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kelseylitsliftsanddips's review against another edition
4.0
Having already read Blacktop Wasteland, Razorblade Tears, and All The Sinners Bleed, it was interesting to go back and read Cosby’s debut novel. All the elements that making his writing and storytelling unique, powerful, brutal, and beautiful are there from the start, he’s just become more polished and poetic over time. This novel, like his others, was centered around a small Southern town and the racism and corruption that comes with it. Even though the backdrop is the same, the story told there was original and attention grabbing. While this isn’t my favorite Cosby, I still loved it, as I’m sure I’ll love anything he writes
ryanadams's review against another edition
I'm not sure... I just got to a point where I didn't care for it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
queergoth_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
3.75
This took me a lot longer to get into than Cosby's other books. The writing was a bit weaker in the beginning, like he was finding his voice, which I think is to be expected with the first full length novel. But it kicked off about half way through and I was completely hooked and it definitely delivered what the rest of his books deliver.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gun violence, Rape, Violence, Medical content, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Animal death
andrew65's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
space_scoundrel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
theythemsam's review
4.25
“Revenge is a confession of pain”. This is my third novel by S.A. Cosby and I love to see how his writing and character development has gotten better from this first novel of his. I wish he delved more into Nate and Lisa’s relationship and we saw more of Skunk. I also wish there was more of Sam in the beginning so I could’ve understood his motive and personality more. “That’s the tragedy of this thing we call life, isn’t it? Either none of our prayers are heard or all of them are. Even the darkest ones.”