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challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-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
Usually Natasha's books have a ending that leaves readers on cliffhangers - not this one. It had a really interesting plot, and was very dark at times. It was giving creepy vibes. Overall pretty solid 4 star rating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Sexual content
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book started off so innocent and slightly mysterious but it took a drastic turn and got super intense. I could feel my heart racing in the last third of the book! Amazing story, well thought out plot, some violence, some harsh themes (cult, abuse, brainwashing)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Awake by Natasha Preston was one of my favorite books by this author. If you’ve been following me for a while you know I love Natasha Preston books, and this one was no exception. I’m fascinated by cults, so this plot was right up my alley. Not only was this perfectly paced, it had the right amount of creepiness to genuine nature. The characters were well balanced, and their actions felt justified given the constraints of the novel. While I think there were a few moments where I questioned whether or not the main character really wouldn’t have suspected anything, but everything was within the realm of reasonable deniability(meaning just because I would have been suspicious about something, doesn’t mean that someone else would have been). Again, I think cult behavior and mentality is an interesting topic of study, and I think the response of the individuals at the end of this novel was a really refreshing take on how victims of a cult are viewed and treated. Personally, I know Preston’s novels aren’t for everyone, but I really enjoy them as quick, pallet cleansing thrillers. If you’re going to give one of Preston’s novels a read, this would definitely be a good one to start with.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-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
I really loved this book. It was a very fast read. The characters are great. I would've loved to know what exactly happened to Evelyn but as the Story wasn't about her I feel the ending was perfect for the story. It was a little predictable in a way but I didn't feel it took away from the story at all. I would definitely recommend and could see myself rereading this again in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Medical content, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Torture, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Murder, Alcohol
Minor: Confinement, Kidnapping
Cult/Cult behavior
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
God I love this author wow. That was traumatizing but so good. I love Scarlett ,I’m glad she’s with her actual family. Makes me glad. I’m glad that couple in the woods are ok, I feel bad for them. </spoiler I hate how Imogen was hated on. And she was never mentioned. She like fell flat. And Noah Ohmygod Noah. His character development The plot was great. I hope she finds Evenlyn. But overall very good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, Gaslighting
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Fire/Fire injury