You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.23 AVERAGE
3.23 AVERAGE
I'm not really sure how to rate this book, mostly because I know people will instantly judge me for hating it. I'll start off by saying, I went into this book knowing that the author had intentionally made the main character unlikeable. And that's not what I hated. Not at all. To be honest, having Leila unlikeable would have made this book very interesting, BUT none of the other characters were likeable either.
Tess was a party animal who "lived too much" and although we can all relate to her on a small level, there are very few who can relate to her on a larger scale. She's in a few words slutty, irresponsible, an addict, and a hoarder. She also is extremely popular for some reason, and hates her parents even though they were the only ones willing to investigate after she "left." Connor is a horrible human as well. Annie and Milo were decent characters, but we hardly had any interaction with them to really form a relationship. And all of the other characters are either insignificant, or horrible people as well.
The plot was slow moving. The book has been described as "chilling" and "intense" but I would describe it as "depressing" and "slow." Most of the plot is Leila sitting on her computer communicating to Tess's friends, or her wondering about something that most people on the planet have a vast understanding about, or her walking around a commune trying to find clues (which there are hardly any).
What upsets me the most is that this book had so much potential, and it just flopped. Midway through I wanted to quit. And when I finally made it to the last chapter I had thought of five different "intense" ways the book could have ended. But, it just kind of ended with hardly any conclusion.
I do not recommend unless you have A LOT of free time.
Tess was a party animal who "lived too much" and although we can all relate to her on a small level, there are very few who can relate to her on a larger scale. She's in a few words slutty, irresponsible, an addict, and a hoarder. She also is extremely popular for some reason, and hates her parents even though they were the only ones willing to investigate after she "left." Connor is a horrible human as well. Annie and Milo were decent characters, but we hardly had any interaction with them to really form a relationship. And all of the other characters are either insignificant, or horrible people as well.
The plot was slow moving. The book has been described as "chilling" and "intense" but I would describe it as "depressing" and "slow." Most of the plot is Leila sitting on her computer communicating to Tess's friends, or her wondering about something that most people on the planet have a vast understanding about, or her walking around a commune trying to find clues (which there are hardly any).
What upsets me the most is that this book had so much potential, and it just flopped. Midway through I wanted to quit. And when I finally made it to the last chapter I had thought of five different "intense" ways the book could have ended. But, it just kind of ended with hardly any conclusion.
I do not recommend unless you have A LOT of free time.
I liked the idea of this book. The reality was just OK for me. It started out promising. The middle was a bit tedious and the ending was a little unsatisfying. This was supposed to be a suspenseful thriller but really wasn't to me.
"Kiss Me First" is the debut novel of Lottie Moggach. It is a wholly original story about Leila, an introverted young woman, who finds her voice on the philosophy website, Red Pill. She is soon targeted by the website's owner, the enigmatic Adrian to do something that will change Lottie's life. She is to take over Tess's online life after Tess commits suicide. Leila believes she's doing the right thing but as things unfold, she is suddenly less sure of herself but she may already be in too deep.
I love stories that are totally brand new. I haven't read another book like this one. It was fascinating to see this book unfold. We're not given all the clues at first and I loved being able to figure out things as the book went on. With a debut book like this, I'm hopeful that Ms. Moggach will continue to keep me on my toes with future releases.
Leila was a really fascinating narrator to me. I loved that the book was narrated from her point of view. She really changes throughout this book. She started out very sheltered at the beginning of the book but she begins to really transform through the book. This book brought up a lot of questions about my own beliefs and I love when a book can do that. While I don't necessarily agree with the things that Leila does in the book, I can see where she was coming from. Being able to understand a character's motivation is always very important to me.
I listened to this book as an audiobook and I thought that the narration was good. I thought the audiobook format worked really well for this format.
If you're looking for a controversial book with a wholly original story, this will fit the bill.
I love stories that are totally brand new. I haven't read another book like this one. It was fascinating to see this book unfold. We're not given all the clues at first and I loved being able to figure out things as the book went on. With a debut book like this, I'm hopeful that Ms. Moggach will continue to keep me on my toes with future releases.
Leila was a really fascinating narrator to me. I loved that the book was narrated from her point of view. She really changes throughout this book. She started out very sheltered at the beginning of the book but she begins to really transform through the book. This book brought up a lot of questions about my own beliefs and I love when a book can do that. While I don't necessarily agree with the things that Leila does in the book, I can see where she was coming from. Being able to understand a character's motivation is always very important to me.
I listened to this book as an audiobook and I thought that the narration was good. I thought the audiobook format worked really well for this format.
If you're looking for a controversial book with a wholly original story, this will fit the bill.
