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ansimps2's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
veganheathen's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not entirely sure what to think of this book. I liked it. I liked the premise and the slow reveal of the weirdness of Catherine House. I found the book to be a bit slow, though. It was hard to feel hooked and the characters fell a bit flat for me.
dembury's review against another edition
3.0
A very slow, sensual kind of novel that is part dark-academia and part mystery, although I use the word "mystery" very loosely. The synopsis of "Catherine House" seems to offer a real thrill-ride of a book, but in reality there is a quite of bit of repetition and drowsiness in the writing and story that makes everything kind of drag. It's not all bad; in fact, at times it's a pretty novel, and I think Thomas has a gift for writing some really sparse yet lush scenes, and I'm interested in what she writes next. But the plot just doesn't deliver. It's an endless loop of the main character, Ines, reflecting on her past, almost failing classes, sleeping, and wandering the grounds of her new school. Paired with an anticlimactic final act, "Catherine House" ultimately is just missing that "pizazz" element that makes the story stand out.
(edit: I think the word I was looking for is low-stakes. There were just no consequences or anything at risk for Ines for most of the novel. Her lack of enthusiasm and desire for a future left me less invested in her story arc.)
(edit: I think the word I was looking for is low-stakes. There were just no consequences or anything at risk for Ines for most of the novel. Her lack of enthusiasm and desire for a future left me less invested in her story arc.)
willdriveforsnacks's review against another edition
4.0
This book very much reminded me of the original gossip girl series. Intoxicating drama filled with bad decisions and an allure of grandeur. While I did not thing the text was poorly written, I did hope for more closure to the largest portion of the plot.
nicollej's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kendallolle's review against another edition
5.0
Goodness I have absolutely no idea how to review this book. This is not for people who want a plot drive story that holds all of the answers to the many questions this book will prompt for you. Usually that would frustrate me but I felt so content closing this book. I loved our protagonist, Ines. I loved “living” in Catherine House through her eyes and “sideways” mind. This book and the writing had all of the elements you need as a reader to make you truly feel apart of the story.
canibefictionaltoo's review against another edition
4.5
Like everyone else is saying, this gives off the same vibes as Bunny by Mona Awad, which is one of my favourite books of all time. And just like that one, this is not a book for everyone. It's intentionally confusing, it's weird, it burns slow, it's plotless for the most part, characters are unhinged and the air is deeply unsettling.
In fact, Ines reminded me a lot of the protagonist from Bunny. The reason why these books work is because it's fascinating to glimpse into the minds of these characters. It's fascinating to watch them slowly transform and lose their minds, basically.
The writing was beautiful, just like you would expect from a dark academia like this. The setting was fantastic too.
My only bone to pick was that it dragged on a little bit in the middle which in my opinion was unnecessary.
You'll know if these kind of books are for you, and if they are, you'll have a great time with it.
In fact, Ines reminded me a lot of the protagonist from Bunny. The reason why these books work is because it's fascinating to glimpse into the minds of these characters. It's fascinating to watch them slowly transform and lose their minds, basically.
The writing was beautiful, just like you would expect from a dark academia like this. The setting was fantastic too.
My only bone to pick was that it dragged on a little bit in the middle which in my opinion was unnecessary.
You'll know if these kind of books are for you, and if they are, you'll have a great time with it.
janagaton's review against another edition
4.0
im SO confused but like the same way as i was after reading Bunny, so in a good way, but i couldnt tell you why i liked this other than the fact that it's definitely my type of book with the dark academia/cult vibes
elcademia's review
4.0
reading this gave me the same feelings as when i read bunny by mona awad
i felt like an uninvited observer. very cultish read.
i felt like an uninvited observer. very cultish read.
dkdahl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
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
1.0