I think the fact that it almost took me a full month to read this 160 page novella should speak for how much I enjoyed this book in itself, but I find myself in a complex situation of liking a book in theory rather than execution. Also doesn't help the fact that I've been in a mean reading slump this month.

This book is perfect for those who like a bit of amorality to their protagonists who happen to be, you know, just a little f*cked up actually. Johann, a self proclaimed monster that can't die and has the playful, violent nature of a cat toying with a mouse and Florian, a dandy aristocrat who's looking to take revenge on a town that has been slowly rotting away for ages. Naturally there's a romance between the two, but it never really sat well with me that the majority of these interactions are Johann forcing himself onto a non-consenting Florian, who only stops Johann from going any further by doing magic. I know it's meant to play into Johann's villainous side as well as highlight a certain power dynamic, but there are other elements in the book that make that more clear. I'm not opposed to a romance between these two, I just thought it could have been handled a little better.

As for the rest of the story, I did like the character types, the dark, dingy dockside setting, the atmospheric writing, but it felt like something was missing that was keeping me from really falling in love with it. Maybe the length is a factor, maybe it does feel somewhat empty from time to time, maybe there were a few aspects I wish were explored a bit more. Whenever I put the book down, I never really felt a great rush to get back to it, which is hardly ever a good sign. 

Overall, I was expecting a bit more with it, but what I got was at least somewhat satisfactory.