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hookerkitty's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Usually when you hear the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” it’s bc the cover is crappy, but the writing is good. However in this case it’s the exact opposite.
This story had the potential to be amazing, but definitely needed (basically everything) to be fully fleshed out and heavily edited. It was full of caricatures and tropes which induced many eye rolls. Plus I found several grammatical/spelling errors (including usage of the wrong word or incomplete/nonsensical sentences). Parts of it were really interesting, while others were a slog to get through. I had to go back and re-read several parts because I had no idea what was going on (and unfortunately re-reading them didn’t usually help).
Basically this was a confusing and disappointing read. I don’t remember how I came across this since it wasn’t in my TBR, but I don’t think I’d read other works by this author. From the reviews I’ve read it seems like her books are really hit or miss, so I don’t want to waste (more) time on books that I don’t like.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Colonisation
Minor: Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, and Car accident
purplepickle's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
gnarly_cinnamonroll's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I definitely enjoyed this bit- it was refreshing to get to read a book based in Filipino lore/mythology. It didn’t bother me that the Tagalog want always directly translated as you can figure out what Alon is saying contextually. I enjoyed the LGBT aspect of the book however I felt that the relationship between Alon and Chase didn’t make much sense to me beyond surface level interactions. I wish that there had been more time with the two characters developing a more extensive/cleaned out environment.
I enjoyed how the side characters were given nicknames that feels real as to how we may refer to b people by monikers in our internal dialogue. The descriptions of the environment were riveting and kept me hooked. I wished I had felt more connected to Alon who feels more like a neutral narrator telling a story than the protagonist of the novel.However, that may be intentional since we learn who Tatay is and Alon’s connection to them.
Overall I enjoyed the plot twists, descriptions, and mythology, but found myself c wanting deeper characters development and relationships.
I enjoyed how the side characters were given nicknames that feels real as to how we may refer to b people by monikers in our internal dialogue. The descriptions of the environment were riveting and kept me hooked. I wished I had felt more connected to Alon who feels more like a neutral narrator telling a story than the protagonist of the novel.
Overall I enjoyed the plot twists, descriptions, and mythology, but found myself c wanting deeper characters development and relationships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug use, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Violence, Stalking, Murder, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
dblue236's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.0
Trigger warnings: Brief mention of sexual assault, violence, gore.
I've read a handful of this author's books over the years, and this one is my favorite to date. Their ability to write absolutely terrifying horror without constant, over the top gore is wildly appreciated, and I look forward to reading more of their work in the future. I really loved the setting of this one, and the folklore that builds throughout the story. I didn't see the end coming, and it definitely left me feeling unsettled in the best possible way.
I've read a handful of this author's books over the years, and this one is my favorite to date. Their ability to write absolutely terrifying horror without constant, over the top gore is wildly appreciated, and I look forward to reading more of their work in the future. I really loved the setting of this one, and the folklore that builds throughout the story. I didn't see the end coming, and it definitely left me feeling unsettled in the best possible way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Gore, Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Sexual assault
nashaytreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A great, “wtf is happening” read with an ending I didn’t quite expect.
Though the big bad was very stereotypical, the other characters, particularly Alon and their adorably loyal doggo, more than made up for it. There were quite a few characters, so we don’t get too deep into any of them but it also doesn’t get convoluted or confusing. You get a good enough amount of info you need about the characters in scene and it works.
It definitely had me creeped out a time or two as well! It reads like a thriller movie that’s not quite horror, which for me personally is fantastic. Especially if you like a little thrill but want to be able to still sleep at night.
There are some minor details that didn’t quite make sense to me, hence the 4 stars, but I’d still highly recommend this book.
Though the big bad was very stereotypical, the other characters, particularly Alon and their adorably loyal doggo, more than made up for it. There were quite a few characters, so we don’t get too deep into any of them but it also doesn’t get convoluted or confusing. You get a good enough amount of info you need about the characters in scene and it works.
It definitely had me creeped out a time or two as well! It reads like a thriller movie that’s not quite horror, which for me personally is fantastic. Especially if you like a little thrill but want to be able to still sleep at night.
There are some minor details that didn’t quite make sense to me, hence the 4 stars, but I’d still highly recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror and Violence
piendorabox's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It was alright up to halfway through the book, the dry writing made it hard for me to get really into it, but once the pace picked up it became a thrilling, enjoyable read. The plot twist caught me off guard and the ending made me a bit sorrowful but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Racial slurs
Minor: Suicide, Murder, and Sexual harassment
_p0ssum_'s review against another edition
medium-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
This book had me STRESSING.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Death
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Violence and Colonisation
caramiaculpa's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gun violence, Self harm, Violence, Murder, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
queer_bookwyrm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: violence, gun violence, cursing, blood, gore, racism, human sacrifice, animal death, cursing, sexual harassment mention, death
The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco is a YA horror focusing on a nonbinary Filipino (Filipine?) MC, and drawing on Chupeco's experience with caves on the islands of the Philippines. We also get a male love interest that is bi.
We follow Alon, who is acting as a guide on the island of Kisapmata for a group of Hollywood big shots who plan to exploit Filipino culture and legends in order to get fame and recognition by doing a ghost hunting show. We don't learn much about Alon, but they are warning everyone away from the island the whole time people are there. The island doesn't want them there. When people start seeing ghosts of dead loved ones and people they've harmed, some seem to lose their minds when weird freaky stuff starts happening. Turns out the island is alive and doesn't like humans who have harmed other people.
This was a great creepy read for spooky season! We definitely get themes on exploiting indigenous cultures for profit without giving respect, and themes on the lengths some people will go to in order to get power for themselves. It gave me urban-legend-comes-to-life vibes. Chase is the wholesome himbo of my heart, and I want my own Askal to protect me. I really liked the twist! Although it made me feel bad for Alon.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys ghost hunting shows and messages on morality and guilt. Who doesn't want to read about a haunted island that turns out houses an ancient god?
The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco is a YA horror focusing on a nonbinary Filipino (Filipine?) MC, and drawing on Chupeco's experience with caves on the islands of the Philippines. We also get a male love interest that is bi.
We follow Alon, who is acting as a guide on the island of Kisapmata for a group of Hollywood big shots who plan to exploit Filipino culture and legends in order to get fame and recognition by doing a ghost hunting show. We don't learn much about Alon, but they are warning everyone away from the island the whole time people are there. The island doesn't want them there. When people start seeing ghosts of dead loved ones and people they've harmed, some seem to lose their minds when weird freaky stuff starts happening. Turns out the island is alive and doesn't like humans who have harmed other people.
This was a great creepy read for spooky season! We definitely get themes on exploiting indigenous cultures for profit without giving respect, and themes on the lengths some people will go to in order to get power for themselves. It gave me urban-legend-comes-to-life vibes. Chase is the wholesome himbo of my heart, and I want my own Askal to protect me. I really liked the twist! Although it made me feel bad for Alon.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys ghost hunting shows and messages on morality and guilt. Who doesn't want to read about a haunted island that turns out houses an ancient god?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, and Racism
Minor: Sexual harassment
apersonfromflorida's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Racism, Death of parent, and Colonisation
Minor: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment