The writing is lush and equal parts horrific and melancholic. Some would consider Marlinchen a weak protagonist, but I think Reid does a decent job in showing how the years of abuse and lies have wounded Marlinchen mentally and emotionally. Admittedly, I was only aware of the warning regarding the cannibalism content and didn't make any attempt to check out the other content warnings needed for this book. I was able to stomach it well enough but I would rethink picking this if darker themes aren't something a reader may be able to handle. 

That said, It was an interesting read and different from what I normally go for. But I think it's helped me step into the gothic horror/horror genre a little more. The sex scenes and what got some of the characters off were a little "aha what???" And though I adored Sevas, the instant romance was a little much given everything else.