mindsplinters's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I have mixed feelings on this one but mostly liked it. It is well written, moves along well, and the main character has a very distinctive voice and strong characterization. The representation of the wolf state, the heavy emphasis on all senses - those were interestingly done, making it feel both exotic and normal. The violence got a bit graphic in places and the amount of gore description would not be for the weak-hearted but it is contained mostly through the eyes of the wolf or, well, at a murder scene. Which makes sense. Then there is the really, really, really F'd up power dynamics in the local werewolf pack. 50 shades of abuse, for real! Again - a total trigger for anyone with PTSD from emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Thankfully, as the book builds, it is revealed that this is NOT how things have to be. This imbalance is not inherently a wolfpack thing but it's the reality of this group. Thankfully, as we learn, Kitty does, too, and she seeks for exits and fights the programming.
However, it is an uncomfortable read in places and there is the trope of "she's been raped" to contend with so there are your warnings. For me, the actual down-vote was that it felt very much like a set-up book. While it was pretty self-contained and definitely had a plot, it had a feeling of "backstory" and "building blocks" and I realize that probably doesn't make any sense to someone living outside of my head. Whoops. But, basically, definitely, clearly, the start of a series and not a totally self-contained thing.
However, it is an uncomfortable read in places and there is the trope of "she's been raped" to contend with so there are your warnings. For me, the actual down-vote was that it felt very much like a set-up book. While it was pretty self-contained and definitely had a plot, it had a feeling of "backstory" and "building blocks" and I realize that probably doesn't make any sense to someone living outside of my head. Whoops. But, basically, definitely, clearly, the start of a series and not a totally self-contained thing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Emotional abuse, Rape, and Physical abuse
aduncan22310's review against another edition
The premise had so much promise. I just couldn't get past the whining, submissive, I love you rape and abuse me some more character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual assault, Rape, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
colleenw19's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Sexual violence
More...