This is an absolutely incredible work. Schwab has created an intensely feminist story that shows the lengths of which women will go to find the freedom they seek. Though this book touches on all the classic vampire aspects, it takes it to a new level and adds her own touch to an age old creature.

Vampires are unique in this world with both the way in which they feed and immortality. Feeding is literally sucking away the life of the person through their blood. It gives a glimpse of life for the vampire, and it is vital to their survival to be given these glimpses. Ironically, the more they feed the farther they get from humanity. On the same vein (lol, see what I did there), the longer they survive, the more monstress they become. Time erodes their humanity and creates an actual monster in their place. This is the evil step sibling to Adddie LaRue. With Addie, we see her expand and almost become more human with time. In this, time makes them worse.

The characters were a delight to read through every bad decision they make. They're easy to root for, and Schwab easily connects you to them. I always adore a story in which the characters devolve or succumb to their worst desires. The corruption was incredible to watch.

The plot is almost entirely devoted to the characters. You are not going to find a fast paced, action packed kind of story. This is a character study of three women facing down eternity. My only complaint is that the ending did not have the emotional impact I hoped it would. It felt rushed and tied up too quickly when I wanted to spend time with the characters at their tragic end.

Overall, I adored this book. I was completely enamored with the prose and way Schwab strings words together. She writes in a way that makes you believe she's had her own brush with immortality.

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This has everything I look for in a book, full stop. Full review to come, but I need to come down first.