Reviews

Why the Devil Stalks Death by L.J. Hayward

sarahjonewt's review against another edition

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3.0

Barely 3 stars, tbh. This was mildly entertaining but that’s about it. The beginning started strong but the end flagged and became overly maudlin. The author relies way too much on exposition and there’s way too much “tell” rather than “show.” The dialogue is weak (and often jerked me from the story because most conversations don’t sound like that).

Besides the rough dialogue, my second biggest peeve is that the author builds “suspense” and mystery by having the POV character allude to a development that they already know but just refuse to relay to the reader. In other words, the plot isn’t unfolding in real time as the character makes discoveries. The “unknowns” are shown by the POV character making a vague declaration, demonstrating that he knows the answer but is just choosing not to reveal it. To me, that’s a cheap, lazy way to unfold the plot.

The one thing the author does consistently well, however, is write the character Ethan Blade. I think the only reason I’ve gotten though two novels (and the only reason I’ll read the third) is because he is such a compelling character.

Also, it go so sappy towards the end that I did sort of skim through the last very pages.

Anyway, despite my bashing, this is good novel to unwind to. I found that I didn’t need to pay a lot of attention, nor did I feel gutwrenched at the end. It’s a good “rebound” book.

novacaine3's review against another edition

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5.0

5* in condition of my feigning quinn’s inexistence. self-delusion is my saving grace while on the contrary, i live for the angst of the hard-earned, non to barely to fiercely functioning relationship. that’s the only way my heart and sanity can take it. i took a strong liking to nine and look how that turned out.

“Half right, Ja–“

sarful's review against another edition

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4.0

I adored the first book in the series and this was such a welcome new book. I do have to say that while the previous novellas would have been really great to read as much of their relationship developed there, I got the gist in this book. I do think I might go back and read them at some point.

The format was the same as the first, which took me a hot minute to realize. While the setting was so similar it was slightly hard to differentiate, unlike the first book where the settings were vastly different.

I really enjoy these characters and appreciate how much they love each other. I also found Ethan’s story to be heartbreaking. The mystery was fascinating. I always enjoy a good suspense story. And this is definitely one.

oliviak_31's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-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

4.5

mariam27's review against another edition

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3.0

i don't know if I hate this book or FUCKING HATE!!!!! this book

ariaslibrary's review against another edition

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4.0

Jack is an idiot but he's our idiot and Ethan is still our precious little meow meow

enemies2lover's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

evelyn2015's review

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5.0

4.5⭐️ The author’s method of storytelling is angsty and anxiety-inducing as all get out. She makes it impossible to put the book down. The end of each chapter is like a mini cliffhanger that you NEED the answer to desperately. Don’t read this book if you have other responsibilities like working, sleeping, or taking care of small children because it simply will not happen.

Ugh, the angst and drama. It hurt. Jack and Ethan are such terrible communicators, both so emotionally damaged in their own ways. I craved and salivated over each small honest and open conversation between them. I’m so relieved to, after 3 full books, finally gave some sort of HFN.

nickysbooks78's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

nejplbjmld's review against another edition

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

3.0