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nenaveenstra's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I was impressed by how deeply and respectfully this book discussed sexual assault - this was way more than just a thriller surrounding a BDSM game gone wrong, it was a psychological event. I was deeply entertained and shook to the core with everything that happened. I'm not 100% sure how accurate the depictions of schizophrenia or multiple personality disorder as well as sexual assault were, but they felt respectful and I appreciate that.
I do think this book could've benefited from killing some darlings, if you know what I mean. Especially the last thirty-ish pages - which read as a sort of epilogue - could've been scrapped in my opinion, leaving the ending a bit more open. It was all tied up too neatly.
Anyway this was a fun time, and I'm glad to have read it. Nothing tops The Shining, though ;)
I do think this book could've benefited from killing some darlings, if you know what I mean. Especially the last thirty-ish pages - which read as a sort of epilogue - could've been scrapped in my opinion, leaving the ending a bit more open. It was all tied up too neatly.
Anyway this was a fun time, and I'm glad to have read it. Nothing tops The Shining, though ;)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Mental illness, Rape, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Blood, and Child abuse
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Body shaming
Minor: Ableism, Antisemitism, Drug use, Animal death, Fatphobia, Suicide, Eating disorder, and Misogyny
The book is based around an idea of BDSM that isn't entirely accurate and can be very harmful. This is not what BDSM looks like, everyone!! Because BDSM would imply mutual consent!!! Also there are two subtle references to Nazi Germany in this book which were kind of odd - they were supposed to be funny I think, but I thought they were a little bit tasteless.queer_venus's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Literally made me feel physically sick
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Body shaming, Cannibalism, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gaslighting, Grief, Incest, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Suicide, Torture, and Gore
Moderate: Vomit, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Medical trauma, and Medical content
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