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ceplunk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Trafficking, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
maithewriter's review against another edition
dark
reflective
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
First of all, let me just say that the marketing of this book totally sucks. I picked it up because I thought it would be a seething commentary on capitalism, but I think the book only scratched the surface of that discourse.
Still, it was an engaging and gripping read, though I'll admit not the type of book I would read if I weren't duped by its marketing, lol. There's a lot of uncomfortable slavefic stuff, and it's hard to empathize with the two main characters at first because they fit right into the slavefic tropes: trillionaire guy meets naive and poor but cute guy and lots of BDSM stuff. I seriously thought of not finishing the book because of the graphic descriptions of sexual assault and even rape in the first-person POV (and it felt like it won't veer away from those), but I'm glad I slugged it out because the latter part of the book was no longer about sex. It explored consent, trauma, and healing -- the last part of which was my favorite because Elisha's healing process was extremely visceral and raw. It made me think about my own boundaries and made me re-assess how I view love and dependency.
Honestly, there's a lot to unpack in this book (capitalism, rich vs. poor, slavery), but the sole focus on two characters and the use of their POVs limit one's capacity to explore the depths of each ideology touched on here. Aside from Elisha and Alex, the other characters didn't feel all that compelling. It also didn't help that it felt like a half-assed worldbuilding -- the setting was a very near dystopian future that trod the line of possible reality but also required a lot of suspension of disbelief. One of my main questions was, how could people just accept this kind of debt resolution system? It seemed so far-fetched, but we were supposed to just gobble it up without any explanation of how the world came to be that way. Even the supposedly leftist group was treated so antagonistically that it felt like we were supposed to side with the wealthy people (and Alex's character arc further proved that).
As for the ending, there was no other way to describe it but romantic and fairy tale-like. Alex and Elisha kind of work things out, which the romantic and escapist in me liked (love conquers all!), but I understand would feel really fucked up for sexual assault victims. It was an acceptable ending for me though, given their character arcs of how Elisha healed and Alex changed for the better. It also felt full circle, because it was ultimately Elisha's choice to be with Alex -- and this is a book that weighs heavily on consent and choice, right? I was happy about it, but I don't condone it in real life because it honestly felt unrealistic.
I'm giving this a high rating because I thoroughly enjoyed the story and made me think deeply about certain concepts. But please take my review with a grain of salt -- this is coming from someone who's never had to suffer the trauma and indignity that this book explored. This is definitely not everyone's cup of tea -- it's got a lot of trigger warnings so please beware before picking up this book.
Still, it was an engaging and gripping read, though I'll admit not the type of book I would read if I weren't duped by its marketing, lol. There's a lot of uncomfortable slavefic stuff, and it's hard to empathize with the two main characters at first because they fit right into the slavefic tropes: trillionaire guy meets naive and poor but cute guy and lots of BDSM stuff. I seriously thought of not finishing the book because of the graphic descriptions of sexual assault and even rape in the first-person POV (and it felt like it won't veer away from those), but I'm glad I slugged it out because the latter part of the book was no longer about sex. It explored consent, trauma, and healing -- the last part of which was my favorite because Elisha's healing process was extremely visceral and raw. It made me think about my own boundaries and made me re-assess how I view love and dependency.
Honestly, there's a lot to unpack in this book (capitalism, rich vs. poor, slavery), but the sole focus on two characters and the use of their POVs limit one's capacity to explore the depths of each ideology touched on here. Aside from Elisha and Alex, the other characters didn't feel all that compelling. It also didn't help that it felt like a half-assed worldbuilding -- the setting was a very near dystopian future that trod the line of possible reality but also required a lot of suspension of disbelief. One of my main questions was, how could people just accept this kind of debt resolution system? It seemed so far-fetched, but we were supposed to just gobble it up without any explanation of how the world came to be that way. Even the supposedly leftist group was treated so antagonistically that it felt like we were supposed to side with the wealthy people (and Alex's character arc further proved that).
I'm giving this a high rating because I thoroughly enjoyed the story and made me think deeply about certain concepts. But please take my review with a grain of salt -- this is coming from someone who's never had to suffer the trauma and indignity that this book explored. This is definitely not everyone's cup of tea -- it's got a lot of trigger warnings so please beware before picking up this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: Racism
tome's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Cursing, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism
maybreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Genuinely don't know how to feel about this. Tbh I think the main character should die. Be killed by the other one in fact.
