cheye13's review
informative
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
1.0
This was... bad. The characters were cardboard standees that spoke in declarative statements. Equal time split between historical fiction, marine sci-fi, political intrigue, and courtroom drama meant all genres suffered. The book didn't even know what POV it was supposed to be in, swapping from first to third willy nilly. There was no artifice here, no story, no empathy whatsoever. The premise is just "what if the Loch Ness Monster ate people."
I hate the conceit of a crytpid/animal falling victim to pollution or climate change or just cruel humanity and becoming exceedingly violent. I understand this is (supposed to be) a thriller, but it's so much more interesting (fun, spooky, etc) if a creature has the agency to make a choice (e.g. decides to hunt humans for sport). And perhaps I'm just not afraid of the water at all (doubtful), but I didn't find this story scary or thrilling whatsoever. Simply a little gross at times.
I hate the conceit of a crytpid/animal falling victim to pollution or climate change or just cruel humanity and becoming exceedingly violent. I understand this is (supposed to be) a thriller, but it's so much more interesting (fun, spooky, etc) if a creature has the agency to make a choice (e.g. decides to hunt humans for sport). And perhaps I'm just not afraid of the water at all (doubtful), but I didn't find this story scary or thrilling whatsoever. Simply a little gross at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Gore, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Ableism, Alcoholism, Murder, Self harm, and Sexism
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, and Sexual content
Though not all these topics are implemented in malice or for mere shock value, some are, and none are handled with tact or responsibility that they perhaps should be.
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