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minion2r's review
4.0
Please read this book. I was hesitant when I started reading because the beginning started out as a typical high school drama. I wasn’t impressed by the writing and the relationships felt forced and bland. But once you get through about 90 pages are so, we meet Caleb, and the story really begins.
It is disturbing, and it is heartbreaking, and it is just simply a great book. The relationship between Caleb and Sayers is complicated and deeply emotional, where simple actions and words have great meaning to the overall story. That was the part I liked most about the “middle” part of the book. It was not boring,and I think the author hit right on the nail the complicated emotions a victim goes through in situations like this.
There were certain things that I did not like about the book, and parts that I felt could have been removed or delved into deeper. That does not mean you shouldn’t read it. It is a deeply saddening and moving piece of work, and I recommend it 100%.
It is disturbing, and it is heartbreaking, and it is just simply a great book. The relationship between Caleb and Sayers is complicated and deeply emotional, where simple actions and words have great meaning to the overall story. That was the part I liked most about the “middle” part of the book. It was not boring,and I think the author hit right on the nail the complicated emotions a victim goes through in situations like this.
There were certain things that I did not like about the book, and parts that I felt could have been removed or delved into deeper. That does not mean you shouldn’t read it. It is a deeply saddening and moving piece of work, and I recommend it 100%.
gracecatherine's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
it took me so long to get into this but once i did i was flying through it. it was completely fucked up in a way that i loved and i loved the focus on how saye continued to cope/not cope with the trauma after it was all over. my only complaint is that i wish saye’s relationship with luke after he got out had been developed more and that penny’s relationship with him was more developed so that i could care about them as much as i care about saye and evan together.
alienn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
reading_phil2393's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
marissareids's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
katsquad1129's review
5.0
The way I read this book in an entire day. I was absolute hooked from the moment it started.
I loved the way that this book focused on the past, present, and future of Sayers life, and how the events of the book affected him both physically and psychologically.
In addition, the book focusing on a person's mind, and what they are willing to do in order to survive. The way the other writes Sayer's character maximizes his growth and development alongside his oncoming trauma.
It's a twisted story with equally twisted and hurt characters that makes you want to keep reading. I became so attached to them that I just had to know what happened next.
Furthermore, I love how the story becomes bigger than the kidnapping itself. Yes, it's the main focus of the story, but the focus shifts more to Sayers own thoughts, and what he's willing to do.
Finally, I really love the later parts of this book, and the aftermath of the kidnapping.
It was very interesting to see who really cared about Sayer and who didn't. For example, how his real father visited in the hospital, but was upset that Sayer couldn't talk to him. It was very revealing of his true nature.
Furthermore, the shift of Sayer's actions and character. Before he was the boy who could get away with anything, and now he's the boy who's afraid of those around him. The shift showcases his real friends, and the fake ones.
The part I personally enjoyed the most was his relationship with Evan. Both him and Evan swapped roles in a sense, with Sayer being afraid, while Evan was now strong. It was amazing to see them both grow in different ways, and overcome the past to better the future.
Overall, I loved the ending, in which Sayer was able to begin to accept what had happened to him. He spent most of the book suffering and in denial about what had happened to him. He couldn't distinguish who he was anymore.
Daniel or Sayer.
The internal battle really highlighted how people with major trauma can think about themselves.
And for Sayer, he finally accepts that he doesn't have to choose. Both people have become a part of him that he simply can erase. Furthermore, he finally realizes that he can't change the past, and has to focus on the future he can create.
Overall, I absolutely loved the book during every moment, and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next.
I loved the way that this book focused on the past, present, and future of Sayers life, and how the events of the book affected him both physically and psychologically.
In addition, the book focusing on a person's mind, and what they are willing to do in order to survive. The way the other writes Sayer's character maximizes his growth and development alongside his oncoming trauma.
It's a twisted story with equally twisted and hurt characters that makes you want to keep reading. I became so attached to them that I just had to know what happened next.
Furthermore, I love how the story becomes bigger than the kidnapping itself. Yes, it's the main focus of the story, but the focus shifts more to Sayers own thoughts, and what he's willing to do.
Finally, I really love the later parts of this book, and the aftermath of the kidnapping.
It was very interesting to see who really cared about Sayer and who didn't. For example, how his real father visited in the hospital, but was upset that Sayer couldn't talk to him. It was very revealing of his true nature.
Furthermore, the shift of Sayer's actions and character. Before he was the boy who could get away with anything, and now he's the boy who's afraid of those around him. The shift showcases his real friends, and the fake ones.
The part I personally enjoyed the most was his relationship with Evan. Both him and Evan swapped roles in a sense, with Sayer being afraid, while Evan was now strong. It was amazing to see them both grow in different ways, and overcome the past to better the future.
Overall, I loved the ending, in which Sayer was able to begin to accept what had happened to him. He spent most of the book suffering and in denial about what had happened to him. He couldn't distinguish who he was anymore.
Daniel or Sayer.
The internal battle really highlighted how people with major trauma can think about themselves.
