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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
I’m not going to fluff this up with all of my overwritten opinions so I’m just going to list some hot takes.
The book is okay, not going to write home about it, but there are people out there that can love and relate this book without a doubt in my mind.
Pros:
Ava Reid’s writing is poetic and flows beautifully
The concept and idea is brilliant, however, it didn’t connect every time for me.
The ambiance is there
Honestly this book is all vibes.
Don’t trust the tropes and tags on this. They don’t hit the mark.
Cons:
This book is essentially a gothic political fiction that follows a mystery. It wasn’t giving any fantasy apart from the backdrop.
Effy was hella prejudiced for the first 30% of the book. But we’re supposed to look past that since she also faces discrimination.
Effy isn’t likeable for most of the book. That being said, if this book was marketed and written as more of a psychological thriller, it could have been epic. (For me)
Effy uses similes like nobody’s business. I noticed it immediately and thought that it was just her being poetic af. Nope, it ended up making her seem really naive and unlikeable. Children characters compare things together. A literature student (or whatever she can be considered) would NOT think or speak like this. It drove me crazy.
The antagonist was boring and predictable for me. There needed to be more fantasy elements brought into play sooner for me to not be bored by the time it was “revealed”
I have more to say, but overall the book is standard spooky vibes and I loved the love interest when Effy wasn’t a bigot for no reason. Feminist novels are amazing and so important to have in literature. However I don’t think this book does it in a positive way.
The book is okay, not going to write home about it, but there are people out there that can love and relate this book without a doubt in my mind.
Pros:
Ava Reid’s writing is poetic and flows beautifully
The concept and idea is brilliant, however, it didn’t connect every time for me.
The ambiance is there
Honestly this book is all vibes.
Don’t trust the tropes and tags on this. They don’t hit the mark.
Cons:
This book is essentially a gothic political fiction that follows a mystery. It wasn’t giving any fantasy apart from the backdrop.
Effy was hella prejudiced for the first 30% of the book. But we’re supposed to look past that since she also faces discrimination.
Effy isn’t likeable for most of the book. That being said, if this book was marketed and written as more of a psychological thriller, it could have been epic. (For me)
Effy uses similes like nobody’s business. I noticed it immediately and thought that it was just her being poetic af. Nope, it ended up making her seem really naive and unlikeable. Children characters compare things together. A literature student (or whatever she can be considered) would NOT think or speak like this. It drove me crazy.
The antagonist was boring and predictable for me. There needed to be more fantasy elements brought into play sooner for me to not be bored by the time it was “revealed”
I have more to say, but overall the book is standard spooky vibes and I loved the love interest when Effy wasn’t a bigot for no reason. Feminist novels are amazing and so important to have in literature. However I don’t think this book does it in a positive way.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-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
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-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 was surprised. I wound up enjoying this more than I thought I would. Despite some plot holes and a few sections that just drag on and on and on, it’s a decent read. This book just needed a better editor and it really would’ve been something. I will probably read book 2. Hope it’s not as slow. Note- this is upper YA, new adult, and technically is open door, although I would describe it as not too spicy.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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:
Yes
Effy, Effy, Effy, Effy, Effy
My girl I see you, I feel you, I understand you. This book might be the first book I’ve read that the characters experience my terror, my fears.
I have an irrational fear of the dark and all things that go “bump in the night.” How Effy felt in the dark, is how I feel. While it’s going better into adulthood, that fear is never actually gone.
I’m glad that Effy is supported by Preston, for someone to understand her. Also loved that she’s judgey, and lowkey rude.
My girl I see you, I feel you, I understand you. This book might be the first book I’ve read that the characters experience my terror, my fears.
I have an irrational fear of the dark and all things that go “bump in the night.” How Effy felt in the dark, is how I feel. While it’s going better into adulthood, that fear is never actually gone.
I’m glad that Effy is supported by Preston, for someone to understand her. Also loved that she’s judgey, and lowkey rude.
