Scan barcode
A review by rebrosecca
Mary: An Awakening of Terror by Nat Cassidy
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Disturbing in all the right and wrong ways. I was surprised to learn the author was male considering the main character and 99% of the plot is pre-menopausal women issues. In the end, though, it makes a lot of sense. The misogyny is heavy. The horror is gruesome and uncomfortable. The humor is morbid. The way he paired legit issues about society's portrayal of aging women with gritty, in-your-face violence was unexpectedly confronting. The making of the monsters in this book is chilling and leaves you unsure if the ending is a victory or justice has gotten out of hand. If you want to read something that feels like Stephen King but includes violence against women, this is a solid pick.
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Adult/minor relationship