Reviews tagging 'Cannibalism'

The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan

3 reviews

electrifyingpenguin's review against another edition

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I love the 1920s Singapore setting and culture, the gothic vibes that draw from local SEA folktales and mythology, and the toxic, codependent relationship between Gean Choo and Mrs. Edevane. This is definitely not for the squeamish or faint of heart; there are graphic rape and torture/mutilation scenes. But I appreciate that the author doesn't hold back and still is able to write such good sex and gorey scenes.

The only thing I have a gripe about is the lack of chemistry between Gean Choo and Po Lam. The choice between two endings is nice, but the romance between these two definitely fell short when compared to the one with Mrs. Edevane.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Rape, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Cannibalism

nittiotvaan's review against another edition

dark tense medium-paced

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Drug use, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, and Cannibalism

Minor: Car accident, Death of parent, and Colonisation

thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious slow-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

4.5

Thanks to the author and Netgalley for a copy of this book.

This dark, sapphic horror takes us to 1920s colonial Singapore. 

Gean Choo starts a new job as a lady's companion for Verity Edevane, who unbeknownst to her initially is a vampire. Gean Choo falls hard for Verity, and also for Po Lam, Verity's majordomo. This love triangle is unique in that, we the readers get to make the chose for Gean Choo, with two different endings.

I loved the historical setting of colonial Singapore which isn't something often told in literature.

Horror isn't something I usually go for, but I throughly enjoyed the darkness and steamy of this book. Giving two alternative endings is a great way for the author to keep all readers satisfied.

I certainly preferred the second ending.

The length of this book ensured we got plenty of time to feel for each character and understand some of their motives. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be checking out some of the author's other work.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Cannibalism, Murder, Gaslighting, and Colonisation

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Pedophilia