This book is what I can only describe as operatic. It reads like an opera would read if you novelized it. There are scenes that I can point to and say 'there should be an aria here.' You can tell Lewis took some inspiration from Shakespeare with the beginning of the book. However this lessens throughout the book.

This book is both really entertaining, and really brutal to get through. Lewis is very good with his use of imagery, and even when the plot feels contrived - which it does sometimes - the Gothic atmosphere lessens any disgruntlement. Overall, I would say it slaps, but cautiously. You must look up the trigger warnings before you read this book. It's rough.