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tbewing's review
dark
funny
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
arcrewse's review
I really wanted to like this book, I mean the cover art is gorgeous. Unfortunately, I felt like the author’s writing was repetitive and at the same time it felt like the writing was all over the place. I made it almost halfway before I made the decision that I’d rather read something else.
amyglbarker's review
I came to this as an adoring fan of Biller’s ‘The Love Witch’, with huge respect for her approach to her craft in general. I still think she has one of the most unique eyes for cinema and narrative through visuals that I’ve come across, but this book was a letdown. It had all the trappings of everything I should love, but I barely got a few pages in before I gave up. The prose writing itself was poor: the sentences were basic (describing something as atmospheric is a cardinal sin) and the feminism sentiments felt straight out of tiktok. Such a terrible shame - this might have been my most anticipated book of the year. :(
wormposting's review
4.0
This is a rewarding read for fans of the genre. I was surprised how often other iconic books were mentioned by name, but it makes sense given Judith's work as a writer and luckily i had done enough homework to appreciate the references! It gave me a deeper appreciation for those books as well.. judith is also a great character to follow her progress (and regressions) through the book. Anna Biller also said that there is a dark twist, at which point it can no longer be reasonably considered a romance, but i found there to be so many developments that im not sure which she was referring to. There are also many imaginative motifs that caught my attention throughout the book and added a layer of mysticality & significance. My only regret is that the writing was simple enough for me to finish the book in barely 24 hours.
beccaand's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Murder, Sexual violence, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Infidelity
readas's review
3.0
(3.5)
The imagery was amazing and gothic. I loved the way scenes were set up and you go back and forth remembering that this is still set in the modern world despite them living in a castle. These things deserve 5 stars!
But, We start off with what seems like a strong FMC who tells us what she seeks in a partner through her interaction with Tony then is gone as soon as she meets Gavin. I think that this book reads more as someone trying to give you an example of a toxic relationship with lots of buzz words than you going through the motions with Judith. Perhaps would’ve been good to have a first POV?
It does a good job of weaving the terror of the original folktale with the relationship. But I didn’t like that we were constantly being told “remember this is Bluebeard!!!”
However, if you’re expecting a HEA where the heroine saves herself then you’re sheer out of luck!
The imagery was amazing and gothic. I loved the way scenes were set up and you go back and forth remembering that this is still set in the modern world despite them living in a castle. These things deserve 5 stars!
But, We start off with what seems like a strong FMC who tells us what she seeks in a partner through her interaction with Tony then is gone as soon as she meets Gavin. I think that this book reads more as someone trying to give you an example of a toxic relationship with lots of buzz words than you going through the motions with Judith. Perhaps would’ve been good to have a first POV?
It does a good job of weaving the terror of the original folktale with the relationship. But I didn’t like that we were constantly being told “remember this is Bluebeard!!!”
However, if you’re expecting a HEA where the heroine saves herself then you’re sheer out of luck!
sydmarkelle's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nikkigbn's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0