And that's the issue isn't it. This book does not know what it wants to be. Does it want the reader to hate the main character? But then the first half of it doesn't work. Plus why is there a semi redeeming ending teased? The first half reads like a fucked up love story. One of those dark romances that are more popular every day. The second half is a case against the first half. Judge and lawyers included. In the end I am confused
And that's the issue isn't it. This book does not know what it wants to be. Does it want the reader to hate the main character? But then the first half of it doesn't work. Plus why is there a semi redeeming ending teased? The first half reads like a fucked up love story. One of those dark romances that are more popular every day. The second half is a case against the first half. Judge and lawyers included. In the end I am confused
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Slavery, Medical content, and Gaslighting
carolined314's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A hard story about brainwashing, dependence, privilege, debt.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Classism
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Dementia, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, and Dysphoria
Minor: Excrement
18soft_green's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25
I’m spilling the beans. I’ll try to hide the spoilers but I think this book could have done better with the trigger warnings. And I think readers should actually get to know exactly what they’re getting into.
Okay, so when I put a hold on this book I knew it was an analogy for how there is no true consent under capitalism. That’s actually why I wanted to read it as I am a leftist. This book challenged me to say the least. It challenged my ethics and my boundaries and view lelfists. But not the way I think the author wanted, I think.
This book is pretty outspoken in that it will contain themes of rape. I wanted to read the story because I recognized that the author is a leftist and generally, of so I thought, leftists are pretty educated and thoughtful about topics like racism, feminism, and sexual assault/harassment. Before listening to this book I, as a writer, had the strong belief that there is no ethical reason for a book to contain a graphic rape scene. Maybe a scene where the sex doesn’t go as planned but when it comes to actual rape, you can tell a story where rape happens and include some details without writing the scene. I am open to being corrected or finding exceptions to the rule always. If you give me a better/more accurate perspective I will change my mind. That’s why I read this.
As a survivor of rape, repeated rape, I am knowledgeable and sensitive to this subject. I have been a support to friends, partners, and family who have suffered sexual assault/harassment and I’ve done a fuck-ton of research and personal healing. And I hate this book.
I put off writing a review for it for months because I was trying to find a more objective view of it. It hasn’t worked. As time passed I’ve only become more upset with it. It makes me angry.
Here’s my perspective: if you, as an author, need to process something personal and you best do that by putting it in a narrative, do it. I do this all the time because I’m a big thinker and sometimes giving my struggle to someone else (fictionally) and watching them process it helps me to see the situation in a new light and have grace for myself. So if this is what the author needed to do, awesome, I’m glad they’re processing their shit instead of keeping it locked up. But they should not have published it. I think a lot of people forget that oversharing isn’t just harmful to the person oversharing. The people that are getting this information they did not ask for are being harmed and not just because it makes them uncomfortable. It’s invasive! It takes energy to process they might have needed for other things. It forces them into a relationship dynamic they did not consent to. But wait, I didn’t have to read this book. I knew it was going to be challenging and could have put it down any time I wanted, right? Yes?
But it wasn’t just the tale that made this book shit. It was the characters, the plot, the way the rape was treated by the author. The author tries sympathizing with Alex, the abuser. I remember listening to Alex’s pov and wondering if the author was trying to convince me that rich abusers are just people doing the best they can. I was listening, and thinking, wait, you don’t think this is legit real do you? Rich people don’t think this way. Rapists don’t think this way. And even if they did, Alex’s actions still caused harm and they aren’t going to be absolved because he regrets it and apologized. He’s still guilty. Elijah, in my opinion, is fucking annoying. I think it’s just his personality that clashed with mine. What happened to him is unforgivable and his emotional response to it makes psychological sense and, I think, is fitting to his personality. What I hate more than anything is how the story is set up like Alex and Elijah are meant to be together. You can’t come back from abuse like that. Ever. You are, for life, changed and your relationship dynamic is completely destroyed. Even with therapy and boundaries and working to become better people. Your love for each other is tainted, you can’t start fresh because that harm changes who you are permanently and affects all of your relationships not to mention the one which gave you that trauma in the first place.
Then there’s the revolution movement and this part containsThe only thing I have to say here is that there were some spies playing dociles and masters and once one of those dociles raped Elijah at a party in front of everyone and when Elijah confronts the bitch he says he’d do it again because he’s so loyal to the movement and idk if the author was pointing out how ruthless some people are or thinking that for fhd revolution you must be prepared to commit any atrocity ✊🏻 It doesn’t help that that character would openly hit on Elijah and they started a fuck buddy arrangement later on. Like, this could speak to how fucking destroyed Elijah’s sense of self and agency is because of his experience with Alex but… it also bothers me that no one helping Elijah actually knew how to help him. Which is weird because we’ve figured out how to do this already. It requires professionals but like, the leftist movement has people from all walks of life in it and those who have been victims of abuse and well educated tend to be leftist so what the hell?!
The story didn’t end with someone, if not Elijah, killing Alex violently. That would have been the only acceptable ending. There is no way for him to redeem himself. I don’t care if he loves Elijah or not, he doesn’t get any more chances. As a rich person he’s already a parasite and thus a danger to society, we don’t need to add in his affects on those within his general facility.
