"Fragile Animals" by Genevieve Jagger is a remarkable novel that left a profound impact on me. The story, while beautifully written, delves into complex emotional landscapes that stirred my heart and mind in ways few books have. Jagger's prose is both lyrical and powerful, drawing readers into a world that feels intensely real and intimate.
The characters are deeply flawed yet incredibly relatable, each struggling with their own vulnerabilities and desires. Their journeys of self-discovery and healing are portrayed with such honesty and raw emotion that it was impossible not to become deeply invested in their lives. This book doesn't shy away from exploring painful themes, which made the reading experience both enriching and challenging.
While I loved "Fragile Animals" for its beauty and depth, it was also an emotionally taxing read. The themes of loss, love, and redemption are handled with great sensitivity, but they also left me reflecting on my own experiences and emotions long after I had turned the last page.
Overall, "Fragile Animals" is a stunning work of fiction that I wholeheartedly recommend. Its emotional intensity and exquisite storytelling make it a truly unforgettable read.

Loved this book! Sad girl lit with a vampiric theme.

Will be following to see what Genevieve writes next :)

Genevieve Jagger's debut solidifies her as a bright new voice in horror and fiction. With "Fragile Animals" Jagger deftly tells the story of a young writer who while trying to find some time to write, isolates herself to no end. When she ends up staying at a boarding house, she meets a strange older man whose true identity upends both of their lives.

This upending may not be all bad though, as Jagger makes it clear both of these characters were destined to come into each other's lives. This divine intervention makes for a novel that intricately examines religious guilt, sexuality and unburdened desires. Though the pacing is at times gruellingly slow, Jagger sticks the landing in a way that not many of her peers have.

Atmospheric and SO WEIRD. Adored this book and will be recommending it to everyone I know! I love a good vampire story and the premise of this sucked me right in. I took a chance on an author I'd never read before and it paid off! Can't wait to see what Genevieve Jagger writes next.

Such an interesting concept for a book, and so wonderfully executed. I found the quiet, introspective feel of the book very effective. This book not only brings the reader along but gives them space to think and reflect.

absolutely loved the themes of religious trauma combined with mother issues - the capitalization of Mother like the capitalization of God was a smaller detail that added so much to the book in my opinion. i cared less for the focus on moses, but still really liked this book! can't wait to see what this author does next.

It took me a long time to get around to this feedback because it took me a long time to finish this title. I know that this was a debut, and I think there were a lot of good ideas and ideations in here, but the writing at times felt very childish and unsure of itself. Maybe this was a stylistic choice as the main voice is a young writer but it didn't feel as such. I am sorry to say I would not recommend this one out. :/

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This is a really beautiful exploration of religious beliefs and the relationship we have with them, especially in regards to our upbringing and how this shapes who we are.

I did want this to feel a bit more gothic maybe? Or more eery based on the setting, but I still thought it was excellent!

A strong 4 star for me!

Fragile Animal is Genevive Jaggers debut novel whice came out april this year and oh my - what a book to start off with!

Noelle has a hard time thinking about her religious upbringing and decides to travel to a far off place in Scotland, Isle of Bute, to get some peace and quiet and finally can write more on her poetry. She is staying at a kinda creepy old and loney house - tho it isn't that lonely after all. There's a mysterious older men living there and soon everything takes quite a dark and bloody twist.

The novel deals with a lot of catholic guilt and how her childhood was always connected to the religion experience her family had. Mixing this storyline with a very modern take on vampirism was interesting to read and made me excited to read more of her work hopefully soon!

Fragile Animals is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of vulnerability and resiliencec. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world that felt both familiar and ethereal, as Jagger masterfully crafts a narrative that intertwines the fragility of existence with the raw emotions of her characters.
The emotional depth of the story is palpable. Each character is meticulously developed, their struggles resonating deeply and evoking a spectrum of feelings -- from sorrow to hope. Jagger's prose is both lyrical and poignant, creating moments that linger in the mind long after the last page is turned. I find myself still thinking about so many moments of this book, long after I first read the arc.

The gothic elements of the novel add an enchanting layer to the reading experience. The imagery is striking, painting scenes that feel like they could belong to a dream, or a haunting. The atmosphere itself enhances the VERY emotional journey we go on, making every moment feel charged with significance.

I had to read this incredibly slowly to really be able to absorb every element of this; it was that profound of a reading experience for me, and I am only just now able to sit down and talk about my feelings for this book. It doesn't feel like just a book, it's an immersive journey that resonates both on an emotional and aesthetic level.

A wonderful Novel, but not what you'd expect from the blurb. For me, this was actually a pleasant surprise, but I can’t help but worry that it might fall into the wrong hands and leave readers, particularly vampire enthusiasts, feeling disappointed. This is not that kind of story.

What truly shines is the narrator's intricate relationship with religion—the confusion and complexity of turning away from faith while still harbouring lingering feelings for God. This is a subject that, in my view, isn’t discussed nearly enough.

‘Fragile Animals’ also excels in exploring the lasting impact of a neglectful mother. The interplay between the mother’s role in shaping the narrator’s voice and the strained nature of their relationship is portrayed with such nuance. Feels reminiscent of some of the most gut-wrenching memoirs.

