Reviews

Providence by Craig Willse

evanf's review

4.0

The pacing and gradual build of stakes and stress was not great for my blood pressure, in a very good way. Mark was a really well-developed character-I wish he was real so I could strangle him and his decision-making processes. I think I wanted to see a little more of Tyler and what it was Mark saw in him, and I'm sure a lot of the literary references went right over my head (my problem, not the author's), but overall it was a great and tense read.

mitchvandiver's review

emotional tense medium-paced

• 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

4.25

thevagabondlawyer's review

dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

At its core, Providence by Craig Willse explores the consequences of unchecked desire and the fine line between love and obsession. 

Reminiscent of *The Secret History by Donna Tartt and *These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever, this bewildering and intoxicating dark academia thriller is nothing short of brilliant.  The writing is so exquisite, with sentences and phrases so masterfully crafted. Craig Willse, a round of applause 👏 

The narrative plunges into a world where intellectual ambition and emotional intensity collide, creating a gripping atmosphere that is both alluring and dangerous. The characters haunted by their own desires and demons; their interactions are charged with passion and intimacy so intense, it feels destructive. 

This book is an experience. It’s a journey through the darkest corners of the heart and mind, one that lingers long after the last page is turned. For those who appreciate literary thriller that challenges and enchants in equal measure, this novel is an absolute must-read. 

By the time I reached the final page, I was left breathless, pondering the haunting beauty of what I had just read. 🙌👏
 

gabsbereading's review

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

suldrew's review

emotional lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A bit obvious (professor hooks up with student! trouble ensues! there’s a twist!) but a fun read. 

meghamlton's review

dark sad tense medium-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

3.5

“is this all the world was? a chain of misplaced longings, never met?” 

this was fascinating; an obvious nod to the talented mr. ripley which i had ironically just finished and likely drove my best friend’s recommendation i pick this up. the story was interesting, a lot of moving parts building to a conclusion i clocked at the beginning—how else could this be a thriller without

a death

? the obsession and longing made the ending inevitable: in place of loving himself, mark would simply love someone else to

to the point of a ruin, a scene in a jail cell all we have as readers as any indication that discussion with the police caught up with him in the end.

i appreciated this, but i wanted more. i wanted more character development, wanted to know more about

cassie, whose introduction to the story feels secondary and then becomes rapidly important

, more of tyler’s drives. 

cracoot's review

mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

austho's review

dark funny mysterious tense slow-paced

• 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

4.0

evi7a's review

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

alexriley69's review

3.0

Great first novel by Craig Willse. I feel like the story could have carried more depth and the characters could have been more developed however still an entertaining read. Thanks NETGALLEY for the ARC