This book is perfect.

I don't want to talk about the plot, because anything of substance that I could mention that's not in the blurb would be a spoiler. So instead I'll just talk about my general impressions. The book deals with a lot of dark themes, but not in the way that some books do that feels gratuitous. Alek and Ian are in such a toxic but clearly loving relationship; I found myself easily empathizing with both of them (even though I have little to nothing in common with them) because of the depth Verdone has put into the characters, to the point where it seemed like I could feel their emotions as my own while I was reading.

The only conclusion I can draw is that Thea Verdone is a genius. This book is a work of art, from the beautiful cadence of the sentences, to the vivid imagery, to the impeccable diction.

I feel like this book should be taught in universities, should be made into a movie, should inspire artists to paint the Gothic Victorian mansion with crumbling walls and wisteria blooms, the charred piano covered in ash, the fox pacing along the edge of the forest.

The descriptions of Alek's synesthesia, combined with Verdone's gorgeous imagery, made for an incredibly immersive reading experience. When the book was over, I just stared at the wall, feeling lost. How am I supposed to move on to other books now?

Some Details:
Pairing: MM, Alek & Ian
POV: 3rd Person, Dual (also includes flashback chapters)
Tense: Past
Angst: 4.5/5