This was probably my third foray into Nyeusigrube, as Amelia Atwater-Rhodes has dubbed her supernatural world. I read these books in an odd order originally, but I was in love immediately. These were the vampires I “grew up with” despite also reading Dracula and The Vampire Lestat around the same time. Atwater-Rhodes’ vampires remain my favorite iteration of the creature. Picking up one of her books is like stepping back into my teen angst… the less cringy parts of that, anyway.
In the Forests of the Night is a short, fairly easy read that really sucks you in. It’s the kind of atmospheric read that I love. I’m not sure I really felt the characters, but the atmosphere is definitely there. The world-building is straightforward, even blunt at times. There is no overtly flowery language or symbolism here. I actually quite enjoyed the way it was done here.
I’m realizing on this reread that Risika’s whole thing with Aubrey is an abuse storyline. Aubrey’s tactics are straight out of an abuser’s playbook: create a situation or situations where your target is weak. Keep them in that mindset. Keep them afraid of you. Risika overcomes all that, but only after 300 years. Even their fight at the end has Aubrey trying to intimidate her out of it rather than fighting her for most of it.
That was really my big revelation this time around… and now I find myself at a loss for words. Or at least, more coherent thought.
I enjoyed the way Risika’s turning was written. I am completely flummoxed at Alexander’s ultimate reaction to Risika. But other than that, no other insights.
I still really enjoy Amelia Atwater-Rhodes’ writing. I enjoy revisiting Nyuseigrube every once in a while. It’s nice to come home to less complicated vampires.
No comments:
Post a Comment