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cady_sass's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It is impossible to give this novel an adequate review without spoiling it, but wow. I was told to go into this not knowing anything about it and to not read any reviews or synopses and I’m very glad I followed that advice.
Up until about halfway through, this book makes no sense. Almost infuriatingly so. But then, it does. And it punches you in the goddamn face. Masterfully crafted, honestly, and it’s almost disappointing that it is quantified simply as a “dark romance” even though it technically is.
Flagged for spoilers due to this, but I’m still keeping it super super vague:
The *only* reason I can’t give this 5 stars is because I feel like the ending and the tying up of loose ends happened too quickly and inorganically. The “love fixes everything” trope feels wrong here, and, while it’s not my place to speak for it, I can’t help but worry that some of the representation in the final chapters is damaging, or at least borders on it.
Up until about halfway through, this book makes no sense. Almost infuriatingly so. But then, it does. And it punches you in the goddamn face. Masterfully crafted, honestly, and it’s almost disappointing that it is quantified simply as a “dark romance” even though it technically is.
The *only* reason I can’t give this 5 stars is because I feel like the ending and the tying up of loose ends happened too quickly and inorganically. The “love fixes everything” trope feels wrong here, and, while it’s not my place to speak for it, I can’t help but worry that some of the representation in the final chapters is damaging, or at least borders on it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Pedophilia, Suicide attempt, Self harm, Child abuse, Death of parent, Grief, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
8odell's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Incest, Infertility, Mental illness, Murder, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Violence
booknchaoswithmarz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
What the fuck am I reading?
What the fuck?
What the fuck did I just read?
Confronting
Dark
Psychological
Raw
I'm using specifically vague terms/words as to not spoil this. The author actually recommends a blind read without checking reviews etc and I'd agree, with the caveat that if you are the type of reader that needs cw/tw or you were offended by my earlier language, then this book isn't for you.
Initially I was put off by the writing style, it felt unrefined.
I felt the book confronts preconceived ideas, ableist thinking and the shame that comes with things like invisible illness, mental health, DV, SA and trauma.
Belief is so sorely missing when people deal with those types of issues.
I had an inkling before the "reveal" but the moment one of the characters reveals "the book" I knew and was so glad that someone decided to shine a light into what can be such a dark place for many.
I'm glad I preserved but I'm going to need something a bit lighter for my next read.
What the fuck?
What the fuck did I just read?
Confronting
Dark
Psychological
Raw
I'm using specifically vague terms/words as to not spoil this. The author actually recommends a blind read without checking reviews etc and I'd agree, with the caveat that if you are the type of reader that needs cw/tw or you were offended by my earlier language, then this book isn't for you.
Initially I was put off by the writing style, it felt unrefined.
I felt the book confronts preconceived ideas, ableist thinking and the shame that comes with things like invisible illness, mental health, DV, SA and trauma.
Belief is so sorely missing when people deal with those types of issues.
I had an inkling before the "reveal" but the moment one of the characters reveals "the book" I knew and was so glad that someone decided to shine a light into what can be such a dark place for many.
I'm glad I preserved but I'm going to need something a bit lighter for my next read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Self harm, and Suicide attempt
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