A review by electrifyingpenguin
The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan

dark tense medium-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

4.5

I love the 1920s Singapore setting and culture, the gothic vibes that draw from local SEA folktales and mythology, and the toxic, codependent relationship between Gean Choo and Mrs. Edevane. This is definitely not for the squeamish or faint of heart; there are graphic rape and torture/mutilation scenes. But I appreciate that the author doesn't hold back and still is able to write such good sex and gorey scenes.

The only thing I have a gripe about is the lack of chemistry between Gean Choo and Po Lam. The choice between two endings is nice, but the romance between these two definitely fell short when compared to the one with Mrs. Edevane.
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