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A review by tiredcath
Darkhearts by James L. Sutter
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Darkhearts starts off with a bang, during the funeral of our mc's, David's, ex-band mate's funeral. This is the catalyst that leads to David and Chance spending time together as they attempt to deal with the grief of their friend, old resentment, and new feelings.
There are lots I did like about Darkhearts. Chance was a very realistic and sympathetic character, at first, I was so unsure of him but as his character opened and grew I appreciated him a lot. I liked the setup, and the brutally honest feelings of abandonment, jealousy, and resentment, and how fame affects him. Some of the lines are devastatingly beautiful. I don't think I'll forget hearing: "He looked up at the sky. Starlight playing over the beautiful shipwreck of his grief." Gorgeous. The build-up between David and Chance was done well, the entire chapter of them in the forest- I wish the entire book was THAT. That was good, that sold me, that made me want to read (well, listen.)
Now... for what I didn't like. If you're expecting a hard-hitting novel about the effects of a sudden death- this is not it. Except for minor moments, Eli's death is just a plot device. Which sucks because I truly wanted to feel for this character I'll never get to meet.
Writing wise is a bit repetitive with David's inner monologue consistently voicing his biases and jealousy. I understood it's an essential part of his character, but it didn't make it any easier to listen to over and over again. David himself is an interesting character. For the most part, he's extremely unlikable- which again, I understand is a part of his character. But really the main issue is David is dumb. He makes very obviously bad choices and is surprised when things are bad. He actively doesn't listen and continues to be selfish throughout the story.
I'll also just say: hated Ripley. I hate that kind of character archetype in general because it's never done right. Ripley was gross, selfish, and insensitive. I love a strong female character who's loud and brash, but she was just faults.
There's more I wish the author dove into that would've made the story richer, so unfortunately, a lot of the big moments felt flat or undeserved.
Mostly, the effects of David's mother's behavior and how it affected it. I expected a payoff with his mom, but other than the conversation with his dad it went nowhere. Just like the church plot and the woodworking, David's Etsy store- so many things mentioned and lead up to nothing. I also don't understand not making David bisexual from the beginning of his sexual journey was going to be just "welp I like this guy now", I didn't feel the progression at all.
About the audiobook:
I didn't love Ramon de Ocampo for David. It isn't unpleasant but I wouldn't purchase the audiobook personally. Especially when some of the "sexy" lines are read. Not for me.
In all, Darkhearts has the foundations of a great story about grief, pain, abandonment, and the price of fame, however, most of what makes this book good is lost in poor characters and dumb decisions. With that being said, I still enjoyed listening to it and would recommend if you want a palette cleanser.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
There are lots I did like about Darkhearts. Chance was a very realistic and sympathetic character, at first, I was so unsure of him but as his character opened and grew I appreciated him a lot. I liked the setup, and the brutally honest feelings of abandonment, jealousy, and resentment, and how fame affects him. Some of the lines are devastatingly beautiful. I don't think I'll forget hearing: "He looked up at the sky. Starlight playing over the beautiful shipwreck of his grief." Gorgeous. The build-up between David and Chance was done well, the entire chapter of them in the forest- I wish the entire book was THAT. That was good, that sold me, that made me want to read (well, listen.)
Now... for what I didn't like. If you're expecting a hard-hitting novel about the effects of a sudden death- this is not it. Except for minor moments, Eli's death is just a plot device. Which sucks because I truly wanted to feel for this character I'll never get to meet.
Writing wise is a bit repetitive with David's inner monologue consistently voicing his biases and jealousy. I understood it's an essential part of his character, but it didn't make it any easier to listen to over and over again. David himself is an interesting character. For the most part, he's extremely unlikable- which again, I understand is a part of his character. But really the main issue is David is dumb. He makes very obviously bad choices and is surprised when things are bad. He actively doesn't listen and continues to be selfish throughout the story.
I'll also just say: hated Ripley. I hate that kind of character archetype in general because it's never done right. Ripley was gross, selfish, and insensitive. I love a strong female character who's loud and brash, but she was just faults.
There's more I wish the author dove into that would've made the story richer, so unfortunately, a lot of the big moments felt flat or undeserved.
About the audiobook:
I didn't love Ramon de Ocampo for David. It isn't unpleasant but I wouldn't purchase the audiobook personally. Especially when some of the "sexy" lines are read. Not for me.
In all, Darkhearts has the foundations of a great story about grief, pain, abandonment, and the price of fame, however, most of what makes this book good is lost in poor characters and dumb decisions. With that being said, I still enjoyed listening to it and would recommend if you want a palette cleanser.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Alcohol