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bookph1le's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It helped me realize another type of book that's totally in my wheelhouse: thrillers revolving around toxic friendships. However, I will say that I found the villain rather over-the-top and that I figured out the twist at around 50% into the book, but neither seriously damaged my overall enjoyment of the book.
This is mainly because Moretti does such a great job of getting you right into Penelope's head and helping you understand what's going on and what's motivating her actions. I found the chapters that delve into the past so well-developed, and the grasp on what keeps people in toxic relationships to be very firm. I know it can be hard for people who've never experienced one to understand the push and pull of a toxic relationship, but Moretti really captures the cycle: the rising determination to get out, followed by the tiny pinpricks of doubt that punch holes into that resolve.
This is mainly because Moretti does such a great job of getting you right into Penelope's head and helping you understand what's going on and what's motivating her actions. I found the chapters that delve into the past so well-developed, and the grasp on what keeps people in toxic relationships to be very firm. I know it can be hard for people who've never experienced one to understand the push and pull of a toxic relationship, but Moretti really captures the cycle: the rising determination to get out, followed by the tiny pinpricks of doubt that punch holes into that resolve.
t1dmama's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was a psychological thriller full of suspense, secrets, lies, and twists that you won't see coming and you will not regret reading it!
At times, it was a bit hard to follow what was going on because the book flashed back and forth between the present and past (20 years ago), but they didn't get you much detail about the past. The book built upon that as you read. That annoyed me at first, but I think, in the end, that is what gave it such an enjoyable experience! I definitely was not able to predict the ending, that'
There was definitely a diverse set of characters in this book, two of which remained in the past and present. Some of the characters were absolutely maddening, and I wish it would have dived into Brett's story a little more (without giving away spoilers), but it wasn't enough to detract from the story!
The Spires was narrated by Siiri Scott, who I think knocked it out of the park with this title, especially with so many characters! There were a few areas of pronunciation that kind of drove me crazy, but it wasn't enough to distract me from the book (that much). I look forward to listening to more titles by Siiri in the near future!
Overall, I've been super impressed with the Kate Moretti books that I've read thus far, so I am super excited to read more by her! I think she's got it going on when it comes to this writing thing!!
At times, it was a bit hard to follow what was going on because the book flashed back and forth between the present and past (20 years ago), but they didn't get you much detail about the past. The book built upon that as you read. That annoyed me at first, but I think, in the end, that is what gave it such an enjoyable experience! I definitely was not able to predict the ending, that'
There was definitely a diverse set of characters in this book, two of which remained in the past and present. Some of the characters were absolutely maddening, and I wish it would have dived into Brett's story a little more (without giving away spoilers), but it wasn't enough to detract from the story!
The Spires was narrated by Siiri Scott, who I think knocked it out of the park with this title, especially with so many characters! There were a few areas of pronunciation that kind of drove me crazy, but it wasn't enough to distract me from the book (that much). I look forward to listening to more titles by Siiri in the near future!
Overall, I've been super impressed with the Kate Moretti books that I've read thus far, so I am super excited to read more by her! I think she's got it going on when it comes to this writing thing!!
kleuf's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rmarcin's review
4.0
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
20 years earlier, college friends decided to live together for a year after college in a house that had been converted from a church. There was a devastating fire there, and after that, the friends drifted apart. There was Pip or Penelope, Willa, Jack, Bree, and Flynn. Since they lived in an old church, they nicknamed themselves The Spires.
Now, Penelope receives a note from Jack asking for a reunion. The thought makes her sick. When Willa shows up at her home, claiming she is running from an abusive husband, Penelope agrees to let her stay. Initially, she thinks Willa is helping her family find itself again. But, then strange things start happening and Penelope starts to wonder if she is imagining things.
This was an interesting story, and a fast read. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but not totally unexpected.
20 years earlier, college friends decided to live together for a year after college in a house that had been converted from a church. There was a devastating fire there, and after that, the friends drifted apart. There was Pip or Penelope, Willa, Jack, Bree, and Flynn. Since they lived in an old church, they nicknamed themselves The Spires.
Now, Penelope receives a note from Jack asking for a reunion. The thought makes her sick. When Willa shows up at her home, claiming she is running from an abusive husband, Penelope agrees to let her stay. Initially, she thinks Willa is helping her family find itself again. But, then strange things start happening and Penelope starts to wonder if she is imagining things.
This was an interesting story, and a fast read. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but not totally unexpected.
tchkdz65's review
5.0
lots of twists
This was a good read, kept me guessing throughout the entire book. I really felt for some of the characters. I would recommend this book.
This was a good read, kept me guessing throughout the entire book. I really felt for some of the characters. I would recommend this book.
cathyatratedreads's review
3.0
The Spires is a mostly satisfactory story, not unlike others in the genre that follow the formula. Someone has managed to bury long-gone secrets of something they did; someone or something comes back to open up the wounds and expose the secrets; danger ensues; resolution. I just found after finishing this book, which didn’t stand out in any way, that I think I may want to take a break from this type of story. Without finding one that does it exceptionally well, I’m getting tired of it.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/the-spires-thriller-mystery-suspense-novel-fiction-book-review/
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/the-spires-thriller-mystery-suspense-novel-fiction-book-review/
mnyberg's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the story and writing but the ending was so far fetched it kind of ruined my perception
sarahhyatt's review against another edition
2.0
The book was fine, the writing was fine, nice plot twists, but I couldn't stand any of the characters. It was hard to believe they had this great or memorable friendship when the basis was constantly this sort of witty and spiky competition and underlying simmering resentment.