Transcendentally Sinister! CJ Leede debut is a breath-taking choke leaving you gasping at the gruesome detailing web of Maeve, a deuteragonist, in her own right, living a double life in Los Angeles.
Images such as Princesses and beauty have power and we more often can fall under the spell. For some, it may come at a cost, more deeply rooted or satiated than one can comprehend: leaving you alone in solace.
The story was an elegant waltzing with decomposition and gore. Maeve held no personal desire back, and with the aid of Gideon and grandmother, Tallulah (amazing Tori Amos song, btw) she was wrestling with letting her true ‘wolf’ free.
There is detailed sex, which I am not shy about, and desires were explored and not shamed. Reading it in a book is like unlocking a private bedroom door, peering in at their ‘darkside’ and let’s be real, I enjoyed the view.
C.J’s writin”Introducing the remarkable debut novel by CJ Leede, Transcendentally Sinister. The story follows Maeve, a deuteragonist who leads a double life in the bustling city of Los Angeles. With exquisite and macabre attention to detail, this novel will leave readers breathless and gasping for more.
The author masterfully weaves images of beauty and power, drawing the reader into a spellbinding narrative. However, as the story unfolds, the cost of this alluring facade becomes apparent, delving into deeper, more sinister themes. The reader is left in solitude, reflecting on the powerful and often dangerous allure of beauty.
Leede’s writing is a graceful dance between decomposition and gore, as Maeve grapples with her true inner self, aided by the enigmatic Gideon and her grandmother Tallulah (a nod to the talented Tori Amos). The exploration of desires, including detailed sexual encounters, is portrayed without shame, offering a glimpse into the characters’ innermost thoughts and desires.
The author’s skillful exposition, combined with graphic and well-developed characters, makes for a riveting read. Leede’s tantalizing prose had me devouring each page with increasing urgency. It is clear that CJ Leede is a talented writer to watch.
This mesmerizing novel offers surprising twists and turns, with a sneak peek into the world of Maeve Fly being an absolute must. Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing an advance copy of this gripping tale.
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