As someone whose twin obsessions are Catholic iconography and the occult, this book was always going to work for me. Grotesque and gorgeous in all the best ways, Fragile Animals is a blood-soaked, breathless rampage through seduction, sin and sexuality with frank explorations of religious guilt and trauma.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for providing me with an eARC to review.

Fragile Animals is well-written and atmospheric. The coldly clinical aura of the book is unique and weaved throughout all the tiny descriptions, throwaway details, and drudgery of this week in which the story is set.

I think it feels a little disjointed in terms of connecting religious trauma to each of these significant events and people in Noelle’s life. Some parts I felt were extremely rushed (Lomie, even Alistair) whereas others were dealt with well (her relationship with her mother and the impact of her mother’s affair with the priest). I think we could have dug deeper into her religious beliefs and what resonates and what doesn’t, instead of painting things more black and white, and allowing her to find more honest truth within herself.

I wished that her meeting Moses would have triggered a lot more thoughts about religion and sin and hell, rather than him being a counsellor for her to recount the past to. I felt she was still relying on others for direction at the end than able to stand on her own feet, even if she didn’t know where they would take her.

However, I do appreciate the themes of the book and what it attempts to explore. There are few books that have attempted a story similar to this, and this one has shown a very well-thought out perspective of it, especially when it comes to picking the significant events in Noelle’s life expertly in order to explore these themes, I just wish we had deeper philosophical/spiritual exploration in order to truly fulfil its potential.

I have to start by saying, I think this is the best book I have read in 2024 thus far. It surpassed all my expectations, and I have already added it to my list of books I recommend people. There was an unctuousness to the novel that drew me in, even when I felt compelled to put it down. I think all the characters felt very real, very flawed, and sometimes unlikeable, but never in a way that repelled me. Instead they drew me in (Moses with his long face, dirty nails, stained teeth) and our narrator, Noelle, with her ex-Catholic guilt and longings and awkward and sometimes hostile silences. As a recovering Catholic myself, so much of Noelle's struggles resonated with me, those memories of the church, everything instilled in you at such a young age and then as adult, trying to come to terms with adulthood and the grip the Catholic teaching has on you. I thought the prose was beautiful, but not overbearing. The moments when Noelle describes hovering over the mirror of the lake, the dead swan, hiding under the table to sleep - were so perfect, so contained, but also so vivid.
I very much enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from Genevieve Jagger in the future.

Fragile Animals was very much not what I expected from the description that had been presented but I am not upset about it. I expected a sexy take on vampirism and her relationship with Moses, but instead meeting Moses was simply the catalyst of what the book truly was. This one was a gut wrenching retrospective of our main character's past with her family and with her relationship with Catholicism. I wanted to cry for Noelle so many times, both at times when she was sharing stories with Moses on the island and when we were thrown into the past. Despite the various changes in time, the pacing was well executed and the ending was devastating and perfectly timed.

I highly recommend Fragile Animals for anyone who loves a character study but not for someone looking for a hot, sexy vampire story (as that is not what you will find here).

Thank you to NetGalley and 404 Ink for providing me with ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was going to be a bit heavier in the dark vampire romance department, so that's the only reason it didn't get a higher rating from me. But I really did enjoy it for what it was, after I was able to leave my expectations at the door! I love a good story that tackles religious guilt, childhood trauma, mommy/daddy issues, and queer guilt/sexual uncertainty... and if the author is going to throw in a vampire in there too, I am just not going to not love it.

Fragile Animals - Genevieve Jagger 🦢

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Definitely a weird and wonderful book.

This was on my must read list as soon as I read the blurb and was so excited to have received the arc.

There's mommy/daddy drama, queer issues, religious issues and a vampire, the lot in this book, at so many points I was left confused/intrigued and dying to know more.

Highly recommend this to be added to your TBR pile asap!!

Thank you to NetGalley & 404 Ink for sending me this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own*

#netgalley #fragileanimals

This book sadly wasn't my cup of tea at all. I'm not sure what I expected - I mainly requested this book as I liked the cover and dark themes!
'Fragile Animals' has very little plot, and is more a character study of the main character, Noelle - a former Catholic struggling with religious trauma from her upbringing, and internalised homophobia. Noelle is a poet, who travels to Scotland to get away and write - where she meets a mysterious man who claims to be a vampire. Together they bond and form a weird relationship where they divulge their darkest secrets and tell stories of past lovers. The story is very slow paced, with the prose style being overstated and melodramatic. The atmosphere is very dreary and depressing, matching Noelle's state of mind. This vampiric relationships seems to act as a catalyst for change and introspection in Noelle's life, unfortunately I just wasn't invested in Noelle's journey, and couldn't connect with any of the symbolism at play.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced digital review copy.

I was disappointed in this novel. I should have loved it! Vampires, religious trauma, deep-character studies.... Unfortunately, it is not so terrible as it is very amateur. To begin nicely, I think the sex scenes and general eroticism were well done. I appreciated the playing with plot form in the flashbacks and the decision to make the love interest an older man. The setting was intriguing and the premise fruitful.

