Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - Damned If You Do

I thought I was going to enjoy this one much more than I did. The premise is so strong! Queer Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Filipino folklore sounds exactly up my alley, but Damned If You Do unfortunately didn't live up to my expectations.

My main complaint is the narrative voice. It felt very childish. I love young adult literature, and many times I feel YA books can provide a compelling story even for an older audience, but this was not one of those times. Maybe I would have liked this book more if I was younger, but I can't say I would recommend this story to anyone past high school age.

Something I thought this book did really well, however, was balance the heavier topics with humor and lighthearted moments. This story tackles issues of abuse and alcoholism, but it does so in a way that is accessible and appropriate for a young adult audience.

Overall, I was hoping for a lot more out of this story, but I could definitely see it being entertaining for a younger audience!

Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.

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e_liz's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

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fionamatilda's review against another edition

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adventurous funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

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wornpagesandendlesscoffey's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book was aptly marketed. It really did feel like a Buffy-esque story, except maybe with a bit more drama. I loved seeing a stage manager as an MC in a book like this (maybe a bit partial to the theatre since it’s my job). The romance sprinkled in the story felt very Willow, and it was pretty of cool to see a character that was not white inhabit both those personas. This book was preeeettty dark and dealt with some seriously heavy themes so make sure you check the TW before you dive in!

I was a bit disappointed in how easily the characters moved on from the death of a major influence and honestly think it was glossed over, like Blake’s death was a plot point that pushed it forward and not dealt with as an actual casualty. The bit at the very end where he was memorialized even felt as though it was rushed.

overall, I enjoyed the story and would recommend to others. It was a solid, enjoyable read.

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elyssam's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

There’s a myth of Cordelia’s town, in which a person can make a deal with a demon and have their wish come true. The whole town was created that way. So when Cordelia finds herself face-to-face with a “good” demon (if that can even be true) who needs her help defeating the one who controls her town, she must choose who to side with and the repercussions that come with it.

I really enjoyed this audiobook! The overall storyline was very interesting and kept me captivated most of the time. I feel as if we spent a good amount of time getting to the characters and situations, though sometimes it felt like the characters themselves would get over things too quickly. I know in its blurb it is compared to other popular stories, but I just read and enjoyed it without thinking about the comparisons.

Overall, this would be a book I reccomend to other readers who want to have an enjoyable time with warnings of some darker elements.

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