Scan barcode
hephaestus's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
Would love to see this world expanded, and I really liked this take on vampires, but the last 10ish pages lost me to the point that it went from a 5/5 to a 3.5/5, everything felt so rushed by the last few chapters, I was almost hoping for more sour of an ending due to the lack of explanations. Instead it just lost me, though I'm in for any more that are written in this world
Would love to see this world expanded, and I really liked this take on vampires, but the last 10ish pages lost me to the point that it went from a 5/5 to a 3.5/5, everything felt so rushed by the last few chapters, I was almost hoping for more sour of an ending due to the lack of explanations. Instead it just lost me, though I'm in for any more that are written in this world
seasonsreadingss's review against another edition
5.0
I can’t stop thinking about this book! The alternate history setting and atmosphere was so perfect for the plot. I loved the gothic, sapphic vampire vibes. Even though I could see where the plot was heading pretty early on, I didn’t even care because the story was so interesting and I was just along for the ride. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
amandawinnie's review against another edition
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? Yes
4.0
sarah_snail's review against another edition
4.0
The pacing was a little off for me - things progressed too fast towards the end. But it was very good - great imagery and I loved the countess!
rhargadon's review against another edition
4.0
This was the second book where I did my new "start at 69" (start at page 69, if you want to keep reading five pages later, then go to the beginning and read the whole book). And, no regrets. It's a lesbian anti-romance vampire book, which is not normally the sort of thing I'd read, but I was intrigued by the cover.
What I Loved About This Book
- the worldbuilding. It was done very well. I could visualize everything, and if you liked the scenery of Ketterdam, you will like the beginning of this book for sure.
- Marion's interiority. She felt like a real woman, not a book character, and her reactions to things were spot on. I could easily imagine myself in her place. So despite the fantasy/horror aspect of the book, it feels very authentic to real life. It seems feasible, that it could happen.
What I Didn't Like
- her brother just felt very unnecessary. I'm an author myself and I swear, I am never including a superfluous sibling again. Everyone does it, it is annoying.
- Lisavet could have been either more loving or more terrifying. I will not spoil the book, but for the middle one hundred pages, I couldn't get a read on her at all. She's an unwell vampire who hovers and is good in bed but not earth shattering. The characters of Cecilia and Marion were top-notch, but I felt like Lisavet, our primary villain, needed some oomph. I loved the tooth scene.
Overall it was a good read. It wouldn't make my top ten but it was enjoyable.
What I Loved About This Book
- the worldbuilding. It was done very well. I could visualize everything, and if you liked the scenery of Ketterdam, you will like the beginning of this book for sure.
- Marion's interiority. She felt like a real woman, not a book character, and her reactions to things were spot on. I could easily imagine myself in her place. So despite the fantasy/horror aspect of the book, it feels very authentic to real life. It seems feasible, that it could happen.
What I Didn't Like
- her brother just felt very unnecessary. I'm an author myself and I swear, I am never including a superfluous sibling again. Everyone does it, it is annoying.
- Lisavet could have been either more loving or more terrifying. I will not spoil the book, but for the middle one hundred pages, I couldn't get a read on her at all. She's an unwell vampire who hovers and is good in bed but not earth shattering. The characters of Cecilia and Marion were top-notch, but I felt like Lisavet, our primary villain, needed some oomph. I loved the tooth scene.
Overall it was a good read. It wouldn't make my top ten but it was enjoyable.
luiza_rimmer's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
3.75
oliviajreads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
booktalkswithrosie's review against another edition
4.0
The concept and atmosphere of this book were incredible, 5 star worthy. I really loved the debauchery of the nobles, the images that were painted , the intriging character of Lisavet.
The part that fell a bit flat for me is that I didn't feel like Marion's character was well developped, and I often didn't understand the motivation for her actions or dialogue. It made me struggle to completely connect with her storyline.
Also, the writing was slightly repetitive, which at times pulled me out of the story.
However, I am still giving this book a generous 4 , because I really enjoyed the rest of the book. The plot, side characters and intrigue were great , as well as the horrific elements.
I really wish I had connected with the character more as this would have been a new favourite if I had, but I still enjoyed this book.
The part that fell a bit flat for me is that I didn't feel like Marion's character was well developped, and I often didn't understand the motivation for her actions or dialogue. It made me struggle to completely connect with her storyline.
Also, the writing was slightly repetitive, which at times pulled me out of the story.
However, I am still giving this book a generous 4 , because I really enjoyed the rest of the book. The plot, side characters and intrigue were great , as well as the horrific elements.
I really wish I had connected with the character more as this would have been a new favourite if I had, but I still enjoyed this book.
haileyarobin's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Cool concept! Just didn’t like the way it was executed.
I appreciated that the author clearly put a lot of care and attention into the worldbuilding, but I didn’t really like Marion or the setting very much. This is more of a personal preference thing than a reflection on the quality of the book for the most part, but Marion’s characterization did feel a little weak and inconsistent. The pacing also felt off, and the end felt rushed.
I appreciated that the author clearly put a lot of care and attention into the worldbuilding, but I didn’t really like Marion or the setting very much. This is more of a personal preference thing than a reflection on the quality of the book for the most part, but Marion’s characterization did feel a little weak and inconsistent. The pacing also felt off, and the end felt rushed.