Reviews

If you enjoyed the 90s movie, The Ninth Gate, then you will likely enjoy this book. It has similar themes and characters as the MC is an independent antique book dealer looking for a mysterious occult text that supposedly gives people access to unlimited power via sex magick. I think what I most appreciate about the book is not the mysterious search but the way in which that search gives the MC time and distance from her regular routines, which causes her to reassess her life and the compromises she has made in order to get by as well as the expectations for life she had when she was young (naive), brilliant, and full of promise. I thought the ending was particularly well done and would make for an interesting discussion (if you have a non-prudish book club that isn't going to be upset by kinky French lesbians, affairs, and the frank discussion of sex). If you are upset by any of these things, don't read this book. I do wish there had been a little bit more in terms of how the magic was working. But it was more about the characters and the effect of the book on them so it didn't really bother me that at didn't get clear explanations of what is ultimately a mysterious occult object.

eve_kaarina's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

rosaliethayer's review against another edition

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3.0

I have such mixed feelings about this book. On one hand I did enjoy the writing, but on the other, I hate being left with this melancholy longing for something more at the ending. This wasn't a fair end for Lily, that I am sure of. However, I don't know if she deserves a fair ending.

kbrenn12's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

3.75

_evs_'s review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

It was a fun adventure. Loved all the background stories of the book. It made me want to travel the world & look for rare books. It wasn't at all what I expected. When I first finished, I hated the end, but it has grown on me.

chanelchapters's review against another edition

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5.0

https://youtube.com/@ChanelChapters

4.5

A dangerous book, power hungry buyers and two booksellers on a path to destruction.

This was nuts bro. The ending wasn’t my cup of tea, but it does make sense in relation to the story.

A fluid filled foray into the dark magic of human desires.

imnotinyourmind's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This book kinda has it all. It's well written, the concept is unique, there's a level of mystery and intrigue, but it's also pretty spicy in a way that isn't cringy.

Highly recommend to people who are into the occult, or books about books.

lucysiggins's review against another edition

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2.0

it’s about squirting

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