's addition of fiercely feminist ideas and characters and Latinx history and culture, this is a special and powerful read.

There are some great horror scenes in here and it is a very unique take on a possession story, one where you aren't quite sure if the spirit possessing the person is good or bad. I especially appreciated how main character Lourdes wasn't afraid to stay true to herself despite people who looked down on her. I loved the first scene that sets up all the girls and their friendship, and I do wish that the other girls could have been developed a bit more throughout the story. Even Lourdes doesn't have much of a character arc; she mostly is just reporting what happens.

While conceptually I was on board and I read this one feverishly in one sitting, the story structurally did present a few issues for me. I didn't quite get the switch between first and third person--it felt jarring to switch between the main narrator's first person and then a few third person bits here and there when it was necessary for us to see something that Lourdes wasn't privy to. I think the book would have been better served by having an omniscient third person narrator to smooth this out. Some of the characters choices were questionable, and I know they are teen girls, but some of it felt forced or rushed, like certain things were happening just to get to the next plot point. In addition, sometimes the writing just felt clunky and disjointed, which really took me out of the power of the story.

But how can you say no to this cover!? I recommend checking this one out, especially if you are a fan of possession narratives.

alexjmack's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

A quick, cute, and surprisingly sexy read. I have a few critiques- the dialogue was a bit unrealistic at times and the end was too character heavy (considering it was such a short novella, I wasn’t invested in their stories). Overall, I give it 5 stars because it was such a fun and unique story. I love a bite-sized book.

ktindol's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This novella has so much potential, but it needed more to reach the heights I wanted for it.

omylizz's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

theroamingleo's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.5

Loved the themes & story line. A quick read but the story felt a bit rushed at times. IMO, could have used a bit more flushing out. Nice little twist that I did not expect about halfway through.