Scan barcode
A review by opalmars
All That Consumes Us by Erica Waters
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This book started off really good! I really enjoyed the prologue, the setup to the story and the atmosphere. Unfortunately, I did start getting a little bored after a bit. I think the 1st third of the book (after the catalyst event that starts the story) is a little slow. However, once Tara started uncovering everything and realizing what was happening to her, things got really interesting!
Seeing Tara’s health decline and her not remembering things was ominous, but also quite intriguing. When she comes up with her theory about what could be happening to her…. I was definitely creeped out 🤐. And once the *full truth* is revealed??? Oh boyyyy!! 😰 The plot was definitely my favourite thing about this book. The mystery was very captivating and I enjoyed the way things played out.
I also like the indirect commentary and critique towards academia. Magni Viri clearly shows the dark side of academic institutions, as well as how far some people go in the pursuit of greatness (obviously in an exaggerated way by using the paranormal as an allegory lol). It wasn’t anything too deep, and idk if delving deeper into a critique of academia would’ve fit in this story, so I think this very light approach to the topic was enough for this book.
Now for something I didn’t really care about: the relationships. Tara’s romance with Penny was pretty underdeveloped: it was basically insta-love, and, even after they get together (after knowing each other for 1 week) we barely see them together, so it’s really hard to care about them 😕. The romance was pretty unnecessary in this story, but if the author wanted to include it (even if just as a background plotline) I think it needed a bit more development. I also didn’t really care about Tara’s friendship with the other 1st year students. I understand they were supposed to be a ~found family~ (the author literally spells it out at the end lol), but I honestly didn’t feel much for them. I do appreciate all the queer rep, though! 10/10! 👌🏻
Overall, I think this book is a good read, especially for the spooky season! If you enjoy atmospheric and slightly unsettling (but not too scary!) dark academia books, this will be perfect for you!!!
Seeing Tara’s health decline and her not remembering things was ominous, but also quite intriguing. When she comes up with her theory about what could be happening to her…. I was definitely creeped out 🤐. And once the *full truth* is revealed??? Oh boyyyy!! 😰 The plot was definitely my favourite thing about this book. The mystery was very captivating and I enjoyed the way things played out.
I also like the indirect commentary and critique towards academia. Magni Viri clearly shows the dark side of academic institutions, as well as how far some people go in the pursuit of greatness (obviously in an exaggerated way by using the paranormal as an allegory lol). It wasn’t anything too deep, and idk if delving deeper into a critique of academia would’ve fit in this story, so I think this very light approach to the topic was enough for this book.
Now for something I didn’t really care about: the relationships. Tara’s romance with Penny was pretty underdeveloped: it was basically insta-love, and, even after they get together (after knowing each other for 1 week) we barely see them together, so it’s really hard to care about them 😕. The romance was pretty unnecessary in this story, but if the author wanted to include it (even if just as a background plotline) I think it needed a bit more development. I also didn’t really care about Tara’s friendship with the other 1st year students. I understand they were supposed to be a ~found family~ (the author literally spells it out at the end lol), but I honestly didn’t feel much for them. I do appreciate all the queer rep, though! 10/10! 👌🏻
Overall, I think this book is a good read, especially for the spooky season! If you enjoy atmospheric and slightly unsettling (but not too scary!) dark academia books, this will be perfect for you!!!