I had a very hard time deciding what to rate this book. The first half or so was slow, and the whole thing is objectively very weird. I was always interested but not truly captivated by the story until about the last 25%. Part of the problem is also that this kind of subtle horror makes me uncomfortable, though that is almost certainly part of the intent.
But when it did connect, it hit hard. The language, the metaphors, the way things came together... made me feel seen, helped me know parts of myself better. The ending was the perfect combination of satisfying and ambiguous to fit this kind of book, where not everything has to be explained to be understood.
Many fantasy books, and much of fiction in general, is written with the outcast in mind. For those who can't fit in or find their place, because, of course, that's all of us at some point or another. This novel is no different, but I'd say it's particularly for those who know there is a part of themselves that is not good, that feeds on pain. Who feel like they may be infected.
If an exploration of mental health, family ties, and monstrousness through YA gothic fantasy sounds interesting to you, give this one a try!
But when it did connect, it hit hard. The language, the metaphors, the way things came together... made me feel seen, helped me know parts of myself better. The ending was the perfect combination of satisfying and ambiguous to fit this kind of book, where not everything has to be explained to be understood.
Many fantasy books, and much of fiction in general, is written with the outcast in mind. For those who can't fit in or find their place, because, of course, that's all of us at some point or another. This novel is no different, but I'd say it's particularly for those who know there is a part of themselves that is not good, that feeds on pain. Who feel like they may be infected.
If an exploration of mental health, family ties, and monstrousness through YA gothic fantasy sounds interesting to you, give this one a try!