readrebelrevolt's reviews
55 reviews

My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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

4.5

It might be too soon to write a coherent review but I will say that this book certainly “fed” my gothic soul. I liked the themes of insanity vs. reality, the effects of trauma, bog bodies, love, compassion etc. I really loved the writing and descriptions, though sometimes vulgar they were very impactful. 
This one is dark and heavy so be warned! 
Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

“Pain becomes an animal, walking at your side. Pain becomes a home you can carry with you.”

This story is based on the real story of a small French town that was mass poisoned in 1951, the cause remains unknown to this day. 

I don’t know if these thoughts will be coherent as I am still processing this novel. The prose was perfect, the imagery haunting, and the themes unsettling. Mackintosh evokes visceral feelings of abundance and starvation, obsession, desire, envy, temptation, humiliation and longing. 

I gave this 5 stars because the writing alone had me. Definitely would recommend to anymore looking for a short but emotionally heavy read. 
Blood Sugar by Sascha Rothchild

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I am still trying to decide how I feel about the ending as it felt a little lacklustre to what I was anticipating but overall I liked the story. The narrative was well written and captivating. The characters were mostly likeable, albeit morally questionable. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller. 
The Song of Us by Kate Fussner

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

There’s something about the Agatha Christie-esque vibe that I love and the setting in the highlands of Scotland. It was a little predictable but I did enjoy it! 
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I wondrously unique fairytale.
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Absolutely beautiful prose and a stunning story! I really liked the point of view switch per chapter for Psyche and Eros so you get both perspectives. I listened to this on audiobook and really liked both voice actors too. I think this is one I will likely read as well just to get the full breadth of the words.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I can’t remember the last time I got so invested in a fantasy world so quickly. I love gothic vibe, the magic system and the writing. While the ending was a little predictable it still packed an emotional punch! Can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0