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I'll be honest in saying it was the gorgeous cover enveloping this story that grabbed my attention. I read the synopsis before purchasing it, and though it didn't jump out at me, I still thought I would give it a go. As a writer, it's important to read any and all kinds of stories. But I'm afraid Vixen just wasn't for me.

� Writing
Garland has a very flowery writing style, words that make you squint instead of nod with understanding. I appreciate poetic writing, and it is fitting for a story like this. However, I did find it to be difficult to read and become invested in at times. But there were also some pretty pairings of words that made me stop and reread the sentence.

I need no one, I want no one and no one wants me. That is the finest way to pass through this world, running so swiftly even the air cannot stick. I shake off everything as a fox sheds its tail when the hounds take hold. I'll skip through this world tailless rather than not at all.

Yeah, it definitely wasn't an uplifting kind of book. But I could relate to words such as these. Garland created emotional turmoil that was relatable and understandable. Some of it wasn't, but I could appreciate the words threaded together throughout this novel.

If I can choose to be miserable, I can also choose to be happy. Perhaps I am not chained to my feelings. I can slip free.

There were a few fantastic pairings of words, but there were also many words that made the novel feel awkward and strange. (Please note I don't even like typing these words out, but this is the life of a book reviewer.) ANYWAYS, I lost track of how many times Garland dropped the words "turd", "cunny", and "fart".

This was a brash, blunt book, and I wasn't expecting that. I've read A Game of Thrones. I've read blunt books. I've read dirty words and I don't have an issue with them, if they're used in moderation.

It got to a point where it felt like the author was dropping these words for shock value. Maybe I adapted that improperly, but that's how it began to feel and it only continued to make me uncomfortable.

� Plot
The novel begins with Thomas arriving as the new priest in Brauntone (I think they mean Braunton?) in Devon, England. Anne, who's in desperate need of a change in her life *cough* a man *cough*, she offers to be Thomas's housekeeper. Then Vixen becomes entangled in all of their lives.

This is a tale of love and death and superstition. It's a depressing book that takes place during the time of the Black Death and focuses on the importance of love and strength, what it means to persevere.

The idea for the plot was a great, though I only wish it didn't drag on so long.

� Characters
Each character in this novel went through a significant development and had a strong arc, but I'm afraid I wasn't fond of most of them. I enjoyed Anne's development the most. Watching her grow from a lonely maiden into a strong woman was empowering. I do really like the direction the author took her in, especially with her love interest and how it was delivered. I think that was done well.

But when it comes to Thomas, I wasn't a fan. Thomas's chapters were the least interesting for me. He was meant to be unlikable, and he certainly was. Although, I felt like his chapters didn't heighten or bring anything to the overall story.

Again, I do appreciate Vixen's development and the direction the author took her in, but her first few chapters left me baffled and therefore unable to connect with her for a long while. Overall, I just wasn't able to gain a deep interest with Vixen, but her growth was amazing.

� Overall
It had some memorable sentences and scenes with a rich atmosphere, but once it was all put together, it was quite overwhelming. I think this is a good book and did enjoy parts of it, but overall, it wasn't for me.