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lauren_shilling's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Complicated
1.0
None of my opinions on any of the characters has changed. I honestly don't like any of them for various reasons that I detailed in my review of the first book. However, I rated the first book slightly higher due to, not necessarily enjoying, but being entertained by the plot. However, this book honestly did nothing for me. I found it to be overwhelmingly boring and to feel very much like filler. I don't always mind a filler book, but only if I adore the characters. I didn't feel that at all with this book, and honestly, I probably could have just gone onto the third book and not missed any major plot points except for one, as well as the twist at the end. That twist felt cheap to me, though, like it was only thrown in for drama purposes and to give the book a cliffhanger. I am reading this series for a friend who really enjoys it, and she is reading my favorite series in return, so I will be reading the next two books. I'm hoping the series will get better, but right now, it seems like it's just going to get worse. Maybe I'll be proven wrong and end up enjoying one or both of the next two books, but I don't really think I will. I would also like to mention in this review that not all of my criticisms, particularly about the plot, are entirely the book's fault. Some of them arise from the fact that this just is not the kind of book I tend to enjoy. However, I do think some of my criticisms are more objective, such as my issues with the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Car accident, and Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Child death
The relationships present in this book are presented as being okay, when in reality, they are all incredibly unhealthy, and one of them is downright abusive. I think that people should be aware going in it these are not healthy relationships and should not be understood as such.