This was the perfect gothic horror to kick off the spooky season with! The storyline follows a 1950s setting involving a creepy house and our main proThis was the perfect gothic horror to kick off the spooky season with! The storyline follows a 1950s setting involving a creepy house and our main protagonist who goes to investigate after receiving a distress letter from her cousin. The first half and mid of the book was a bit slow but I really enjoyed it as it encapsulated the gothic elements and set the atmosphere really well.
The last 40% is where the plot gets more high stakes and the grotesque scenes also pick up the pace. Part of this book felt confusing to read at times and I really wish the author would have executed them properly or provided more clarity which really impacted the reading experience. Overall I would rate this a 3.5 ⭐️...more
This was a HOT MESS to say the least. An amalgam of: ⛱️a poorly written summer setting
⛱️forgettable plot (with the most eye rolling and exasperating thThis was a HOT MESS to say the least. An amalgam of: ⛱️a poorly written summer setting
⛱️forgettable plot (with the most eye rolling and exasperating things to occur which did nothing to redeem the story or add to its depth but only contributed in making it worse)
⛱️despicable characters who make the worst decisions
⛱️and an ending which was equally flat and lackluster.
Was skipping pages and skim reading for the sake of finishing this early so I could pick up something else worthy of my time.
Also the author is a zionist so will not be reading or buying her books in the future....more
After LOVING AND FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE FIRST BOOK, this sequel was immediately added to my most anticipated releases of 2021.
To say 2.75 stars ⭐️
After LOVING AND FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE FIRST BOOK, this sequel was immediately added to my most anticipated releases of 2021.
To say it lived up to the high rating and the hype of the first installment, it would be absolute sheer mendacity. My high expectations went downhill even faster than the first half of this book. The first book had set the bar high with its well executed plot and its fresh take on the Romeo and Juliet story, characters, angst and the perfect amount of gore. This sequel in comparison was a hot mess and it felt like a poorly written draft where the author had no idea of how to move ahead with the story.
However, while I still adored the main characters and enjoyed my time with them for the most part, the story was overall boring and the twists/ turns felt terribly executed and that really refrains me from giving the book a higher rating.
The ending literally had me like WHAT THE F and although it did manage to make my jaw drop, it did not make for a satisfying end to the duology and felt as if done for the sake of shock value....more
The start was slow but as the book progresses, the plot picks up pace to the point where it was hard to put it down! This was quite a unique re4.5 ⭐️
The start was slow but as the book progresses, the plot picks up pace to the point where it was hard to put it down! This was quite a unique retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai comprising of rival gangs and a mysterious madness which sweeps the entire the city like wildfire.
Definitely has a stong historical fiction and political theme which was weaved into the story in a compelling and engaging way with a mix of violence and gore.
Moreover, the author brilliantly manages to touch upon the adverse and disastrous effects of colonialism, racism and imperialism in the plot which makes the overall story more impactful and thought provoking.
Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a historical fantasy that captures elements of drama, gore, violence (a lot actually) action scenes and twists. ...more
* ੈ✩‧₊˚ Hania * ੈ✩‧₊˚
>
Books:
historical-fiction
(6)
Loading...
