this is the first book in over a month that i picked up knowing i probably wouldn’t enjoy... and look what happened.

the ableism alone would have ruined it for me but the fatmisia, the disgusting treatment of lo’s sexual assault, the poor characterisation and pacing? Not Good.

➸ Trigger warnings for

fatmisia, ableism, sexual assault, sexual harrassment, cheating mentioned, anxiety, ptsd, panic attacks, nightmares, alcohol consumption, blood/gore, physical injuries, dental injury, sc w/ cancer, dead bodies, murder, physical assault, drowning, home invasion, and captivity

.

Blog • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram

➸ Trigger warnings for

misogyny (central theme), religious persecution (central theme), ableism and ableist language, marital rape, sexual assault, adult-minor relationship, paedophilia, physical child abuse, forced (arranged) marriage, self-immolation, death from childbirth, abortion discussed, alcohol consumption, grief depiction, death of a wife, death of a mother, death of a father, graphic animal death, hunting, and war themes mentioned

.

Blog • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram

➸ Trigger warnings for

minor blood/physical injuries, murder, kidnapping, fire, earthquake, disappearance of a loved one, war themes & homelessness

.

▷ Representation: Isable (mc) is latinx; Benji (sc) is Filipino.

Blog • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram

➸ Trigger warnings for

ableist language, dubcon, rape threats, trauma, depression, suicide and self-immolation discussed, alcohol consumption, blood/physical injuries, physical assault, kidnapping, loss of autonomy.

Note: Two of the mcs in a romantic and sexual relationship are ensorcelled when they give consent. This is a central theme to the story and discussed, often in depth, throughout the entire story arc

.

Blog • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram

Review copy provided by the publisher for an honest review.

• This book was so interesting. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like this before. And like I’ve said so many times before, predictability is one of my biggest no-nos. I loved that this certainly managed to shy away from that and it was just unique in its premise. It set itself apart from the rest of the new releases.
• The first half was particularly intriguing. I couldn’t stop reading. I wanted answers. I loved where I thought the story was heading, but then the second half got kind of weird… I had too many questions that I needed to be answered and we never really got them. A sequel seems unlikely so that’s kind of devastating. *sobs*
• The writing was so brilliant. I just loved how compelling it was. It had me on the edge of my seat, and it had this realistic, kind of spunky vibe to it. It was utterly unique.
• The creatures were different to anything else I've read in the YA paranormal/supernatural genre before. I loved that it wasn’t just a new spin on old mythology or creatures. It was completely new. Well, at least to me. The ghouls were awesome! Gross, but awesome.
• Our protagonist was so damn strong and resilient, but also kind-hearted and realistic. It was a nice blend, but she’s also kind of forgettable? Damn, my short memory span.
• Diversity! Our protagonist is bisexual. It doesn't take the focus of the story at all, though. This is a paranormal thriller at its heart and stays that way. Maybe some hardcore LGBT+ fans might dislike this aspect, but I personally thought it was exactly the way it should be handled.
• I would have liked some development of the secondary characters. I just didn’t come to care for them as much as I would have liked, and that just makes me sad. It was such a missed opportunity.
• There was no romance. Hallelujah! There was an opportunity for it,but the author didn’t act on it. Thank goodness! I wouldn't have complained if the two character got some more definitely friendship-ish moments, but what we did get was so damn good that I really shouldn’t complain.
• My biggest complaint was that the ending (and consequently, the book as a whole) was so damn unsatisfying. I enjoyed it but I wanted so much more from it.

➸ Trigger warnings for

physical, emotional & verbal child abuse (central theme), neglect, self harm ideation, blood/physical injuries, hospitalalisation mentioned, and bullying

.

Blog • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram

wow, that was so not for me


➸ Trigger warnings for

graphic self harm, graphic medical procedures, medical procedures w/o consent, needles, blood, physical assault, and ableist language

.

Blog • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram

➸ Trigger warnings for

ableist language, sexual harassment, cheating, estrangement, abandonment, depression, suicide mentioned, alcohol consumption, blood/gore, death themes, death of a mother, murder, physical assault, and death of an animal discussed

.

Blog • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram

➸ Trigger warnings for

classism, racism, sexual harassment, implied attempted sexual assault, recreational drug use and abuse, blood/physical injuries, police brutality, gun & knife violence, murder, torture, disappearance of a loved one, earthquakes, superstorms, shipwrecks, drowning, kidnapping, imprisonment, riots, forced relocation, bullying, war themes, and poverty themes.

Blog • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram