thecatfather's review against another edition
4.0
This was way more violent and disturbing than I would’ve imagined.
Some of the scenes will stick with me for a long time.
The prose was engaging and the characters were fleshed out well enough for me to care about them.
Overall, a sad, disturbing read that makes you question what really matters even against all adversity.
Some of the scenes will stick with me for a long time.
The prose was engaging and the characters were fleshed out well enough for me to care about them.
Overall, a sad, disturbing read that makes you question what really matters even against all adversity.
gourmetsoda's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.25
I cannot express to you how terrible this book is. Between the absolutely gratuitous incest and pedophilia, and the constant over sexualization of every single female character young and old (not to mention basing their worth off of their age and beauty), this book is a nightmare of male heterosexuality. The word "breasts" is probably used twice every page-- he goes out of his way to talk about the breasts of every single female character for no reason other than to drool over them. The main male lead blames every single one of his issues on the women in his life, instead of the men who were abusing them (and him). BEYOND that, the book is just boring. So many pointless details that do nothing for the plot or character development. I forced myself to finish this book just so I could write this review. Truly a painful read, not in a good way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, Child abuse, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Domestic abuse, Gore, Incest, Injury/Injury detail, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, and Murder
dominiquefragments's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was so different from what I expected, but I loved it all the same. The characters came to life and the writing was beautiful, though grisly and disgusting at some points. I couldn't predict the ending and loved the time period/setting chosen. Just a really interesting book. I might get back into vampires as a result.
finedanddandy's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
natalka's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-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
4.0
alibi313's review against another edition
5.0
A story that’s lurid yet beautiful; supernatural, but with characters who are visceral and real. A poetical horror novel which reads like a fever dream while effortlessly interweaving multiple plot lines. And while the prose feels spare, there are lifetimes packed in these pages. A revelation.
vinedrinker1234x's review against another edition
2.0
It's one of those books that could have been great. Southern gothic tale about trauma, vampires and desolation. There are a few really well written moments of true horror and psychological consistency with some interesting plot decisions; and the whole theme of wilderness solitude living creating a void and despair need of connection, having kin is well-made. But there are many flaws. Pace is actually killing it, the same as reminiscences and completely not needed other perspectives from different characters of the same events. The backstories are just not original and emotionally involving enough; very typical and not exactly interesting. And the biggest fault is the botched ending; very too suggestive, what reader should feel and at the same time somehow without a real point or twist or whatever. There should be an epilogue or some kind of narrative clamp; or maybe an idea that would leave the reader thinking. It was just an OK book with an ambition to be something more.
starlightreaders's review against another edition
4.0
So I'm down for vampires any day of the week and this DELIVERED. I loved how the vampires were portrayed and the imagery was phenomenal and so atmospheric. I kept getting season 1 of Preacher vibes for the obvious reasons (vampires and the deep south). The story was fast-paced and just an all-round fun read.
jaydoncornell's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shellbean's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
5.0