Scan barcode
melissamay94's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mayasowerby's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
3.5
hxneytea's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
tense
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
readwithchloev's review
5.0
this was INSANE!!! dark, twisted, gory, heart-pounding…everything you’d want when you read a blurb like this one.
set in a dingy council estate, a toxic first-love, a hot, sticky summer and a dead body…it’s honestly such a vibe.
Lilz’s character development was really really good, I’ve never felt such anger/hatred/strong emotions towards book characters before!! I was SO conflicted on how I felt about Lilz especially - at some points she’s just not a pleasant person..but at others I felt so badly for her.
It just perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to be a teen in the UK, ESPECIALLY a small town, with the same people, same drama, same teenage problems…and then there’s a body added to the mix. Just SO good!! Will definitely be reading more from Emma ASAP.
set in a dingy council estate, a toxic first-love, a hot, sticky summer and a dead body…it’s honestly such a vibe.
Lilz’s character development was really really good, I’ve never felt such anger/hatred/strong emotions towards book characters before!! I was SO conflicted on how I felt about Lilz especially - at some points she’s just not a pleasant person..but at others I felt so badly for her.
It just perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to be a teen in the UK, ESPECIALLY a small town, with the same people, same drama, same teenage problems…and then there’s a body added to the mix. Just SO good!! Will definitely be reading more from Emma ASAP.
kenzieleckie_'s review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I discovered Emma on TikTok and I’m so glad I did! This was a great read and Emma’s writing style is like an art, which makes for beautiful imagery and easy reading. Everything is described in minute detail and almost makes death poetic.
My only reason for losing a star was that there were a few writing errors that kept catching my eye but it didn’t take anything away from the story itself.
Definitely adding more books from this author to my TBR and would HIGHLY recommend given this one a good go as it’s one of the fastest books I’ve read over the last few months after being in a slump.
My only reason for losing a star was that there were a few writing errors that kept catching my eye but it didn’t take anything away from the story itself.
Definitely adding more books from this author to my TBR and would HIGHLY recommend given this one a good go as it’s one of the fastest books I’ve read over the last few months after being in a slump.
millylewis's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
4.0
bridgetembooks's review against another edition
5.0
Every single time I finish one of Emma Smith's books I am reminded of why I fell in love with this author in the first place. Dead Fine, the latest edition to the ELU (Emma Literary Universe, a phrase that I came up with thank you very much), is no exception. It's the natural progression of Emma's writing. It really pushes the boundaries of the YA genre and as unnerving and at some points downright disturbing as this book could be I just could not put it down. I started reading Dead Fine on a Saturday night and finished reading it on Sunday afternoon, probably setting a record for myself as the fastest I have ever finished a book.
This book is probably the darkest that I've read from Emma. It deals with themes much more mature than Midnight Sherbet and even Guided and it really took me for a ride. This book is a sweaty, shuddering, blood-streaked highlight of Emma's writing abilities, taking the things I loved about her other works and making something that I ADORED.
This book delved into deeper themes than Emma's other books, asking questions and forcing the reader to think about concepts such as first love, emotional manipulation and what actions justify a violent and brutal retaliation. Emma shows you two characters who seem so in love with each other and then perfectly and masterfully tear them apart, showcasing how terrible for each other both of them really were, putting on display the flaws of not knowing about your relationship. Not knowing the person you're with and not knowing anything else.
This book also did a fantastic job of showcasing female friendships with both Lilz's friendship with Loz (who I adore so much), to her developing relationship with Zoe (who I might adore even more). We get to see Lilz blossom with Zoe taking her away from her life with Owen and forcing her to come face to face with the realization that there is more to life than her first love- really showing Lilz that she's stagnant and could be doing so much more. (Also the scene when Loz showed up at Dizzy's party made me want to call my best friends and tell them how much I love them).
To conclude, Dead Fine is... probably Emma's best book. While the cotton candy skies and aquarium dates of Midnight Sherbet made my stone-cold heart oh so happy I think this is what this author is best at. Messy teens in messy situations, teenage relationships and all the drama and emotions that come along with it. Blood, murder and artful explorations of guilt, secrets and despite it all trying to make it out fine... dead fine.
This book is probably the darkest that I've read from Emma. It deals with themes much more mature than Midnight Sherbet and even Guided and it really took me for a ride. This book is a sweaty, shuddering, blood-streaked highlight of Emma's writing abilities, taking the things I loved about her other works and making something that I ADORED.
This book delved into deeper themes than Emma's other books, asking questions and forcing the reader to think about concepts such as first love, emotional manipulation and what actions justify a violent and brutal retaliation. Emma shows you two characters who seem so in love with each other and then perfectly and masterfully tear them apart, showcasing how terrible for each other both of them really were, putting on display the flaws of not knowing about your relationship. Not knowing the person you're with and not knowing anything else.
This book also did a fantastic job of showcasing female friendships with both Lilz's friendship with Loz (who I adore so much), to her developing relationship with Zoe (who I might adore even more). We get to see Lilz blossom with Zoe taking her away from her life with Owen and forcing her to come face to face with the realization that there is more to life than her first love- really showing Lilz that she's stagnant and could be doing so much more. (Also the scene when Loz showed up at Dizzy's party made me want to call my best friends and tell them how much I love them).
To conclude, Dead Fine is... probably Emma's best book. While the cotton candy skies and aquarium dates of Midnight Sherbet made my stone-cold heart oh so happy I think this is what this author is best at. Messy teens in messy situations, teenage relationships and all the drama and emotions that come along with it. Blood, murder and artful explorations of guilt, secrets and despite it all trying to make it out fine... dead fine.
booksoboe's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.5
Really enjoyed it, focused alot on relationships and murder. Perfect slump slayer.
More...