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stephisbooked's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
- 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
4.25
Natalie Haynes is such a talented writer and I have loved all of her novels retelling various myths. After this one, I am going to need her to write some more fiction. This was such a sharp and interesting story that was still myth adjacent. Anyone who has worked with youths will understand how hard it can be to connect and Haynes did a fabulous job capturing a strained relationship. The setting in this was sooo good - if you have ever been to Edinburgh Haynes captures the atmosphere so well. I felt like I was back on Cockburn street while reading.
nicknocks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I liked the premise, but it does feel like a first novel - a lot of potential but not executed amazingly. It was quickly predictable, and heavy hand with the foreshadowing. However, I enjoyed the structure of the book with the acts - even though it dragged a little in the first acts - and the Greek tragedy discussion/references. Of the teenage characters, I didn't feel like any, bar one, had any real depth, which slightly tempered my enjoyment, but just because you can see with other characters that Natalie can do complex characters well. Overall, a solid read though with a provoking study of grief.
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Suicide attempt
aseel_reads's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This was a solid thriller/mystery but eventually it became very obvious as to where the plot was going
Moderate: Stalking, Bullying, Cursing, Violence, Ableism, Murder, Toxic friendship, Grief, and Death
robinkaye's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.25
aleesi's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
marissacon's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
jaredwill_'s review against another edition
3.0
It's a good novel but the tragedy that is the premise and that the novel builds toward is an incredible let down. This is exacerbated by the foreboding nature on the writing and by comparison to the Greek tragedies discussed in the book.
I loved the writing but felt disappointed by the ending.
I loved the writing but felt disappointed by the ending.