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cassroberts89's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Finished in one day. I guess that says something! While so much of the story is a little out there, it’s definitely a page turner. The timeline is all over the place, but it’s done so well.
I’m not sure I’d hand this one to my daughter just yet (mature 13yo). There is so much going on; seek out trigger warnings and HEED them for sure. Child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, just straight up violence, the list goes on. Most of it is closed door, especially the sexual abuse with the victim as young as 10yo, but it’s extremely clear that it is going on. It’s all far-fetched but also real enough that you’d need to follow up with some heavy conversations with your teen.
I’m not sure I’d hand this one to my daughter just yet (mature 13yo). There is so much going on; seek out trigger warnings and HEED them for sure. Child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, just straight up violence, the list goes on. Most of it is closed door, especially the sexual abuse with the victim as young as 10yo, but it’s extremely clear that it is going on. It’s all far-fetched but also real enough that you’d need to follow up with some heavy conversations with your teen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual violence, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Child abuse
Minor: Abortion
notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
4.0
Okay I really liked this, but thought it could have ended a little earlier than it did. The ending wasn't as interesting to me as the rest
eloisehunt's review against another edition
3.0
The start was a bit hard to get in to, but once you get past the first 100 or so pages you cannot put it down!
notmaiareading's review against another edition
2.5
I genuinely don't know how they are gonna turn this into a movie, like the concept wasn't confusing to read but it would be to watch cause it's all based on inner monologue.
jillybeanxo's review against another edition
5.0
God I love a strong gay woman who takes control. Is this book perfection? Why yes I think it is!
blackberryreads's review against another edition
4.0
The perfect binge reading book. My heart was beating so hard at the thrilling parts, which rarely ever happens when I read.
TW: emotional and physical abuse, SA
TW: emotional and physical abuse, SA
joanna1905's review against another edition
3.0
**3.5**
A departure from my preferred genre but I loved Tess's book 'Six Times We Almost Kissed' so I was keen to read her other stuff. This was a really well-written YA mystery thriller with a cute queer romance. I can't say there were any surprising plot twists but I was still invested in the plot. I can't rate higher simply because this just isn't a genre I love and it would take a near miracle to get a higher rating. I will be checking out book two as I have a feeling the plot will be more focused on the plot with her step father and I look forward to see how it all plays out.
A departure from my preferred genre but I loved Tess's book 'Six Times We Almost Kissed' so I was keen to read her other stuff. This was a really well-written YA mystery thriller with a cute queer romance. I can't say there were any surprising plot twists but I was still invested in the plot. I can't rate higher simply because this just isn't a genre I love and it would take a near miracle to get a higher rating. I will be checking out book two as I have a feeling the plot will be more focused on the plot with her step father and I look forward to see how it all plays out.
ridi23's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
Smart thriller/hostage/relationship story with layers.
Oohh, I really loved the serpentine nature of this, with current and past intrigues, interwoven with darkly humorous as well as dangerous characters and situations.
In present day, there's a bank hostage situation. But it's not that straightforward - our narrator, one of the hostages is herself a wanted woman, part of her own twisted and threatening con artist background.
While we follow the excitement of the heist, as Nora and her friends struggle to stay alive and gain some control, she also shows us her history, as daughter of a woman who constantly made her change her name, appearance and character, to con men out of their money.
It's different. Each story on its own would have made a whole novel, with psychological trauma and suspense in both. Together they shouldn't work, but Sharpe is in control here and what might not seem necessary does actually mesh well to give not only Nora depth.
I found this exciting, and seeing it is going to be filmed, am keen to see it on the screen. Nora makes a wonderfully entertaining, empathetic and imperfect protagonist, with some vibrant secondary characters surrounding her. Her past, as a little girl, is vivid and does give her a lot of our sympathy.
The plots dovetail into quite an exciting finale, and I did find myself riveted to know both the secrets of the past and how things could possibly work out in the present.
Enticingly different. Highly enjoyable. Recommended. One that young adults will enjoy as well as those older looking for something unique.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
Oohh, I really loved the serpentine nature of this, with current and past intrigues, interwoven with darkly humorous as well as dangerous characters and situations.
In present day, there's a bank hostage situation. But it's not that straightforward - our narrator, one of the hostages is herself a wanted woman, part of her own twisted and threatening con artist background.
While we follow the excitement of the heist, as Nora and her friends struggle to stay alive and gain some control, she also shows us her history, as daughter of a woman who constantly made her change her name, appearance and character, to con men out of their money.
It's different. Each story on its own would have made a whole novel, with psychological trauma and suspense in both. Together they shouldn't work, but Sharpe is in control here and what might not seem necessary does actually mesh well to give not only Nora depth.
I found this exciting, and seeing it is going to be filmed, am keen to see it on the screen. Nora makes a wonderfully entertaining, empathetic and imperfect protagonist, with some vibrant secondary characters surrounding her. Her past, as a little girl, is vivid and does give her a lot of our sympathy.
The plots dovetail into quite an exciting finale, and I did find myself riveted to know both the secrets of the past and how things could possibly work out in the present.
Enticingly different. Highly enjoyable. Recommended. One that young adults will enjoy as well as those older looking for something unique.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
eliza_eperon's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75