Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

Teatr złoczyńców by M.L. Rio

193 reviews

culinaryjules's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I read this for my work book club. I wouldn’t have picked it up on my own, and I probably wouldn’t have kept reading if it wasn’t for book club. I’m so glad I kept reading. This is a very interesting who-done-it, entrenched within the lives of college students whom are Shakespeare actors. I’m not well versed enough in Shakespeare to get all of the references, but I didn’t let that deter me. This is a well-written novel that delves into the lives of this very small college family of friends. One of the friends is murdered. Or is he? Is the right person in jail? I’m glad it was suggested because I enjoyed it more than I anticipated once I got into it.

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iordanmoore's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Loved this book! Similar to The Secret History but I found this book to be more enjoyable to read.

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oakairi's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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lizziaha's review against another edition

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4.5

Reading this book traps you in a spiral, coiling tighter and tighter until its inevitable end. The tension builds and builds and builds and builds and snaps in the most gloriously messy Shakespearean way. I actually wish I knew more about Shakespeare after reading this book. I feel like I missed references. Not just in the direct quotes, but in the roles the characters play, in the narrative structure, in relationships, in the ending. I suspect this book, as good as it is as a first read, will fare better for me as a reread. 

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thequiltyreader's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Compelling story and characters. I found the writing style a little verbose at times and must admit to skimming the Shakespeare quotes a few times which is the only reason it's been knocked down on review.

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dpsmom's review against another edition

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emotional 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

4.0

A group of thespian college students find themselves in impossible situations in this reflective novel told from the POV of the guilty party of a gruesome (or accidental?) crime. The writing was sophisticated, and interspersed with quoted Shakespeare lines from various plays. While that might bring some audiences out of the story, I personally felt it helped readers understand the intense fine arts program in which the characters are a part of. Being a former English teacher,  I also found the Shakespeare quotes to be a fun nostalgic reminder of the past. The characters were all well developed, believable and different. The story was interesting and made me shake my head in affirmation at some of the dumb choices they make as college students. Overall, it was a quick and entertaining read, a bit predictable in some places, but also with a couple plot twists along the way to change things up. Would recommend. 


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ellalillian's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

going to be thinking about this book for a long time for sure. thoroughly enjoyed it. dark academia always makes me feel weird/unsettled afterward... which is probably the whole point.

based on the reviews, i was kind of scared going into this book, but honestly, while i'm glad i knew it was going to be dark going in, i didn't think it was that dark - at least until the end. the epilogue honestly messed me up more than anything. (don't get me wrong, the whole book was still dark, just not as bad as i was expecting).

the biggest "twists" were pretty predictable, but i honestly didn't think that made it any less enjoyable in the slightest. i saw another review saying that how they're revealed is perfect; the point of this book wasn't plot twists, but almost character twists & oliver learning who the other characters, along with himself, truly are.

i wish i knew more shakespeare because i think that's the only thing that could've made this book more enjoyable.

definitely thoroughly enjoyed this book - if you ever want to feel unsettled & if you like shakespeare, this book it definitely for you!

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lizzym126's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25


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koneku's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0


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theresa_timber's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • 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

3.75


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