Reviews

The Burnings by Naomi Kelsey

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pavonini's review against another edition

dark medium-paced

2.0

I didn't really like this book, and it was a slog to finish. It didn't seem to know what it wanted to be - romantic, historical, a kind of thriller, court drama - and so these elements didn't come together into a cohesive whole. There was a lot of clunky writing. I didn't particularly like the descriptions. The characters seemed to do things a little at random, and I didn't feel strong characterisation in most.

caite's review against another edition

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dark informative sad tense 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

3.75

bezzlebob's review against another edition

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4.0

Took a different turn to what I was expecting, but it’s so well written that I didn’t mind. Parts are painful to read, as you’re physically bearing witness to a brutal part of history, but nothing felt unnecessary or too sensationalist. I wish we could have had more interaction between the two main characters, but given the plot I see why we don’t. I’ll certainly re-read, and look forward to attending a talk by the author soon!