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isaac_c's review against another edition
2.0
This was... weird.
I don't exactly know what else to say about it. This novel had kind of failed to meet my expectations from the outset, but I was still interested in seeing how things would unfold as the story progressed. But in the end it all just felt underwhelming? Pointless?
It's sad because I loved Summers' other novel, Sadie. Maybe it's just because I read that so many years ago, or maybe this was just a flop.
edit: I think part of where the novel fails so hard for me is that when we're shown the Unity Project's indoctrination, it feels rushed and unconvincing. I understand that people can easily be manipulated when they're at their most vulnerable, but the scale at which the Project's operation is described, I would expect a leader with a little more on-the-page charisma.
I don't exactly know what else to say about it. This novel had kind of failed to meet my expectations from the outset, but I was still interested in seeing how things would unfold as the story progressed. But in the end it all just felt underwhelming? Pointless?
It's sad because I loved Summers' other novel, Sadie. Maybe it's just because I read that so many years ago, or maybe this was just a flop.
edit: I think part of where the novel fails so hard for me is that when we're shown the Unity Project's indoctrination, it feels rushed and unconvincing. I understand that people can easily be manipulated when they're at their most vulnerable, but the scale at which the Project's operation is described, I would expect a leader with a little more on-the-page charisma.
minnietimperley's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
thelibrarian390's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good read. I won't put it up there with my absolute favorites. I felt like I saw the ending a million miles away though. What I liked about Summers' last book was I don't remember seeing the ending coming. This one, I totally did. Maybe it's because I'm a cynical adult. Maybe it's because of my lack of trust of religion or maybe it's because I've seen one too many true crime documentaries or escaping Mormonism shows.
Lo is hard to relate to. She's still very juvenile and angsty, which I realize this is a YA book so, she should be at the very least angsty. She just... doesn't have a worldliness I would except from someone like her. It was a bit unbelievable to me that she would or could fall into the trap of Lev so easily when she rallied so hard against him. It's like she completely forgot all the reasons she hates him and his community all because he was nice to her. Well once in a while bad people are nice, that doesn't mean we should give them another chance or forget the awful things they've done. It was an ok read, definitely a decent book to read about the potential dangers of some religions and cults and how apparently easy it can be for them to lure you in even if you're an ardent proponent against them.
Lo is hard to relate to. She's still very juvenile and angsty, which I realize this is a YA book so, she should be at the very least angsty. She just... doesn't have a worldliness I would except from someone like her. It was a bit unbelievable to me that she would or could fall into the trap of Lev so easily when she rallied so hard against him. It's like she completely forgot all the reasons she hates him and his community all because he was nice to her. Well once in a while bad people are nice, that doesn't mean we should give them another chance or forget the awful things they've done. It was an ok read, definitely a decent book to read about the potential dangers of some religions and cults and how apparently easy it can be for them to lure you in even if you're an ardent proponent against them.
the_grimdragon's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
"Bea is tormented by all the stories her sister will never get the chance to tell."
kecasey's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ashleysnerdyworld's review against another edition
4.0
Love this book the cult part is really cool to read I gave it 4 stars cause Sadie is my all time favorite book of hers.
books_through_these_eyes's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
robustogusto's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
noeltappin's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
nikolinaza's review against another edition
4.0
This may be not my most favorite works of Courtney Summers (Sadie #1 forever), but still, it gave me the same kind of heebie-jeebies while reading. Feels like the cult member breathing down my neck every time I open the pages :(