Rachael > Recent Status Updates

So, I know I'm probably supposed to hate one of the main POV characters, but I really hate him and it's making me not want to continue this.

This is my 8th attempt at something actually spooky-gives-me-the-creeps-scary since October started, and I'm finally, FINALLY, getting what I want. Not even 1/4 in and all the goosebump creeps. I will not read this right before I go to sleep as I value peaceful rest.
The atmosphere 🤌🙌

I want to like it. I've gotten through nearly 17 hours of the audio book. I clearly *want* to like it. But I don't know if I like it. The main love interest is.... questionable. And he just crossed a big line and I know from spoilers he crosses another HUGE line coming up, and I just don't know how on board I am with this being the intended object of my interest.
Being a creepy predator is not a sexy trait.

Ugh, can I just read without these silly constraints like needing to sleep?
It's really enjoyable so far.

I love it so far. The world is rich, the characters are naturally fleshed out, the mystery is intriguing. I can't wait to get back to it.

I know I can be overwhelmed, and I can be underwhelmed. But can I ever just be whelmed?

Really though, I'm interested enough to keep going, but just barely. The characters are all unlikable, in a joyless way. I don't like not liking them. They're not fun to hate. Their actions aren't wholly unrealistic though, so I'm still going.

The mystery is OK. I have some guesses. It would be fun if I'm wrong but we'll see.

It's not *super* engaging. Neither main character is likable, and the pace is very slow. I'm determined to get a bit farther before I give up, but I'm not sure I'll finish. For a very intriguing premise, it's just so boring right now.

It is so enjoyable so far. The characters are sincere and natural, and there's a mysterious background plot that has me all kinds of engaged.

It's been really slow going, but it seems to be finally getting a little intriguing.

It's rough. And a bit weird. But it might be picking up. The main character, Shikanoko, is just devastatingly boring. Just the blankest of slates. The one trait he is supposedly bestowed with is a temper. And it's shown up... once? Maybe twice. I think my eyes have glazed over a few times so maybe I missed another instance.
And the fantasy parts of this story so far have been the least interesting.