Reviews with content warning for Racism - Reprieve

This was a very surprising read in that it was much more character-driven than I expected. Like, it is still a horror novel, but it is also much more than that. While some of the plot/character connections were a bit too convenient or tenuous, I thought it was just incredibly clever and thematically impactful. You get the gross gory thing that is horror filled fun, but it goes much deeper, turning the genre on its head and asking bigger questions about proximity to whiteness, power, and who should even be represented in horror at all. And the ending felt a bit unresolved, but I actually really enjoyed the openness of it. I could understand why some people are let down, expecting more of a straightforward horror novel, but the depth and heart of this story makes it all the more compelling.

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kimberlyds's review against another edition

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dark reflective slow-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

1.0

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solanacr's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

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queergoth_reads's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I was definitely expecting something different when I started this book. If I had realised it was more literary I don't think I would have been as disappointed as I was with this.

Overall I think it was a good book but it wasn't really a horror and my expectations were all wrong. I didn't find sympathy for any of the characters except maybe Kendra and think she could have done this a bit more at the end.

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