renyoi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Fans of The VVitch will love this book. It manages to be a dark fairy tale without falling into the trappings of the traditional “fairy tale but make it EDGY” genre, mostly because it is not based off of an existing fairy tale and is therefore allowed more creativity and horror because of it. Striking scenes of genuine horror intersperse the first 75% of this book, which is otherwise primarily atmosphere and conversation that comes into its own through the reveal at the end. I’d say that reveal is really what makes this book—it adds complexity, helplessness, and hints toward the horror of repetition and cycle in an innovative, creative way. Absolutely recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Murder, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Body horror, Blood, Death, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Gore, Grief, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Abandonment, Colonisation, Animal death, and Child abuse
Minor: Infidelity, Toxic friendship, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, and Sexism
seawarrior's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book's plot was wildly unlike what I had expected from its synopsis, yet I quickly grew to appreciate its lyrical telling and off-putting story. Ultimately this is a tale of women made outcasts not only by a tyrannical society but by their acts of vengeance to spite it. Their fates are described with a mysterious nature that continues to the last page, and provided more questions than answers. There wasn't a point where I felt I fully understood what was happening, but I enjoyed my reading experience nonetheless.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, and Toxic friendship
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