So. The novel is vaguely in the horror genre while firmly in the literary fiction camp. Unfortunately, it does not have the literary skill to fully make it with the big leagues it's trying to. Jagger has forgone a traditional plot in pursuit of a character study, which while illuminating at times, is dressed by a prose style that is overstated and, at times, melodramatic. Much of the potential symbolism is underdeveloped and the characters do not act to life—there is an undeniable juvenile quality to everything underlying the actions, dialogue, and characterization that render the book easily forgettable. There's also a base inauthenticity in many of the situations as well, mainly around money and the points of dialogue that push the story forward. I did enjoy parts of it — don't get me wrong — but it felt like a first novel you write as a teen and keep quietly on your desktop. I honestly just might be too old this (24)—It felt like the romp of a 19-year-old who's still starry-eyed about the world and their place in it.

As I noted in another review, I have a lot in common with the main character—I grew up incredibly religious and had (up until last year) a terrible, chaotic relationship with my mother who left when I was 8. I haven't seen her in... 8 years? I don't remember. I grew up with my father, who ended up a much better parent. We later stopped going to church. I am also bisexual (he is too, who'd've thought). This did not explore the deep, complicated mess inside those of us with similar backgrounds as much as it lightly recalled and cringed at it. The effects of a bad mother, religiosity, and lack of self-love are cancerous and sinewy, and I see this most in the faces of former foster kids and those I've met in psychiatric hospital wards. While the novel attempted to illustrate the proper shades and gravitas of these life experiences, the prose's mushiness rendered much of it void. Words matter, and you can't just go throwing them on a page and expect the best to stick.

Thank you to 404 Ink and NetGalley for providing me with the eARC. All opinions are honest and my own.

An interesting read from a debut author that explores identity, desire, religion, and lots of repressed catholic guilt.

Noelle is a sinner, or so she says. Directionless and stuck in a rut, she travels to the secluded Isle of Bute to find inspiration. And surprisingly, she does! Lots of inspiration in the form of unearthing past family traumas and repressed queer desire. Oh and there’s a vampire.

I enjoyed the introspective prose and slow dissection of Noelle’s past and psyche through the pages. This is definitely a book for the literary fiction readers, especially those who enjoy falling down rabbit holes of traumatic pasts to come out the other side (potentially?) better but definitely changed.

While I personally did not mind the disorganized threads and loose ends, I would have preferred a more focused storyline. Maybe I’m missing something, but it felt like the vampire aspect served no significant purpose, which is a shame considering the themes associated with Moses’ character are heavily marketed. But I did find him to be an interesting character, so that’s something.

Regardless, this is more a book about Noelle and her past than it is about her relationship with Moses, despite him being the catalyst for Noelle’s self-reflection and self-discovery. And taken from that front, the story reads heavy, yet refreshing and satisfying.

As with any contemplation, commentary, or scrutiny of religion, read at your own risk. I don’t have any repressed catholic trauma.

Whew, this wasn't for me. It was a real slow burn with lots of backstory, and nothing really happened until very late in the book when there's like 5 pages 'action'. The characters were both not likeable and the plot basically follows them talking about their exes and ruminating about past trauma. Not as much sexy vampire stuff as I expected.

Noelle is a published poet, one that’s full of self torture, mummy issues and a little loathing. She’s run away to the island of Brute, Scotland, where she stays in a weird guest house….one with an interesting older guest. Noelle is raised by religion and on some strict believes; as she gets older, those beliefs start to waiver and in turn she questions religion and her mother.

Fragile Animals takes on two timelines - the past, as it delves into Noelle’s Catholic upbringing and her family issues, then the present day, as she she tries to write her new poetry but is somewhat distracted by the older man at the guest house.

The book is a melancholy rollercoaster - with a dysfunctional family dynamic, self discovery, sexuality, and all the weird things in between that life delivers us.

If you’re a fan of ‘sad girl’ literature, you’ll enjoy this. I was a big fan of Noelle.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced reading copy. Fragile Animals is published on 25th April.

*Thank you NetGalley, 404 Ink Publishing and Genevieve Jagger for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review*

Noelle, burdened by her Catholic upbringing, seeks solace on the windswept Isle of Bute. There, she encounters the enigmatic Moses, a man claiming to be a vampire. Their connection deepens through intimate confessions, each harboring dark secrets. As the island chills and their conversations explore forbidden territory, Noelle grapples with desires that stir forgotten memories. The scandal of her mother's affair with a priest resurfaces, entwining with Noelle's present turmoil.
The book shines in its lyrical prose. The author paints vivid imagery, transporting the reader to the stormy Isle of Bute. The concept, a collision of Catholic guilt and vampiric allure, is original and thought-provoking. The first-person narrative captures Noelle's numbness and internal chaos. We experience her fragmented past woven into the present, revealing a journey of self-discovery and healing from childhood trauma. However, this back and forth structure disrupts the flow, and the past sections feel less impactful compared to the present. I found myself skimming through them quite a lot.
While the core story is interesting, some streamlining could enhance the story, tightening the narrative and trimming less essential parts would elevate the overall reading experience. The clash between faith and the unholy figure of the vampire offers a unique path for Noelle's growth. Despite its flaws and a protagonist who could benefit from further development (she’s quite dull and tries so hard to be interesting), the potential for this debut novel is undeniable. I eagerly await the author's future works to see how this promising voice evolves.

