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cardaisy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
My thoughts on this book are that I remain intrigued but wary. I'm trying not to be *too* nit-picky because this is a dark romance, but there are some things that just kinda rubbed me the wrong way
Nice to see some disabled representation, and that it's ownvoices as the author has talked about having chronic pain and fatigue, but the FMC definitely has some internalized ableism that's not really addressed
I think that the other representation also leaves a bit to be desired. Trent is basically just the stereotypical gay bff, with little else to his personality than being promiscuous and self-centred, and we get very little to make us believe that the FMC and him are actually best friends. There's another male character that's mentioned as being queer in passing and he's also described at one point as being very promiscuous, and also his former partner (a man) is notably dead. We also get 2 descriptions of non-white people (there could be more that haven't been described yet) and one of them is that notably dead man, while the other is being set up as an antagonist in the series. So, like I said, intrigued, but wary
I also think that the plot felt a little bit too dragged out, as this was mostly just set up for the next book and feels like it should've instead been the first act of a longer book. Also the FMC was just a bit too dense at times. But anyway I read this in one sitting, so it was an easy and enjoyable enough read
Graphic: Chronic illness, Gore, Self harm, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Confinement, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Alcoholism, Gun violence, Homophobia, Torture, and Death of parent
Self harm: there's a scene where the MMC has purposefully stabbed into his leg // Gun violence: there's a scene where the FMC pulls a gun on the MMC, but it never actually gets used // Ableism: the FMC has some internalized ableism and there's one point in particular where she states that her life is essentially worth less than her friend'sbeccisays's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The descriptions were deeply immersive, pulling you in to the dark carnival setting. You really felt the contrast between dilapidated & abandoned places, antiquated & old fashioned objects and the modern world we live in. There was as much creepy as there was cozy, both were deliciously twisted together.
The MMC was as unpredictable and morally grey as they come, mad as a hatter and somehow still had his endearing moments. I loved the rep for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which was a prominent part of the storyline.
I enjoyed the use of tarot throughout, though I’m not usually a fan of new decks being created for a book, I think this author did a great job of weaving actual tarot cards and meaning into new depictions of the archetypes and they make sense within the story perfectly, giving you additional insight if you’re familiar with rider waite/card numbers.
I wasn’t expecting the cliffhanger ending but I guess now I have 4 more books to devour in this world. Books are available on Kindle Unlimited and this one is on Audible Plus for a limited time too.
Graphic: Cursing, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
viktoriann's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Blood, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, and Gore
toeffy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Gore
madsthehatter's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Body horror and Gore
cc0906's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death, Stalking, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Homophobia and Medical trauma
llsugarspicell's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail