Reviews

The Pretty Ones by Ania Ahlborn

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ladyofthehaunted's review

3.0

Read the book in one sitting. Unfortunately the twist was quite obvious about 1/3 into the book. Nothing new or exciting.
But still a good read for a cozy day on the couch.

heatheroakes's review

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3.0

I just reread this because I have a terrible memory. this is my least favorite of hers. still good and worth a read

kristinahyams's review

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5.0

great twist

I really enjoyed this novel. There were so many characters and the author did a great job making you feel things about the specific personalities. Really loved the twist at the end.

megshelton's review

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dark emotional sad tense fast-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

5.0

Good amount of build up leading into slowly releasing mayhem until the flood gates are just opened. I was not expecting the ending but after reflecting on the book after reading it, it all makes perfect sense and was a great deception by the author.

jdcorley's review

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dark emotional fast-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

3.5

Perhaps this is Ahlborn gravitating to the structure and length that suits her best - a brief novella tightly in the point of view of someone who's too far gone to really connect deeply with, yet someone who has enough of an inner life to draw us in to their story. The genre recapitulation, right down to the oft used Summer of Sam, is a bit by the book but Ahlborn has a clear love for it and a passion for her central character and that covers a multitude of sins. I keep giving Ahlborn books second chances, this one is the first to really get me understanding why. There's great potential here.