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rickaboss's review against another edition
1.0
2/10
The origins of Cosmic Horror, but..
Lovecraft's writing is self indulgently verbose and devoid of descriptors adequate enough to paint an image of his "horrors". It doesn't help that every account is being described second hand from a narrator that is reading various documents, so the story is also devoid of dialogue.
Now that all of my literary criticisms are out of the way... holy white supremacy, Batman. Every "evil cultist" in this book is some culture of color and every "moderately intelligent" character is white. Also, if I had to read the words "mixed-blood" and "half-caste" one more time, I'd be convinced this was written by J.K. Rowling.
The origins of Cosmic Horror, but..
Lovecraft's writing is self indulgently verbose and devoid of descriptors adequate enough to paint an image of his "horrors". It doesn't help that every account is being described second hand from a narrator that is reading various documents, so the story is also devoid of dialogue.
Now that all of my literary criticisms are out of the way... holy white supremacy, Batman. Every "evil cultist" in this book is some culture of color and every "moderately intelligent" character is white. Also, if I had to read the words "mixed-blood" and "half-caste" one more time, I'd be convinced this was written by J.K. Rowling.
jfcpires's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.25
cynicusrex's review against another edition
2.0
Definition of horror: “painful and intense fear, dread, or dismay” —Merriam-Webster.
Despite some lively atmospheric descriptions, it wasn't enough to keep me in suspense. It certainly lacks an intimate psychological narrative to be considered horror.
Despite some lively atmospheric descriptions, it wasn't enough to keep me in suspense. It certainly lacks an intimate psychological narrative to be considered horror.
jslikesbooks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mossss123's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
sarenaspookyreads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
noemie_vdb's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
abookwormspov's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
faefaith's review against another edition
3.0
a bit bland. beautifully written, but the story lacked depth. the terror didn’t hit, but there was potential. maybe there’s a better retelling somewhere out there. good, but not the best! i wish we saw more of the monster. i’m glad i finally read this classic, and may read it again at some point!