Reviews

The Lesson: A Novel by Cadwell Turnbull

talvinovels's review against another edition

DNF for now, this has interesting elements but I'm just not very engaged 

tishywishy's review against another edition

4.0

What a very interesting book. I admit to having read this a few weeks ago and I don't recall all the elements but I do remember that it covers a wonderful array of top and issues. It's a thrilling read.

kpfeifle's review against another edition

mysterious reflective sad 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

maxierosalee's review against another edition

emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

bwluvs2read's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

jenamatic's review against another edition

1.0

Actually DNF’d but I don’t like having unfinished books on my shelves. I could not get past the first couple of chapters. There are several main characters but you don’t sit with any one character long enough to feel connected or like them. The only feelings I had were about Jackson and Lisa and I didn’t like them, but I got the feeling you were supposed to at least like Jackson. It was also confusing on who was speaking a lot of the time. There was a conversation between Jackson and Derek where they were discussing opposing views on a topic and every time I thought I had it figured out who stood on what side, it became muddled again and I realized I didn’t have a clue what was happening.

rtrroy's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

ztaylor4's review against another edition

4.0

This was a solid story with a strong execution, and excellent as a debut novel. I enjoyed the exploration of what the lesson would be, although I wouldn't have minded a few more characters reflecting upon their own lessons. I also appreciate Cadwell Turnbull's restraint in not giving us every detail of the alien society--an all-too-common flaw in sci-fi and fantasy.

While this was a good story, it wasn't perfect. The writing and style were effective, but a few of the characters felt a little bit flat to me (e.g. Patrice), and as a result I didn't think all of the storylines were carrying their own weight. This problem was relatively minor, and a few of the characters really did get a chance to shine (especially Mera).

All in all, The Lesson was a refreshing story, and I'd recommend it. I'll also look to see what Cadwell Turnbull does next.

charlesthrower's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

3.75

cptskyheart's review against another edition

challenging mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0