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theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I have never once read a book by Schwab and walked away feeling like I was disappointed... until now. This breaks my heart to write because I truly wanted to love this book, but I just didn't.
The story itself held my interest and I finished it very quickly. The plot was unique and had a good pace to it. However, as it went on, it got really depressing, and then it got more depressing, and then it was creepy, and then it had what felt like a really open ending and THEN... to top it all off... it actually ended with a short story that was so morbid and full of uncomfortable themes that I almost quit listening to the audiobook right then and there. I couldn't believe what a turn it had taken and it was incredibly unpleasant.
That's what truly made me dislike this book the most. If it hadn't had that ending, and maybe she had written a sequel instead to kind of wrap things up a bit better, maybe I would've enjoyed it, but instead, I felt hollow inside.
Needless to say, this is not one I'll be picking up again and I'm really glad this wasn't my first taste of her writing because I'm not sure I ever would've continued reading her books past this one (GASP).
The story itself held my interest and I finished it very quickly. The plot was unique and had a good pace to it. However, as it went on, it got really depressing, and then it got more depressing, and then it was creepy, and then it had what felt like a really open ending and THEN... to top it all off... it actually ended with a short story that was so morbid and full of uncomfortable themes that I almost quit listening to the audiobook right then and there. I couldn't believe what a turn it had taken and it was incredibly unpleasant.
That's what truly made me dislike this book the most. If it hadn't had that ending, and maybe she had written a sequel instead to kind of wrap things up a bit better, maybe I would've enjoyed it, but instead, I felt hollow inside.
Needless to say, this is not one I'll be picking up again and I'm really glad this wasn't my first taste of her writing because I'm not sure I ever would've continued reading her books past this one (GASP).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Self harm
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Blood and Fire/Fire injury
aviery's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Violence, Self harm, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Blood, Physical abuse, and Religious bigotry
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