Scan barcode
emptzuu's review against another edition
The depiction of the cycle of abuse is portrayed without a clear resolution. Lily's relationships with Ryle's sister and best friend intensify this challenge, making it difficult for her to break free from the cycle. The casual discussions about Ryle by Allysa and Marshall, minimizing his abusive tendencies, feel unsettling and fail to provide the necessary support for Lily's healing process. It becomes evident that Lily requires a robust support system to effectively heal, including going no contact with her abuser and anyone associated with him as a crucial first step.
While the portrayal of Lily's legal battle with Ryle may reflect the realistic challenges faced by survivors of abuse, the ending leaves a sense of unease. It's understandable that winning a legal case against Ryle would be arduous, but the narrative's conclusion, with Ryle still involved in Lily's life, raises concerns about the safety of both Lily and her daughter. Lily's continued excuses for Ryle's behavior underscore the lingering impact of abuse and the necessity for her to prioritize her own well-being.
Contrary to the narrative's suggestion, love alone cannot heal the trauma of an abusive relationship, especially when the only common ground is shared trauma. Seeking therapy is crucial for Lily's recovery; relying on Atlas or any external figure won't suffice.
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Toxic friendship, and Emotional abuse
sophie______a's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
2.0
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Toxic friendship, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Sexual violence, and Gaslighting
telepathyjmin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Just a few complaints about this book:
1. Repeating word for word the letters Lily wrote in book one. I guess if you read the books when they came out, instead of reading them directly back to back, it might be fine. But felt very unnecessary to me. Really could have just included a summary of them.
2. As a few other people have pointed out, really didn't like Alyssa + Marshall in this. If you were friends with someone who was abused physically + mentally by your brother/best friend would you still continue to be on good terms with them? I know i sure as hell wouldn't.
Took them until the very end of the book to get their act together and side with Lily instead of Ryle, EVEN THOUGH she went through abuse from this dude for over a year(?)
Last small critique is that i noticed quite a few typos throughout the book, with the words 'me' and 'my' being used interchangeably at times for some reason.
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
Minor: Abandonment, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
roo_coniam's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Abandonment, Addiction, Drug use, Alcoholism, Blood, Bullying, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Sexual content, Alcohol, Vomit, Violence, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Suicide, Sexual violence, Rape, Medical trauma, Drug abuse, and Sexual harassment
sadiedrew's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Medical content, Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Domestic abuse
ellie_murdock's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Moderate: Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Domestic abuse, Bullying, and Child abuse