Reviews with content warning for Abandonment - Killer Instinct

Reviews tagging 'Abandonment'

Killer Instinct by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

32 reviews

tanvi45's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous mysterious 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: No

Content Warnings

hello_lovely13's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous mysterious 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

This was fine. I didn't have as much fun as I did with the first book, but I will continue the series. The mystery element was a little all over the place in the first half, where the Naturals were

not as involved

; it was present and developing during this time, but there wasn't a sense of satisfaction in getting progress with the case because they kept getting set back to square one with lots of dead ends. Meeting Dean's father was interesting, and I really wonder how he will be incorporated in the series going forward (he is an interesting and vivid enough character to continue being included, but I don't know how that would occur). I also liked the inclusion of the new character Agent Veronica Sterling. Her attachments to other established characters, as well as adding her own energy to the mix, made good progress with the series. I had to warm up to her (she also shifted a bit from being a strict rule-follower that somewhat belittles the Naturals to someone more human and sympathetic (because it is clear that she (especially from the perspective of an adult) has the kids' best interests at heart)), but I am happy to have her as part of the cast of characters.

I was able to predict part of the reveal by a little past the halfway point (

the main killer being a prison guard

), and I'm glad that it turned out that way because it wouldn't have made sense otherwise. I didn't get the reveal that

there were multiple unsubs

because that part felt a bit tedious.

I am getting tired of the animosity between Lia and Cassie (mainly on Lia's part). It makes sense for her character, so this isn't a criticism on the writing aspect, but rather my personal tastes preferring a more wholesome and supportive, always-have-your-back found family. I am happy that there is considerable effort done to make sure that each of the Naturals are involved and their respective perspectives and feelings valued and displayed (particularly in regards to Sloane, who usually takes a backseat in the action). I am a bit disappointed and shocked that

Cassie has already made her decision between Dean and Michael by the end of this book; it could have gone on for at least the next book, and, as much as I also grew tired of the love triangle, I am already missing her bond with Michael

. I did like that we got more depth and context into Michael's relationship with Dean, including Michael showing (in his own way) his care for Dean.

Since the first book focused on Cassie's backstory, and this book focused more on Dean's, I hope this trend will continue. This series and a bit of fun, and it is easy to binge, which is exactly what I needed. Although I don't believe this series will stick with me, I do believe I'll look back on it fondly, so I am looking forward to continuing.

Content Warnings

mj_86's review against another edition

4.25

dark mysterious 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: No

Content Warnings

mony_12's review against another edition

4.75

adventurous dark 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

Content Warnings

alice_c16's review against another edition

4.75

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Content Warnings

audreylj's review against another edition

4.0

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

maryp20's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-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: Complicated

I cannot get enough of this series, I eat them up so fast. Now this story, felt a bit slower to me but I think it was because we were focused on the case and the details and not Cassie being introduced to the Naturals and getting settled. However, the twists in this, amazing and Jennifer does a great job keeping me engaged throughout the entire thing, to a point that I read these in one sitting. Onto characters, Sterling was really pissing me off in the beginning but oh how she grew on me, she’s just so loveable. I loved learning more about Dean and I’m happy he and Cassie are having their thing instead of Michael. He’s being a little dickhead at the end so I’m curious to see if he comes around in the next book. UGH and Lia and Sloane are my favorites, I love them so much and I love getting little tid bits about them and their pasts. I think Jennifer is doing a great job with this series, it really does feel like Criminal Minds meets Pretty Little Liars at this point and the vibes are just amazing.

Content Warnings

kawaii_rose's review against another edition

5.0

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

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

cuppajo16's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful 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: No

Content Warnings

abby_can_read's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous 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

📱
I had a wonderful time reading this book. I adored the characters and their bonds of friendship and family. While I found parts of this book predictable, the writing style and the pacing kept me engaged.

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