And for Sayer, he finally accepts that he doesn't have to choose. Both people have become a part of him that he simply can erase. Furthermore, he finally realizes that he can't change the past, and has to focus on the future he can create.
Overall, I absolutely loved the book during every moment, and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next.
bobbiejowoo's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was beautiful, heartbreaking, unforgettable. I admit I was in it for the kidnapping bit. I love a good survival story, but I was hooked by the trauma. I love that this author not only showed the captivity and the ways the MC learned to cope with the situation they found themselves in, but also the trauma and affect this had on him after. You get to see how this experience impacted not only the MC but those around him too, and how he interacted with them. Particularly interesting was the change in dynamic between him and his mother.
wordsunbound's review
5.0
"It turns out humans have notoriously terrible memories— and sometimes we even make our memories up."
--
If you're looking for a happy story all around book, I'd turn around. This book is heart breaking and makes you hold your loved ones close.
I want to thank Robin for allowing me early access to this masterpiece of a book before I dive into my review. I have been looking forward to getting my hands on this after I read Robin's book, 'A List of Cages.' I read 'A List of Cages' all in one sitting and could not believe how gritty she gets with her writing. It's captivating and makes you want to keep going because you are so concerned about the safety of the protagonist.
I apologize if my review is all over the place.
Starting off you're introduced to Sayers Wayte, a sixteen year old boy who is living the dream! He has money, a gorgeous girlfriend, and is very well liked amongst the school.
Things take a turn when he is kidnapped. Sayers believes it's all a joke at first and he can bribe his kidnapper with money. But the kidnapper utters three words that send chills down anyone spine:
"I want you "
Sayers is now fighting to maintain his sanity while he is locked up in a room without windows. Can he survive until he is rescued?
--
So I'm definitely giving this book a 5 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
At first I did not know how I truly felt about Sayers friends, especially Garrett. He seems to be able to influence Saye quite a lot in the book, and at one point Sayes girlfriend, Bria, calls him out on that. Saying he is a sheep and always following Garrett around. I agree. Sometimes people are easily influenced by others because they've never learned to be themselves due to fear of being judged by their peers.
Garrett quite often picks on Evan while Sayers just allows it to happen, even eggs it on at times despite Say feeling bad. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone else on the issues with Garrett and Evan.
Dark Room Etiquette is gritty and reminds you about sick people can be. How easily the human brain can be manipulated with just a few words of remember when...
My favorite character overall is Penny. Despite the stuff she goes through, I can't help but love her.
This book made me remember that karma is a bitch, excuse the language haha. Always treat people with kindness because you don't know what kind of hell they're going through. Especially when the universe decides that you are going to run into that same person in the future.
Friends don't get off on hurting other people that are weaker than them. Friends get off on seeing you stand up for what's right and being there when you can't stand on your own.
--
If you're looking for a happy story all around book, I'd turn around. This book is heart breaking and makes you hold your loved ones close.
I want to thank Robin for allowing me early access to this masterpiece of a book before I dive into my review. I have been looking forward to getting my hands on this after I read Robin's book, 'A List of Cages.' I read 'A List of Cages' all in one sitting and could not believe how gritty she gets with her writing. It's captivating and makes you want to keep going because you are so concerned about the safety of the protagonist.
I apologize if my review is all over the place.
Starting off you're introduced to Sayers Wayte, a sixteen year old boy who is living the dream! He has money, a gorgeous girlfriend, and is very well liked amongst the school.
Things take a turn when he is kidnapped. Sayers believes it's all a joke at first and he can bribe his kidnapper with money. But the kidnapper utters three words that send chills down anyone spine:
"I want you "
Sayers is now fighting to maintain his sanity while he is locked up in a room without windows. Can he survive until he is rescued?
--
So I'm definitely giving this book a 5 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
At first I did not know how I truly felt about Sayers friends, especially Garrett. He seems to be able to influence Saye quite a lot in the book, and at one point Sayes girlfriend, Bria, calls him out on that. Saying he is a sheep and always following Garrett around. I agree. Sometimes people are easily influenced by others because they've never learned to be themselves due to fear of being judged by their peers.
Garrett quite often picks on Evan while Sayers just allows it to happen, even eggs it on at times despite Say feeling bad. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone else on the issues with Garrett and Evan.
Dark Room Etiquette is gritty and reminds you about sick people can be. How easily the human brain can be manipulated with just a few words of remember when...
My favorite character overall is Penny. Despite the stuff she goes through, I can't help but love her.
This book made me remember that karma is a bitch, excuse the language haha. Always treat people with kindness because you don't know what kind of hell they're going through. Especially when the universe decides that you are going to run into that same person in the future.
Friends don't get off on hurting other people that are weaker than them. Friends get off on seeing you stand up for what's right and being there when you can't stand on your own.
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
4.0
4.5/5
I really enjoyed this book. It was the first amount of spooky and followed how the main character slowly started to become lost and confused.
I really enjoyed this book. It was the first amount of spooky and followed how the main character slowly started to become lost and confused.
epiphxnygirl's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0