At its core, this is a story about religion. Its influence weaves through every element of the narrative, and it is executed with care. It illustrates how the stories and values we absorb as children remain deeply rooted, even when we consciously strive to move away from them.

All of this is delivered in a bundle of brilliant prose. At times, however, the narrative did drag, which is the primary reason I’ve withheld one star. These slower moments weighed down the story and dampened its overall impact.

That said, it remains a book I’ll gladly recommend.

Fragile Animals by Genevieve Jagger is like running your fingers over broken glass, painfully beautiful and reflective, with edges that cut deep. Jagger's prose moves with the grace of a whisper, yet there’s an unyielding strength beneath, a pulse that hums with vulnerability and survival. Each character feels raw, as if their stories were stripped to the bone, and Jagger captures this fragile strength in a way that makes you ache and exhale all at once. The story walks a line between resilience and surrender, weaving a quiet, haunting melody of what it means to be human, flawed, and fiercely alive.

A modern take on what it means to be a vampire. I thought this was a great debut and look forward to reading more by Genevieve Jagger in the future!

Dark, sensual, and haunting, Fragile Animals explores the painful collision between faith and forbidden desire. Noelle’s journey is a raw confrontation with her past, woven with trauma and the haunting allure of her vampire lover. The book is like a confessional booth with bite; sinful, introspective, and drenched in blasphemy. If you're into stories where faith collides with flesh and shadows come alive in more ways than one, this is a gripping, dark ride that doesn't hold back.

Fragile Animals is an offbeat and quirky debut that I'm sure will be popular amongst the litfic crowd especially those with a religious past or those who have grappled with repressed sexuality. The narrative voice of the novel is strong with an fmc that exudes a peculiar sort of charm and the setting is vivid and filled with damp and decrepit imagery that sets it apart from other vampire novels I've seen recently. Though the prose is stunning, with a poetry-like quality, the plot wavers. I often found many of the flashback portions of this novel to feel more like drudging tangents rather than essential backstory. If I were to give and example of where I think Jagger's writing shines in this story it would be the chapter "Judgement Day" during which I literally found myself at the edge of my seat awaiting which grueling detail would be revealed next. Despite its shortcomings, I can't wait to see what other works lie in Jagger's future and will most definitely be picking them up!

“Is your father a holy man?’
I sneer. ‘My father is a Satanist.”
.
Loved the writing, so atmospheric and gothic, perfect for a plot set mostly in Scotland - you can really feel the wind and rain, both fortunately and unfortunately.

Howeverrrrr, some parts of the story felt undeveloped and like someone wanted to make them feel deep, but with little luck.

Vampires and the questioning of everything you’ve ever known? This book has it.

An interesting take on the struggles of a religious protagonist who tries to keep her faith, whilst exploring the underworld of her world.

Unfinished due to time restraints.

Thank you for sharing this book with me, I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was weird but great, and I’d highly recommend it to the “weird girl fiction” readers. Perfect for the fans of Mona Awad.

"Fragile Animals" by Genevieve Jagger is a beautifully crafted exploration of vulnerability and resilience, weaving together themes of nature, identity, and the delicate balance of life. Jagger's lyrical prose invites readers into a world where both human and animal experiences intertwine, highlighting the fragility of existence and the strength that emerges from it.

The characters are richly developed, each facing their own challenges that reflect broader themes of connection and survival. Jagger's insightful observations and evocative descriptions create a vivid tapestry that brings both the emotional and physical landscapes to life. The narrative flows seamlessly between poignant moments and thought-provoking reflections, allowing readers to deeply engage with the story.

What truly sets "Fragile Animals" apart is Jagger's ability to evoke empathy, encouraging readers to reflect on their own vulnerabilities and the importance of compassion in a world that can often feel harsh and unforgiving. The blend of storytelling and thematic depth makes this book not only a compelling read but also a meaningful one.

Overall, "Fragile Animals" is a touching and thought-provoking work that will resonate with anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the delicate nature of life. Genevieve Jagger has crafted a remarkable debut that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended!

3.5 stars

Fragile Animals is presented as a vampire story (and it is) but there’s so much more to unpack here. The book encompasses Noelle’s struggle with her faith, her sexuality, the constant turmoil of being in your 20s, and the need to be loved yet feeling small at the idea of wanting it.

‘Moses’ the vampire’s role in this book remains much smaller as opposed to what i was expecting, yet I loved the approach the author took with the story. His role was limited to conversations with Noelle and the strange events that occurred in his presence. I didn’t care for Moses too much if I’m being honest but I felt the intrigue, want and disgust Noelle felt for him (partially inspired by Twilight, as she admits lol).

I especially loved how vivid the imagery was. If I were to close my eyes and think of this book I would be transported right back into either Noelle’s church or the Isle of Brute and I love this book for that! (That one last scene in the church played like the climax of a movie and I’m still kind of not over it.) The atmosphere of this book was drab and brooding with slight slivers of horror and mystique spread across the story which made the experience of reading it so much more thrilling.

Contrary to the main premise (vampires), this book is more so about relationships — with our parents and loved ones, with God (if one even exists), with people we don’t talk to anymore, and with ourselves; and the way we navigate these relationships, how we live after dedicating our lives to one singular thing or one singular person, and how getting back up is always a lonely journey.

If you’re looking for a story with vampires and not a story about vampires, Fragile Animals is such a gripping read!