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ericka_reads's review against another edition
3.0
The story started out strong with a lot of potential but lost momentum about half way through. The ending was disappointing.
ametie's review against another edition
Started skimming very early on because I found I was only interested in the mom's dreams/flashbacks. And then when I put it down, I just didn't feel like picking it up again. *shrugs*
noel0003's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
I'm feeling conflicted. I very much enjoyed reading this book. The writing is fantastic, the characters are complicated and interesting, and I never felt bored. But now that I've finished, and am considering it as a whole, I'm left wanting... I think. I can't decide whether I like the ending or not. Whether I need more from it or not.Perhaps as I think about it over the next few days, it'll bother me less. Or maybe more. I guess we'll see.
Regardless, it was a good book, and I'll look forward to reading this author in the future.
I'm feeling conflicted. I very much enjoyed reading this book. The writing is fantastic, the characters are complicated and interesting, and I never felt bored. But now that I've finished, and am considering it as a whole, I'm left wanting... I think. I can't decide whether I like the ending or not. Whether I need more from it or not.Perhaps as I think about it over the next few days, it'll bother me less. Or maybe more. I guess we'll see.
Regardless, it was a good book, and I'll look forward to reading this author in the future.
jsglow's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars, might have been 3 if not for the ending. Starts very bleak & ends even more bleakly.
uncouth's review against another edition
4.0
This a bleak novel always racing toward the inevitably dark conclusion, yet brimming with humanity amidst the dire circumstances. Enjoyed it and will seek out the author's future work.
cpoole's review against another edition
3.0
Usually, it takes me awhile to get into a book and I enjoy the middle and end much more than the beginning. The opposite was true for The Kept. I was really into the opening scenes and flashbacks from Elspeth's life (one of the main characters). For me, it all went downhill from the time she and Caleb left for the town. Plus, it was rough going for our two protagonists. There was no end to the suffering for these two...both physically and emotionally. I'm just glad that is over. I must say it wasn't a total loss, because the setting was worth the read.
ARC provided by Harper Collins.
ARC provided by Harper Collins.
sarahc3319's review against another edition
3.0
there is quite a story here but I'm not sure it's plausible, not sure I liked it. no character is sympathetic, the setting is not charming, the progression of the story is often choppy. but... I couldn't stop reading, had to know what would happen, and thus my three stars. it's a bleak novel, to put it mildly, but there are touches throughout that remind the reader that Scott is a gifted storyteller and it's worth your time to see what he has to say.
jchristy's review against another edition
3.0
I had trouble connecting with the characters on an emotional level. "Kept" thinking I would but never did.
bookdream's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the author's style of writing, and the beginning of the book was amazing. Once Elspeth and Caleb hit Watersbridge, though, I think the plot fell apart. I kept waiting for it to come back together, and I don't know that it ever did. I'm surprised at myself, but I really would have liked a happier ending.