Scan barcode
A review by inkerly
This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings
adventurous
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
As a black booktube girlie, seeing another black booktube girlie publish and release her own book was inspiring, and I wanted to support all the way. This book is set in 1920s Harlem, New York where humans and reapers - vampire-like "undead" creatures created from a failed science experiment - live together as foes. Reaper Layla Quinn and notorious reaper-killer's daughter Elise Saint were once best friends now turned bitter enemies. But a shocking reaper attack forces the two to band together to investigate and stop more murders from wreaking havoc on New York.
This had a good premise. I think what prevented me from enjoying this as much as I could've is, there was a lot going on. The writing felt very stilted and heavy with backstory. I understand it's set in 1920s, but it doesn't have to be written like it's from the 1920s lol. And the history around how reapers came to be was confusing (Are only black people reapers? Is it only in the U.S.A?) That said, it got better as time went on and Layla and Elise were paired together. I liked their dynamic, even though they were both toxic for each other (Elise, looking at you). But I'll give credit where it's due: the mystery they were trying to solve is unlike anything I've read in a book, and I think for her first book Dennings did a good job weaving it out. I can definitely see a sector of people fangirl over this book. I also liked that other themes - Racism, classism, and toxic family dynamics were heavily brought up throughout the book.
The big reveal of the evil guys was not surprising, and the explanation of their master plan was HELLA confusing. Layla being a dumbass in the last few chapters because apparently she was able to figure out these plans, but then when she had the chance to thwart it, she fell for their trap willingly? Smh. Also, while I appreciated the enemies-to-lovers arc between Elise and Layla, I'm surprised there was no commentary on their sexuality or the taboo of their lesbian love in the time period they are in. The ending feels half-satisfying, half-incomplete and my only thought is, the sequel will have to do a lot of explaining. But I'm up for it.
This had a good premise. I think what prevented me from enjoying this as much as I could've is, there was a lot going on. The writing felt very stilted and heavy with backstory. I understand it's set in 1920s, but it doesn't have to be written like it's from the 1920s lol. And the history around how reapers came to be was confusing (Are only black people reapers? Is it only in the U.S.A?) That said, it got better as time went on and Layla and Elise were paired together. I liked their dynamic, even though they were both toxic for each other (Elise, looking at you). But I'll give credit where it's due: the mystery they were trying to solve is unlike anything I've read in a book, and I think for her first book Dennings did a good job weaving it out. I can definitely see a sector of people fangirl over this book. I also liked that other themes - Racism, classism, and toxic family dynamics were heavily brought up throughout the book.
The big reveal of the evil guys was not surprising, and the explanation of their master plan was HELLA confusing. Layla being a dumbass in the last few chapters because apparently she was able to figure out these plans, but then when she had the chance to thwart it, she fell for their trap willingly? Smh. Also, while I appreciated the enemies-to-lovers arc between Elise and Layla, I'm surprised there was no commentary on their sexuality or the taboo of their lesbian love in the time period they are in. The ending feels half-satisfying, half-incomplete and my only thought is, the sequel will have to do a lot of explaining. But I'm up for it.