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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
An inspiring if inconsistent read.
For me, the present day narrative was much less convincing than the backstory. I found older Leo annoying and difficult to relate to; Claire left much less of an impression than Carfax. Much of the world building seemed irrelevant to the plot and could have been edited out (the rat, the persecution of Christians, etc). I also found, as with The Binding, that some sections were too on-the-nose for my taste.
Regardless, the themes, ideas and ambiance of this book are a work of art. I loved reading about the grand jeu, especially the emotive descriptions of particular games. Leo’s diary entries were gripping and compelling. As with her previous work, The Betrayals has left itching to write my own stories and replicate the magic that Collins creates.
3.5 stars
For me, the present day narrative was much less convincing than the backstory. I found older Leo annoying and difficult to relate to; Claire left much less of an impression than Carfax. Much of the world building seemed irrelevant to the plot and could have been edited out (the rat, the persecution of Christians, etc). I also found, as with The Binding, that some sections were too on-the-nose for my taste.
Regardless, the themes, ideas and ambiance of this book are a work of art. I loved reading about the grand jeu, especially the emotive descriptions of particular games. Leo’s diary entries were gripping and compelling. As with her previous work, The Betrayals has left itching to write my own stories and replicate the magic that Collins creates.
3.5 stars
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
interesting premise. not quite the execution i expected based on the description. the plot twists were pretty predictable. i didn’t get too attached to the characters either. unsatisfying ending except for two of the characters the rats ended up being my favorites haha
I’m starting the nerdy bookish conspiracy theory that @bridgetbutnotjones is an author that is best listened to via audio.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There were some things that I found kind of lackluster and/or disappointing in this book, and even though I don't believe this to be a 4-star read, it grew on me by the end of it.