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destra's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
lillowo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I found this book my googling "good medical mysteries" and while I had no preconceived notions of a medical mystery book, I did imagine something more medically based rather than crime based. So this book took some interesting turns that I wasn't expecting!
There is a constant through line of sex and sexuality that the teens are struggling with (often very much based on how it affects the girls in the school). There was also some antivax stuff (i found it super interesting how it was navigated and the conspiracies were disproven. Definitely fit with the crime and lies themes ).
Overall, I gave this a 3 stars because I would have enjoyed more medical stuff and while there were many through lines, I felt like the story was also a fairly simple one. It was enjoyable! And if you're wanting a somewhat light read (crime, mystery illness, and antivaxxers considered), this could be for you!
There is a constant through line of sex and sexuality that the teens are struggling with (often very much based on how it affects the girls in the school). There was also some antivax stuff (
Overall, I gave this a 3 stars because I would have enjoyed more medical stuff and while there were many through lines, I felt like the story was also a fairly simple one. It was enjoyable! And if you're wanting a somewhat light read (crime, mystery illness, and antivaxxers considered), this could be for you!
lauraborkpower's review
4.0
This is the perfect summer read: creepy, well-written, and fast. Abbott writes multiple points of view beautifully, giving Eli a memory of the flowers his mother had planted smelling "like grape candy," and likening Skye's mouth to the figs that drop onto the ice rink. It's beautiful and literary but appropriate for his character.
And the story -- oohh the story! It's so tense and fun. Abbott gives us compelling and realistic teenage characters as well as likable and complex adults; she gives us atmosphere and complexity; she gives us hints and leads that are not overly complex but just enough to keep us turning pages to find out the real answer.
I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this. And it was worth it.
And the story -- oohh the story! It's so tense and fun. Abbott gives us compelling and realistic teenage characters as well as likable and complex adults; she gives us atmosphere and complexity; she gives us hints and leads that are not overly complex but just enough to keep us turning pages to find out the real answer.
I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this. And it was worth it.
madisonwittek's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
brisingr's review
2.0
2.5
I really liked the writing style, but some parts felt unnecessary and the story is disappointing.
I really liked the writing style, but some parts felt unnecessary and the story is disappointing.
rachd24's review against another edition
2.0
This started out as an interesting read, I wasn’t sure if it was going to go down the paranormal route or not, and the mystery element kept me guessing. I also loved delving into the psychology of hysteria, though felt it definitely could have been developed further to make the ending more satisfying. While some aspects of this story were quite strong, other elements of it were lacking.
I was provided with this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Final rating on my blog is 2.5/5. Full review available here: https://confessionsofabookgeek.wordpress.com/2015/03/04/review-the-fever/
I was provided with this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Final rating on my blog is 2.5/5. Full review available here: https://confessionsofabookgeek.wordpress.com/2015/03/04/review-the-fever/
angus_mckeogh's review
2.0
My third Abbott book. The first was Everything and it was good but not spectacular. The second was Dare Me which I found startlingly brilliant. This third was the worst of the lot. Started out promising and interesting and then just petered out with a near audible fizzle. Too bad.
dunder_mifflin's review against another edition
4.0
I loooove Megan Abbott's writing, and I always find myself getting really into her writing. I love how she writes girls too, ahhhh she's the best. I can't wait to read more of her stuff.
daphelba's review
2.0
The Fever by Megan Abbott actually falls closer to a "4 star" read. It earns a 3 on characters, plot development and writing quality.
The 3/4ths star I cannot show you here is given because:
I love read on my Kindle e-reader, but I cannot read on a backlit screen like a tablet or a smart phone for more than 20 minutes at a time (it kills my eyes). This book was only available in ePub format from the library so I had no choice but put aside my Kindle. I figured I'd read a couple of chapters a day or abandon it if it wasn't worth it. IT WAS WORTH IT. My eyes were bleeding by the end, but it was worth it. :-P
Some reviewers complained that the characters were unlikable or that the pathway to the discovery of the cause of this mysterious illness was just going in too many directions.
Other readers felt that the sexual content was over-the-top or unnecessarily discussed, but I felt it was an overall theme of the book and an important facet to understanding the development of the illness and the craze around the illness. Examining the inner workings of the male brain and his view of the women around him, even if it was an underage female, added to the suspense of who or what might be responsible for the sickness AND it showed a purpose for omniscience - what men are thinking and not saying.
The 3/4ths star I cannot show you here is given because:
I love read on my Kindle e-reader, but I cannot read on a backlit screen like a tablet or a smart phone for more than 20 minutes at a time (it kills my eyes). This book was only available in ePub format from the library so I had no choice but put aside my Kindle. I figured I'd read a couple of chapters a day or abandon it if it wasn't worth it. IT WAS WORTH IT. My eyes were bleeding by the end, but it was worth it. :-P
Some reviewers complained that the characters were unlikable or that the pathway to the discovery of the cause of this mysterious illness was just going in too many directions.
I felt the characters were a good picture of what teens are like today, their relationships and how they vie to be the most important person in one another's lives. The nasty ways they push and pick and one another. The way they believe the world revolves around them and their friends. But maybe that's teens for decades running, not just now.
I thought the process of figuring out what caused the problem and whether it was an epidemic or a small collection of cases, was actually pretty true to life. Some early assumption always gets blown out of proportion, generally by an angry parent who thinks their research has made them well-informed. There's always a "conspiracy" crowd. And the news makes things out to be bigger and scarier than they are.
The final answer, at least for some reviewers, was disappointing, but I felt like it made quite a bit of sense and subtle foreshadowing was used throughout the book. Abbot was clever in a way so many authors have failed to be or not trusted themselves to be as of late.
Other readers felt that the sexual content was over-the-top or unnecessarily discussed, but I felt it was an overall theme of the book and an important facet to understanding the development of the illness and the craze around the illness. Examining the inner workings of the male brain and his view of the women around him, even if it was an underage female, added to the suspense of who or what might be responsible for the sickness AND it showed a purpose for omniscience - what men are thinking and not saying.