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A review by krayreads
Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Actually, this was an insane read and I don't even know where to start.
I agree with other reviewers that this was basically like an episode of black mirror. Oh my GOD.
This is the story of two friends, Enka and Mathilde, who meet as promising and talented students at a prestigious art university. Upon their years at school, they are taken down two different paths, their chosen mediums of art driving them apart in the beginning of their careers but is essentially what brings them back together. What results is an absolute chaotic and unpredictable sequence of events that had my jaw literally on the floor. Neither of these two - or any of the characters for that matter - are likeable, but their flaws are truly what made this story all the more captivating.
I don't want to go into more of the events that occur because you should go into this completely blind, like I did. At no point did I have any idea where this story was going. The twists and turns turned me completely upside down. This book also went to incredibly dark places as well, and was at times, very disturbing, borderline horrifying, especially with how close to reality this is.
The writing was exceptional. Miss Huang was able to capture the potent art world with its brutal nuances perfectly, while also explaining how it intertwines with the complicated tech world in a digestible manner. This book explored the ethics behind technology, its effects on art and humanity, and the terrifying places ones ego will take technological advancement to. Each of the characters' own stories offered sobering yet opposing perspectives on bodily autonomy and morality. There was no room to take a breath in this book. This is one of those stories that grips you and doesn't let go until the very end.
If you are having an existential crisis, stay clear from this book as you will sit in silence staring at the wall for at least twenty minutes simply processing what you've just read (i am obviously speaking from experience lol). This was incredible. Thought-provoking. Mind numbing. Horrifying. Perfect.
Actually, this was an insane read and I don't even know where to start.
I agree with other reviewers that this was basically like an episode of black mirror. Oh my GOD.
This is the story of two friends, Enka and Mathilde, who meet as promising and talented students at a prestigious art university. Upon their years at school, they are taken down two different paths, their chosen mediums of art driving them apart in the beginning of their careers but is essentially what brings them back together. What results is an absolute chaotic and unpredictable sequence of events that had my jaw literally on the floor. Neither of these two - or any of the characters for that matter - are likeable, but their flaws are truly what made this story all the more captivating.
I don't want to go into more of the events that occur because you should go into this completely blind, like I did. At no point did I have any idea where this story was going. The twists and turns turned me completely upside down. This book also went to incredibly dark places as well, and was at times, very disturbing, borderline horrifying, especially with how close to reality this is.
The writing was exceptional. Miss Huang was able to capture the potent art world with its brutal nuances perfectly, while also explaining how it intertwines with the complicated tech world in a digestible manner. This book explored the ethics behind technology, its effects on art and humanity, and the terrifying places ones ego will take technological advancement to. Each of the characters' own stories offered sobering yet opposing perspectives on bodily autonomy and morality. There was no room to take a breath in this book. This is one of those stories that grips you and doesn't let go until the very end.
If you are having an existential crisis, stay clear from this book as you will sit in silence staring at the wall for at least twenty minutes simply processing what you've just read (i am obviously speaking from experience lol). This was incredible. Thought-provoking. Mind numbing. Horrifying. Perfect.