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hagrd's review against another edition
5.0
This is a bit of a weird one as it almost feels like it’s avoiding the main conflict. Thematically this fits given that’s basically the modus operandi of the main character (even before they know there is a conflict).
We’re pulled in close, flirting with the path to understanding, then quickly pulled backwards into confusion as we slowly spiral towards knowing what has and what will happen. This is the kind of book that once it grips you, you’ll want to keep going and going.
From a character perspective, we’re treated to quite a colourful cast that is painted vibrantly. While we don’t spend a lot of time with some of them, due to their vibrancy they feel more fleshed out than they might have otherwise. Not all of the characters are good people, hell, most of them aren’t, but they’re well-defined.
We build our way to a crescendo leading to the finale, which sets my favourite sort of pacing for a horror novel. We spend the majority of the book learning of the characters, their history, their present and are left wondering, followed by a finale which not only caps off the questions we’ve been left with, but escalates into the conflict we’d been avoiding the whole time.
Overall, there wasn’t really anything I disliked about this book. I didn’t really mind that there were some references to very old animations which I had to look up. However, I can imagine some people wouldn’t like that, or the way it’s paced as it takes a while to reveal its hand.
We’re pulled in close, flirting with the path to understanding, then quickly pulled backwards into confusion as we slowly spiral towards knowing what has and what will happen. This is the kind of book that once it grips you, you’ll want to keep going and going.
From a character perspective, we’re treated to quite a colourful cast that is painted vibrantly. While we don’t spend a lot of time with some of them, due to their vibrancy they feel more fleshed out than they might have otherwise. Not all of the characters are good people, hell, most of them aren’t, but they’re well-defined.
We build our way to a crescendo leading to the finale, which sets my favourite sort of pacing for a horror novel. We spend the majority of the book learning of the characters, their history, their present and are left wondering, followed by a finale which not only caps off the questions we’ve been left with, but escalates into the conflict we’d been avoiding the whole time.
Overall, there wasn’t really anything I disliked about this book. I didn’t really mind that there were some references to very old animations which I had to look up. However, I can imagine some people wouldn’t like that, or the way it’s paced as it takes a while to reveal its hand.
noonday's review against another edition
Horribly written, uninteresting, unlikeable characters.
nadiadarkstar's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
whattamess's review
5.0
I've never read a book where magic was done like this. Horrifying and creative. Christopher Buehlman twisted my mind and took me for a ride.
againanew's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was planning on 3.75 stars here because I had a very difficult time understanding what was going on at the beginning of this book... but by the end of it/the big showdown I was thoroughly enjoying the action. Now anything less than 4 seems unfair. Very creative scenarios and world building, well written, and excellent character development. I find a storyline much more interesting when the main characters have both good and bad elements to them, flaws.... Just makes it all the more realistic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction
Minor: Sexual violence
warwriter1939's review against another edition
2.0
Weird. Didn't finish because the author did something in the middle of the book which I thought he shouldn't have done...and that made me throw it across the room. Well-written, enjoyed the use of omniscient POV.
mbpm's review against another edition
4.0
A breath of brisk, refreshing air. Imaginative world-building and style elevate this book above the hordes of lesser urban fantasy.
fiatpeek's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75