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torturedreadersdept's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Death of parent, Kidnapping, Blood, Death, Violence, Confinement, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Cursing, Dysphoria, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual harassment, Animal cruelty, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
kkimball's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Minor: Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Murder
cortanasreadingnook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Pedophilia, Adult/minor relationship, and Sexual harassment
prashiie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
Moderate: Confinement, Sexual harassment, Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, Death, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Pregnancy, Racism, and Sexism
dxxxni's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
Minor: Child abuse, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Adult/minor relationship, Rape, Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, and Kidnapping
rinku's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Death, Violence, Kidnapping, Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Death of parent, Gun violence, and Murder
Minor: Alcohol, Fire/Fire injury, Blood, Sexual harassment, and Terminal illness
purplepenning's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexism, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Animal cruelty and Sexual harassment
norwegianforestreader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Gun violence, Child death, Confinement, Grief, Pregnancy, Death, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Murder, Sexual harassment, Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, Kidnapping, and Blood
oddduck's review
5.0
First, the plot. This was such a satisfying end to all of the mysteries of the first book. I can see where some might feel that there wasn't enough foreshadowing or clue placement to make the final mystery feel like a natural progression/not completely out of left field. I think that was kind of the point though, and I think we get an in-universe explanation for that in Tobias Hawthorne's message.
A big part of those feelings are because of the new characters we meet in this book. My non-spoiler thoughts are that they were fantastic in all the worst ways and I loved their addition to the cast. Everything else I have to say about them is full of spoilers though.
I was right there with Avery and Grayson on the "trusting Eve" boat, and even after Avery figures out the message from Tobias warning her not to trust Eve, I was still struggling to see why. Which is brilliant! And definitely made the way she manipulates Grayson so much more emotionally impactful. The scene where Oren's got her pinned down in the chapel, and she's still trying to convince Grayson to help her, and then threatens to jump off a cliff. That had me screaming internally. She's such an interesting character.
Speaking of Grayson, this dude needs some therapy, stat. He's has been through it and he is clearly not taking care of himself in any sort of healthy way. Honestly, this is probably the biggest reason why I don't think he was a good fit for Avery romantically. He needs to deal with his own shit before he tries dating anyone. And he really needs to process everything that happened with Emily.
Now for the Blakes. Honestly, I loved learning about the Blakes. How Vincent was the origin of Tobias Hawthorne's love of games and puzzles. That Vincent is not a good man, but he respects the game more than anything, and if he loses because someone played the game better, then they earned it. And the way the Hawthorne family history is tied in with the Blakes. Wow. I will say it got a bit confusing at times, simply because there's so many characters (we could have used a family tree at the end of the book, honestly), but I loved all the connections.
Which brings us to Toby. Loved seeing him finally decide to stop running away, though it's unfortunate that it was at least partly prompted by Vincent. But then again, Toby made the decision to let Eve win, so that she could get the security she needed/wanted.
I also really loved Rebecca in this book. I didn't really think much about her previously, but she was great here. I love that she's finally learning to take up space and be a person. Her relationship with Thea is awesome. All around good for her.
There was some really cool character work done in this book, and I loved every minute of it.
The love triangle remains the part of these books that I don't really care about. I'm happy with how things shook out. I think the development that happens was natural and made sense. It was a little annoying how Jameson kept trying to like. Start a fight with Avery over Grayson? But I do think it makes sense for his character. He's been down this road before, and he lost, and he's not unused to losing to Grayson, so it was certainly not my favorite thing, but it's a manifestation of his insecurity, which was nice to see. And Avery handled it well. I do have one bone to pick though.
And of course: the ending. I already talked about why I liked the mystery part of the plot, but the other part, the inheritance part, was also great. I think her choice makes perfect sense for her character and as an anti-capitalist, I was very on board. A major theme, especially in this book, has been that money = power, so this feels like the natural conclusion. Knowing the end, I also find it hilarious that Amazon acquired the film rights and is reportedly working on developing this series as a tv show.
Jennifer Lynn Barnes has been on my "always read" list for years and this series is a perfect example of why. What a fun ride, and I'm looking forward to the next couple books she's got coming for this universe.
[Additional content warning: emotional manipulation. I don't think it's quite to the point of emotional abuse and it's definitely not gaslighting, but there's a character who knows which buttons to push and does so deliberately in order to make people self-destruct for their own gain.]
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Classism, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
joanna77_'s review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was so good! I wasn’t a big fan of the second book, and even the beginning of this one wasn’t my favorite, but by the end everything tied together so nicely and I loved the ending! It saved the series for me! To see the boys and Avery so at peace was just wonderful.
There were so many twists and turns in this one, and I found myself getting a little annoyed to be honest, but I think they all wrapped up so nicely that they kind of made up for it unlike in book two.
I wish we could have gotten a little more Toby in this book, especially considering his ending and what we found out about him, but I’m really hoping we get a prequel series, because I really want to read about him and Hannah.
Okay, so the romance. To be honest, I went into this book rooting for Grayson. I know, I know he’s kind of an asshole, but I really liked his character. This book kind of changed that for me. I still like his character, but not as much after some of the crap he pulled in this book. Now, I basically just feel bad for him. I don’t really care for the romance between Jameson and Avery and I kind of wish there wouldn’t have been any romance in these books (except for Nash and Libby) but it’s a YA so it’s to be expected.
Overall this book redeemed the series for me and I am glad I kept reading even though I was spoiled. The ending was honestly the best, I loved it!
Also, Xander has my heart. I love him. He deserves the world.
Minor: Sexual harassment