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yvo_about_books's review against another edition
4.0
Finished reading: June 28th 2023
“In order to catch the monster, she would have to drag those pieces - and the pain that came with them - out from where she had carefully stowed them and into the light.”
I still can't believe I've only just recently discovered her work, but I loved my first experience with Isabella Maldonado's writing and I've been looking forward to read more. My TBR jar thought I shouldn't wait and decided I had to pick up The Cipher ASAP. Not that I'm complaining, because I ended up having a great time reading this first book of the Nina Guerrera series! True, I don't exacty think it's credible that the FBI let's Nina actively investigate a case that is so personal to her, and especially after certain events in the plot and things escalate further and further. BUT. If you are able to suspend your belief and just enjoy the ride you will be in for a bucketload of action and suspense. The Cipher isn't afraid to go VERY dark and disturbing indeed, and this story isn't for those with a weak stomach. There is constant danger lurking around every corner, but then again the team IS hunting a twisted serial killer... Most of the story is told from Nina's POV, but I could really appreciate that some chapters were from the serial killer's POV. It definitely took the story to the next level for me! The plot isn't all that original with the cat and mouse game and the serial killer taunting the police, but it does make for a very entertaining ride and the ciphers added a nice touch. Was the final confrontation exactly credible? Maybe not, but it did make sure that the story went out with a bang. I do wish there would have been more character development in Nina beyond the basics and stereotypes, but there was enough there to make me look forward to read the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Sexual violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Vomit, Child abuse, Confinement, Misogyny, Murder, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Stalking, Torture, Death, Domestic abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
100_pages_hr's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Absolutely amazing. Basically better than an episode of Criminal Minds and that is one of my favorite shows!
I love how strong, brave, and resilient Nina is. I loved her growth in the book too. I loved the FBI team she was on.
This book kept me guessing and was very descriptive without being too much.
I can't wait to listen to the next 2!
I love how strong, brave, and resilient Nina is. I loved her growth in the book too. I loved the FBI team she was on.
This book kept me guessing and was very descriptive without being too much.
I can't wait to listen to the next 2!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Cursing, Death, Physical abuse, Abandonment, Medical trauma, Murder, Torture, Violence, Vomit, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Rape
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