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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
If you want something meaty and character-driven I’d skip this one, but it’s a generally good time.
The characters aren’t fleshed out a ton but they don’t necessarily need to be for this kind of story and it’s got a pretty slow start, but it’s a page turner once you get around 100 pages deep. I also enjoy the fact that it gives you something to consider and wonder about even after the end (though some other reviewers see what I’m talking about as plot holes for some reason… ?).
If there’s one big strength regarding this book though, it’s the author’s ability to build tension and bring out strong emotions. Was reading the book on the porch and nearly jumped out of my seat due to a noise because of the tension, and if nothing else all of Margot’s emotions feel incredibly raw and real the whole time. I just wish the character dynamics weren’t so understated.
The characters aren’t fleshed out a ton but they don’t necessarily need to be for this kind of story and it’s got a pretty slow start, but it’s a page turner once you get around 100 pages deep. I also enjoy the fact that it gives you something to consider and wonder about even after the end (though some other reviewers see what I’m talking about as plot holes for some reason… ?).
If there’s one big strength regarding this book though, it’s the author’s ability to build tension and bring out strong emotions. Was reading the book on the porch and nearly jumped out of my seat due to a noise because of the tension, and if nothing else all of Margot’s emotions feel incredibly raw and real the whole time. I just wish the character dynamics weren’t so understated.
dark
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Overall, I enjoy Coates' writing style. Gallows Hill was a bit of a slog, pacing wise, for about 50% of the story 🥲 I understand it was supposed to be tense and suspenseful, but it felt boring instead... until the plot picked up, and then I zoomed through it.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Characters are not developed. 30% of the way in and I know nothing about the main character except that she left home around 8 to live with her grandparents and her parents just died. I need more depth in a character - plot isn’t enough, and this plot is also slow to get moving.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No