Reviews

The Wicked Remain by Laura Pohl

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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition

5.0

I was really looking forward to the first book in the series. Fairytales, curses, murder mysteries, dark academia, rich people. It all sounded like a perfect fit. In the end the first book left me a little unsatisfied. It wasn't what I had hoped it would be. However, I was curious enough to check out the second book in the series. But, when the book came in I didn't have time to dive into the book that was a little bigger than I expected. But this week I had and today I wanted to make a start.

I read the entire book in one sitting. I barely took the time to get myself something to drink. I had to continue reading. I had to know how this was gonna end. How the pieces of the puzzle were gonna click. How everything was coming together. And once I was reading the end I had the tears rolling down my cheeks. Maybe the message of the book became a little in your face in the finale, but the message was beautiful so I don't care.

Although this book is about curses and fairytales, it's mostly about friendship and female power. It's also about where you can find that power. The one girl who always tried to do everything on her own, even though she had chronic pain, learned that asking friends for help is not a weakness but a strength. The girl who was finally free decided that being free didn't mean binding herself to another person. Yet. And they all learned that they can do everything as long as they do it together.

In this book the fairytales also became a lot clearer, following their destined paths. All the important elements shaping the stories were present. And the fairytales came together perfectly in the very last moment and scene. So, looking back at the first book I understand why I had issues connecting with it, but I now also see that it's all part of the build up and the lesson these characters have to learn. The second book in this duet makes the entire series completely worth it!

hanniejar101's review

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dark mysterious 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? Yes

4.5

izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5/5

I well deserved sequel I have been waiting for. I loved the plot, and the pacing was alright. I found the characters to be good, but I wish there was more to the story in a way.

anzy98's review

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dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

shelvesofotherworlds's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

isobelscloud's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

annamickreads's review against another edition

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4.0

A fitting conclusion to The Grimrose Girls duology, "The Wicked Remain" follows the group as they race against the clock to unravel the curse that plagues The Grimrose Ácademie. While I did think that many of the fairytale elements to this book were a little on the nose, it was still a vastly enjoyable read and definitely something readers could finish rather quickly.

Honestly, fans of "Once Upon A Time" would really love this series for the different ways the retellings take form; I really appreciated the diversity in character backgrounds, sexualities, and body types. While the ending reveal didn't necessarily shock me, I think the twists and turns of the road to the big reveal were fun and full of adventure!

Can't wait to see what Laura Pohl does next :)