Lastly, it’s not written that well. Like, it’s barebones type writing. Academic essay type writing. I was bored while also being triggered (which is partially my fault for not respecting my own boundary). There is no justifiable reason to include a graphic rape scene. Not even for the leftist cause. Yes there is no consent under capitalism and rape is a good metaphor. You don’t need to write the rape to use that analogy. And you most definitely don’t need to hand it over to the general public to consume.
1.25/5 stars. Would not recommend to anyone ever. Don’t hurt yourself with this book, it’s not worth it.
Okay, so when I put a hold on this book I knew it was an analogy for how there is no true consent under capitalism. That’s actually why I wanted to read it as I am a leftist. This book challenged me to say the least. It challenged my ethics and my boundaries and view lelfists. But not the way I think the author wanted, I think.
This book is pretty outspoken in that it will contain themes of rape. I wanted to read the story because I recognized that the author is a leftist and generally, of so I thought, leftists are pretty educated and thoughtful about topics like racism, feminism, and sexual assault/harassment. Before listening to this book I, as a writer, had the strong belief that there is no ethical reason for a book to contain a graphic rape scene. Maybe a scene where the sex doesn’t go as planned but when it comes to actual rape, you can tell a story where rape happens and include some details without writing the scene. I am open to being corrected or finding exceptions to the rule always. If you give me a better/more accurate perspective I will change my mind. That’s why I read this.
As a survivor of rape, repeated rape, I am knowledgeable and sensitive to this subject. I have been a support to friends, partners, and family who have suffered sexual assault/harassment and I’ve done a fuck-ton of research and personal healing. And I hate this book.
I put off writing a review for it for months because I was trying to find a more objective view of it. It hasn’t worked. As time passed I’ve only become more upset with it. It makes me angry.
Here’s my perspective: if you, as an author, need to process something personal and you best do that by putting it in a narrative, do it. I do this all the time because I’m a big thinker and sometimes giving my struggle to someone else (fictionally) and watching them process it helps me to see the situation in a new light and have grace for myself. So if this is what the author needed to do, awesome, I’m glad they’re processing their shit instead of keeping it locked up. But they should not have published it. I think a lot of people forget that oversharing isn’t just harmful to the person oversharing. The people that are getting this information they did not ask for are being harmed and not just because it makes them uncomfortable. It’s invasive! It takes energy to process they might have needed for other things. It forces them into a relationship dynamic they did not consent to. But wait, I didn’t have to read this book. I knew it was going to be challenging and could have put it down any time I wanted, right? Yes?
But it wasn’t just the tale that made this book shit. It was the characters, the plot, the way the rape was treated by the author. The author tries sympathizing with Alex, the abuser. I remember listening to Alex’s pov and wondering if the author was trying to convince me that rich abusers are just people doing the best they can. I was listening, and thinking, wait, you don’t think this is legit real do you? Rich people don’t think this way. Rapists don’t think this way. And even if they did, Alex’s actions still caused harm and they aren’t going to be absolved because he regrets it and apologized. He’s still guilty. Elijah, in my opinion, is fucking annoying. I think it’s just his personality that clashed with mine. What happened to him is unforgivable and his emotional response to it makes psychological sense and, I think, is fitting to his personality. What I hate more than anything is how the story is set up like Alex and Elijah are meant to be together. You can’t come back from abuse like that. Ever. You are, for life, changed and your relationship dynamic is completely destroyed. Even with therapy and boundaries and working to become better people. Your love for each other is tainted, you can’t start fresh because that harm changes who you are permanently and affects all of your relationships not to mention the one which gave you that trauma in the first place.
Then there’s the revolution movement and this part contains
The story didn’t end with someone, if not Elijah, killing Alex violently. That would have been the only acceptable ending. There is no way for him to redeem himself. I don’t care if he loves Elijah or not, he doesn’t get any more chances. As a rich person he’s already a parasite and thus a danger to society, we don’t need to add in his affects on those within his general facility.
Lastly, it’s not written that well. Like, it’s barebones type writing. Academic essay type writing. I was bored while also being triggered (which is partially my fault for not respecting my own boundary). There is no justifiable reason to include a graphic rape scene. Not even for the leftist cause. Yes there is no consent under capitalism and rape is a good metaphor. You don’t need to write the rape to use that analogy. And you most definitely don’t need to hand it over to the general public to consume.
1.25/5 stars. Would not recommend to anyone ever. Don’t hurt yourself with this book, it’s not worth it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Toxic relationship, Dementia, Suicide attempt, and Classism
Moderate: Death, Eating disorder, Hate crime, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Deportation
Minor: Body shaming, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Stalking, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Deportation
lamegod's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, and Classism
Moderate: Drug use, Torture, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Chronic illness, Cursing, Drug use, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
time_travel_tragedy's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book was very well written I give it that. I absolutely loved how it explores the capitalist aspects of this book. It was very well done. And most of what he wrote in terms of the exploration of healthy relationships and consent were really well done. It was such a compelling read, and it had really strong messaging throughout 90% of the book, which is why I rated it so high. However, of course it falls short.