It would be impossible to go into great detail about this book, or even try to explain why I liked it so much without revealing major aspects of the story. It is better, perhaps, if I offer reasons why you should read it:
The story crackles with a low tension, seething underneath. You know sooner or later sometimes going to come undone and release that tension in all its ferocity. You just don’t know when.
It’s been a long time since I read a book that takes place over a short period of time (months) yet it is possible to see the major changes in a character’s personality. Author Lottie Moggath excels in this area, allowing the character Leila to reveal herself completely. Much of the layer peeling is done so masterfully that it might be possible to miss. Whenever I spotted these clues, I was reminded of watching horror movies when you know the heroine would be safe but for some reason, she always does what you know she shouldn’t.
The plot itself is a mosaic of different elements, all known to us due to past events in our lives. It is the fusing of these familiar elements into something new that transforms Ms. Moggath’s book into a compelling read.
And, just to be fair, this book is not a thriller or heavy with suspense (though the suspense of not knowing or trying to guess where the story is going is present). Some people may not like the characters, but I thought building the characters of Leila and Tess was more important than whether I liked them or not (I preferred to appreciate what the author accomplished). This is a book that will force you to think (and maybe not in directions you would not willingly travel), and is not for those seeking a shot of adrenaline.
Bottom line: Excellent plot that twists and grows into something new, coupled with a strong characterization of Leila, which propels the book. While this is not an action/adventure/thriller novel, the strength of the writing is powerful. Once near the end, we are left with no choice but to continue reading as the climax rushes toward us. Five stars.
The story crackles with a low tension, seething underneath. You know sooner or later sometimes going to come undone and release that tension in all its ferocity. You just don’t know when.
It’s been a long time since I read a book that takes place over a short period of time (months) yet it is possible to see the major changes in a character’s personality. Author Lottie Moggath excels in this area, allowing the character Leila to reveal herself completely. Much of the layer peeling is done so masterfully that it might be possible to miss. Whenever I spotted these clues, I was reminded of watching horror movies when you know the heroine would be safe but for some reason, she always does what you know she shouldn’t.
The plot itself is a mosaic of different elements, all known to us due to past events in our lives. It is the fusing of these familiar elements into something new that transforms Ms. Moggath’s book into a compelling read.
And, just to be fair, this book is not a thriller or heavy with suspense (though the suspense of not knowing or trying to guess where the story is going is present). Some people may not like the characters, but I thought building the characters of Leila and Tess was more important than whether I liked them or not (I preferred to appreciate what the author accomplished). This is a book that will force you to think (and maybe not in directions you would not willingly travel), and is not for those seeking a shot of adrenaline.
Bottom line: Excellent plot that twists and grows into something new, coupled with a strong characterization of Leila, which propels the book. While this is not an action/adventure/thriller novel, the strength of the writing is powerful. Once near the end, we are left with no choice but to continue reading as the climax rushes toward us. Five stars.
Oh wow! I'm so amazed that Lottie Moggach could write an entire tale that only appears if you read between the lines ... There is so much more to this story than only what's written. If you're a caring person, it's so difficult to just passively watch Leila bumble around, so sure she's understanding people, when she's so far out of touch. But again, wow, this book is so well written! And I'm an absolute believer in happy endings so five stars for this gem! Imogen Church is just stellar at bringing the wide variety of characters to life.
Enjoyable and interesting enough -- not quite a thriller. The prologue almost turned me off the book, and the ending is a bit too neat, but fun.
I saw this was now a TV show on Channel 4 and googled it; saw it was a book and according to my Goodreads I had read it. I had literally no recollection of doing so but found it on my kindle. After a while some of it rang a bell but I could't remember the ending so unfortunately had to persevere until the end. I previously gave this 3 stars however no idea why.
I feel a bit weird about putting up an online review of this internet-thriller. (especially this being my first review on here)
Was it good? Yes. Flawless? Maybe not.
Overall the book had me in its grip, read it in two day's worth of being ill at home.
The constant switch from the actual storyline to Leila's present moments in Spain pulled me out of the story from time to time, the whole sort of diary feel to it didn't do much for me. Villain was not a big surprise as was the love interest, but it didn't bother me that much. Great character, good backstory. Also digged the philosophical references (although at times oddly placed)
Overall a good read, thumbs up for Lottie Moggach's debut novel.
Was it good? Yes. Flawless? Maybe not.
Overall the book had me in its grip, read it in two day's worth of being ill at home.
The constant switch from the actual storyline to Leila's present moments in Spain pulled me out of the story from time to time, the whole sort of diary feel to it didn't do much for me. Villain was not a big surprise as was the love interest, but it didn't bother me that much. Great character, good backstory. Also digged the philosophical references (although at times oddly placed)
Overall a good read, thumbs up for Lottie Moggach's debut novel.
