2.39k reviews for:

The Other Valley: A Novel

Scott Alexander Howard

3.96 AVERAGE

crescent_skywalker's review against another edition

4.25

emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

ghiblireads's review against another edition

4.5

emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

mariareadssff's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH

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What a dull book. Instead of exploring the things promised in the premise, we get to spend time with the most boring, plain character in existence.
When she finally has something mildly engaging coming into her life she of course blows it all up.
But I persisted. We move away from the coming of age, but even at 36 years old Odile is still the most dull character you can ever read about.
I forced myself to the halfway point to have zero character growth.
The only reason this is not a 1 star is because I reserve those for problematic books.

mplakke's review against another edition

3.5

emotional reflective sad medium-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

the_tilly0405's review against another edition

3.0

dark reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Predictable outcome and the main character was annoying. But the concept was interesting.

mes0pelagic_fan's review against another edition

3.5

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well written with an interesting concept, massive points off for the unnecessary incessant threat of violence against women, a lack of follow through on a cool concept,  and the audiobook narrators whispered delivery

such a downer honestly the first 1/3rd and the last 30 minutes were interesting but the rest of the time i wanted to dnf. there was such focus on the men in this story and it really took away from any enjoyment I could have possibly eked out of the 8 hours I spent speeding through the audiobook 

if i had a nickel for every smart but cripplingly isolated woman in a spec fic setting who had hobbies disturbingly close to mine ….. 2 nickels now ………

mika_amoeba5's review against another edition

4.75

adventurous mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: N/A

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

hariko's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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An interesting concept.

The first half of the book was very slow for me, I found it quite hard to feel invested and questioned continuing. But I got very into the second half, especially the end (which was a shame because it was the end). I am glad though that I continued reading as it was bittersweet. I just think that it left me with a lot of unanswered questions - which of course could be the point!

Reminded me a little bit of the TV show 'Dark'. Anyone else?

jeffo24's review against another edition

3.25

emotional mysterious slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

rrrose's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous reflective 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: No