I think he undermines his entire book with the last chapter. You went through all of that, to throw all of it away for a traditional happy ending??? I feel like he really did break a lot of ground with this book, and he could have had a happy, satisfying ending, but he throws part of the messaging in the trash with the last chapter. I don't know if he was pressured into it or what, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. The main character went through so much to find himself, and then backslides backwards to more than likely lose himself again.
I thought the "sex" scenes were a little to graphic for my taste, but I don't fault the book for that and even some of them aid in telling the story K. M. Szpara is trying to tell, and helps get his message across. That's not why I took off 1.75 stars. It was almost a five star book. But the main character goes through so much. And there are parts where it is flat out stated that a part of what he goes through is rape. But also many where it is almost forgotten? And the ending?? Like if you have no choice, you can't consent. And even in the acknowledgements the author calls them sex scenes. And I'm like sir, I thought part of the thesis of the book is that it's not sex because sex requires consent, which under the circumstances, he couldn't give??
I also just don't know how going through everything he goes through, he can just forgive the guy that has the biggest hand in it aside from the "sex"?? It just doesn't sit right with me. I was really hoping this book wasn't going to play out with the ending of forgiving the abuser, which is essentially what the forgiven party was. Basically the last chapter pretty much goes against everything the rest of the book stands for. I understand that it is a very systemic issue. But that doesn't mean Elisha has to forgive shit. The other guy can work on himself and do better and change to help the rest of society. And that's a great message. The other guy gets to go and make a better man out of himself. Elisha gets to go and figure out who he is and who he wants to be. And gets to be happy outside of his abuser. The message being "Yes, the other guy should be allowed to continue on in society and improve himself and help others. BUT Elisha doesn't and probably shouldn't allow him to stay in his life just because the other guy changed. It's too late the damage is done, and it was damning." Just my two scents.
I think he undermines his entire book with the last chapter. You went through all of that, to throw all of it away for a traditional happy ending??? I feel like he really did break a lot of ground with this book, and he could have had a happy, satisfying ending, but he throws part of the messaging in the trash with the last chapter. I don't know if he was pressured into it or what, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. The main character went through so much to find himself, and then backslides backwards to more than likely lose himself again.
I thought the "sex" scenes were a little to graphic for my taste, but I don't fault the book for that and even some of them aid in telling the story K. M. Szpara is trying to tell, and helps get his message across. That's not why I took off 1.75 stars. It was almost a five star book. But the main character goes through so much. And there are parts where it is flat out stated that a part of what he goes through is rape. But also many where it is almost forgotten? And the ending?? Like if you have no choice, you can't consent. And even in the acknowledgements the author calls them sex scenes. And I'm like sir, I thought part of the thesis of the book is that it's not sex because sex requires consent, which under the circumstances, he couldn't give??
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Classism
instalovewithbooks's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have had to take some time to digest this book as writing a review, or something related to it right after I read it? Wasn't going to happen. This book reminds me of the powerful emotions and dumbstruck I had while reading She Who Became the Sun earlier this year. (The books aren't related at all it's more of all the emotions.)
Alex and Elisha are both fucked up. I was rooting for Elisha for the first half or so, until I saw him changing and then become who he was by the end. With Alex, I was glad we had a POV for him, but my GOD did I hate him. Even when things were starting to come together and be got out of his rich ass ideals, I still hated him. This entire book is 1000x fucked up, but yet I couldn't stop reading it. Couldn't stop thinking about it. Needed to finish this story but at the same time didn't want too.
Honestly, I am glad I read this. I would advise to look at the TW's from this author, because they are LOTS and it's not a easy read. Honestly, how it was promoted and how people talked about it? It isn't what they were saying, but you need to read it to understand.
Alex and Elisha are both fucked up. I was rooting for Elisha for the first half or so, until I saw him changing and then become who he was by the end. With Alex, I was glad we had a POV for him, but my GOD did I hate him. Even when things were starting to come together and be got out of his rich ass ideals, I still hated him. This entire book is 1000x fucked up, but yet I couldn't stop reading it. Couldn't stop thinking about it. Needed to finish this story but at the same time didn't want too.
Honestly, I am glad I read this. I would advise to look at the TW's from this author, because they are LOTS and it's not a easy read. Honestly, how it was promoted and how people talked about it? It isn't what they were saying, but you need to read it to understand.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Trafficking, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Vomit, Grief, and Suicide attempt
val_readsbooks's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Dementia, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Check ALL the content warnings before reading this