Fragile Animals by Genevieve Jagger is trying hard to outdo ottessa moshfegh in terms of bodily fluids and abject bodies but it failed to offer anything really subversive.

vampire and Christianity? this book is soo good, really enjoyed the reading.
The vibes were immaculate, more books like this.

Noelle, a woman from Edinburgh, travels to a remote Scottish island where she stays at a two-bedroom bed and breakfast hosted by the charming Miss Fraser. The only other guest is Moses, who intriguingly introduces himself as a vampire.

Despite this supernatural introduction, elements of the paranormal are peripheral to the main storyline. If the vampire aspect were removed, the narrative would remain largely unchanged.
Readers drawn to this book by the prospect of a vampire-themed plot will likely be disappointed. Additionally, those seeking a romance between a human and a vampire will not find it here.

The primary focus of the book is on the trauma stemming from Noelle’s past experiences with religion, romantic relationships, and childhood. The protagonist reflects on her disappointments through a religious lens imparted by her parents during her upbringing. She attempts to navigate her trauma and reconstruct her sense of self on this isolated Scottish island.

Central to Noelle's trauma is her relationship with her mother. The narrative delves deeply into her efforts to reconcile with her past and to define herself independently of religious prejudices. This book appeals to those who appreciate character development, as the plot itself is meandering and none of the characters are particularly endearing. It includes graphic depictions, so potential readers should take caution.

Overall, while it may not be a groundbreaking work, it offers relatable themes and is worth reading for those interested in character-driven stories.

I’m grateful with NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity of letting me read this before its publication.

Noelle's a twenty-something grappling with the talons that Catholicism and familial trauma have sunk into her being. In order to escape, and hopefully write her second book of prayer-like poems, she escapes to a small Scottish isle where she lodges in a homey accommodation with a vampire and a woman who enjoys crocheting. This island escape sets her on a path of continued self-destruction., sometimes aided by Moses, the grotesque vampire sleeping under the same roof.

Genevive Jagger's debut novel has a solid concept, one which seeks to deconstruct, exploit and begin to solve the masochistic tendencies of her main character. However, Fragile Animals fails to pick up speed until the last fourth of the novel and under utilizes the most interesting relationships Noelle has (Lorne, Loem)- relegating them to the second half, or even the last two chapters of the book.

Overall, the book was an interesting exploration of the forbidden, as viewed through a Catholic lens, that could have really flourished if pacing and relationships were further explored.

Thanks to Net Galley and 404ink for providing me an eArc.

YES YES YES!!! This was brilliant, very similar to a book which I loved called Dead Animals. Highly recommend!

'Fragile Animals' had me absolutely spellbound, but I was so convinced I had to read it in one sitting for it to feel right that I started and then stopped so many times until I could make that dedication. Genevieve Jagger's writing is stunning, incredible — I have so much highlighted. I loved the eeriness and isolation on Bute, and the way we were drawn into such an escape from the world.

About half of 'Fragile Animals' is Noelle on Bute, connecting with Moses and Miss Fraser, and working through identity and religious trauma. The other half is Noelle's life before Bute, growing up highly Catholic, in a home with a cold, distant mother, connecting with her semi-stepmom's brother, mourning the separation of a friend whose emotional pull is almost tangible, and steeped in so much religion and questioning of it.

The latter wasn't as strong as the former. It felt too jarring and normal against the backdrop of something much more interesting. There must have been a way to work it in better.

The religious questioning and trauma; betrayal by the church and by family; the inner hatred that comes with Catholic beliefs are absolutely central to the entirety of this story, and if that's something you want to explore I highly recommend.

I really hated the ~big realization at the end. It was hinted at, but not nearly developed enough to have such a huge come-to-Jesus moment of that level. It felt like it came out of nowhere and turned the book around in a way that didn't work.

I'm still working through how I feel about Moses and their connection, but it's something I'm going to think about for a long time.

I tried really hard to get into this one, but I just wasn't able to. I am still really thankful to the publisher, author, and netgalley for granting me advanced access to this digital collection before publication day.

‘Know that I tried to live my life with love, the way that Jesus wanted, but that it’s so fucking hard out here in a world made to be so mean’

Okay as a lover of lit fic and fantasy a gritty lit fic with a vampire character is a bit of me.

Noelle is in her early 20s and is grappling with internalised homophobia, religious trauma, and a harmful relationship with her mother. She travels to the Isle of Bute to inspire herself to write, and meets a vampire named Moses. Noelle and Moses develop a brief relationship in which they reveal intimate stories about their lives and relationships, leading Noelle on a path of self reflection.

The writing in this book was beautiful and raw and clever. I’m impressed that this is a debut novel! The exploration of religious, sexual, and familial trauma is so impactful. I felt so sad for Noelle and all that she has endured, but I was really rooting for her on this journey of self discovery and self acceptance. I feel like I will need to reread to pick up on all the nuances and symbolism in the writing and story!

Thank you to NetGalley and 404 Ink for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review!