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gggracesmith's review against another edition
3.0
This book was powerful - I just wish it was less messy. The supernatural aspect threw me, especially when Anna would become almost possessed (when she almost drowned). Also some stuff just needed to be elaborated on - why was Lish being in love with Cat casually mentioned once and never again? We didn’t get much background or closure on the situation with her dad either despite that being brought up again and again. Also, what happened to the kids at her old school who made the fb page?! A powerful message, just needed some tidying.
treeandme's review against another edition
3.0
*I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher, in exchange for my honest opinion.
3.5 stars
I'm not entirely sure what I expected this book to be, but I was quite surprised with what I got. I think I just expected it to be more of a thriller, with more lyrical writing, based on the synopsis. And sadly it wasn't a thriller, nor did it have particularly noteworthy writing, sometimes the descriptions were extensive, but not in a beautiful way. These extensive descriptions also made the story drag a bit.
The story was mainly focused on Anna and her starting a new school/life in Scotland. Anna tries to be invisible at first, but things start to look up for a while, until her past catches up to her. What happened in her past was kept a mystery until much later on in the book and honestly, I thought that Anna had done something much worse, probably because I thought it was a thriller. The reveal was a bit disappointing to be honest, I think that the topic itself is an important one to shed light on, but it just didn't work that well for me here.
Nothing was sugar coated by the author and things got quite vicious and vulgar, when Anna's past came knocking. I was actually quite shocked at some of the things said, but I guess it's just realistic. Teenage life can be brutal and I think that this was captured well here for the most part, and this is why one of the later scenes, where there's a speech, was rather unrealistic. The speech in itself was very thought provoking though and was definitely a culmination of everything the author had been weaving throughout, the reactions to it were what was not very believable.
Although the story mainly followed Anna, there were parts where there were flashbacks to the past, as a result of Anna's history project. I did like these parts, the writing seemed stronger here and there was a real atmosphere created, that transported you to the time of witch-hunts. These sections did seem too long at times though and I think that they could have been even more effective if they'd been shorter.
In conclusion, I like the message that this novel offers, challenging how society views women, the double standards, the pressures that exist and how women can never truly satisfy everyone's expectations. I do think that these messages weren't filtered in that naturally at times though. It was a great idea to show the parallels between Anna and Maggie's situations, but the execution could of been a bit better. For example, I still don't really understand what was going on with the necklace and it was quite an important part of linking their lives. Despite my issues with The Burning, I would still recommend this as it has valuable subject matter, it just wasn't really what I was expecting.
3.5 stars
I'm not entirely sure what I expected this book to be, but I was quite surprised with what I got. I think I just expected it to be more of a thriller, with more lyrical writing, based on the synopsis. And sadly it wasn't a thriller, nor did it have particularly noteworthy writing, sometimes the descriptions were extensive, but not in a beautiful way. These extensive descriptions also made the story drag a bit.
The story was mainly focused on Anna and her starting a new school/life in Scotland. Anna tries to be invisible at first, but things start to look up for a while, until her past catches up to her. What happened in her past was kept a mystery until much later on in the book and honestly, I thought that Anna had done something much worse, probably because I thought it was a thriller. The reveal was a bit disappointing to be honest, I think that the topic itself is an important one to shed light on, but it just didn't work that well for me here.
Nothing was sugar coated by the author and things got quite vicious and vulgar, when Anna's past came knocking. I was actually quite shocked at some of the things said, but I guess it's just realistic. Teenage life can be brutal and I think that this was captured well here for the most part, and this is why one of the later scenes, where there's a speech, was rather unrealistic. The speech in itself was very thought provoking though and was definitely a culmination of everything the author had been weaving throughout, the reactions to it were what was not very believable.
Although the story mainly followed Anna, there were parts where there were flashbacks to the past, as a result of Anna's history project. I did like these parts, the writing seemed stronger here and there was a real atmosphere created, that transported you to the time of witch-hunts. These sections did seem too long at times though and I think that they could have been even more effective if they'd been shorter.
In conclusion, I like the message that this novel offers, challenging how society views women, the double standards, the pressures that exist and how women can never truly satisfy everyone's expectations. I do think that these messages weren't filtered in that naturally at times though. It was a great idea to show the parallels between Anna and Maggie's situations, but the execution could of been a bit better. For example, I still don't really understand what was going on with the necklace and it was quite an important part of linking their lives. Despite my issues with The Burning, I would still recommend this as it has valuable subject matter, it just wasn't really what I was expecting.
the_booka's review against another edition
2.0
I’m not going to lie I had a lot of hope going into this book. I read her other book Men Who Hate Woman and this book was published along the same time. I thought it would follow along the same lessons. Which it does try to do. However this book was so bad plot wise I skimmed the end just to put myself out of my misery.
The first part of the book is good and easy to follow along with. I can see this happening. Then the main character starts to get visions from the witch trial era because of a necklace. Yeah no. That’s where the book took a dive. She could have had it set up where the Emily character stood with her and they work together. The teachers were awful including that damn picture incident. Overall the book had promise but the minute she starts to add time travel it just falls apart and takes over the story.
I’m giving this book 2 stars as I can see a younger kid reading it and absorbing the lessons of the book. However I simply can’t do it. It’s just too much cringe.
The first part of the book is good and easy to follow along with. I can see this happening. Then the main character starts to get visions from the witch trial era because of a necklace. Yeah no. That’s where the book took a dive. She could have had it set up where the Emily character stood with her and they work together. The teachers were awful including that damn picture incident. Overall the book had promise but the minute she starts to add time travel it just falls apart and takes over the story.
I’m giving this book 2 stars as I can see a younger kid reading it and absorbing the lessons of the book. However I simply can’t do it. It’s just too much cringe.
viccctk's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
2.75
jgrady93's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-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
4.0
josieturk's review against another edition
challenging
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? It's complicated
4.25
rosegrace's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
leebliff's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0