Reviews tagging 'Forced institutionalization'

The Four by Ellie Keel

1 review

booknerdcoco's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

OK firstly. This book needs a list of trigger warnings. I was so disappointed that one wasn't supplied in the book or online, especially given  the graphic content of the book. My concern is that a younger reader may pick this book up - it is set in a sixth form, which may lead one to believe it is a YA novel. It is NOT!! 

This is a very dark and explicit thriller. Was it good? Yes. Was it great? I don't think so.

Whilst the plot itself is decent, the text can be confusing in parts. I understand that the author was trying to keep things mysterious. But honestly, I just felt that it didn't land in places.

The story follows the life of four scholarship students as they embark on a scholarship in a rural boarding school
 There appears to be no leadership, and the bullying is rife. Due to the vulnerable nature of the students and the negligence of the staff, thigns soon take a turn for the worst. And somebody is accused of a crime, which then leads to even darker revelations.

I felt like the story could have been shortened in places. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes, but only to the right reader. This story isn't for the faint of heart, and as previously mentioned, it could be  triggering for some due to the content.

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