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readingwithrebs's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
bookswithemily's review against another edition
4.0
The Villa was such an exciting read. The beginning started off explaining the process of the new reality show. To me, it was giving major love island and big brother vibes. The pace begun to build up as the chapters went by. All of the contestants in the villa were all a bit odd in some way, even some of the staff working on the show were a bit strange too. It made me feel uncertain about the main character, Laura, surviving the villa experience. The book became quite dark when the contestants had been in the villa for a while. Some of them have secrets, including Laura, and as their times draws to a close, everyone is desperate for the prize money.
The chapters are set in both the past and the present day. The past chapters include the build up to the villa reality show and then Laura’s time on the show. The present day chapters are told from the police interview with the producer of the show. The chapters told from the present day are eerie because the reader hasn’t found out what had happened at the end of the show yet. These chapters are left very open with not too much information. I could tell that the producer wasn’t interested in the contestants welfare which made me worried while reading the chapters about the villa.
I was hooked from the first page of the book. It was such a summery psychological thriller. It kept me guessing throughout and I could never have guessed what actually happened at the end. The ending was intense and became very dramatic. The final chapter left me with suspicions as it was quite open ended, I do like when books are left on an ending like this. I enjoyed finding out how the contestants were chosen for the reality show, it was interesting. I highly recommend this book to those who watch love island and who like a psychological thriller, you will not be disappointed.
The chapters are set in both the past and the present day. The past chapters include the build up to the villa reality show and then Laura’s time on the show. The present day chapters are told from the police interview with the producer of the show. The chapters told from the present day are eerie because the reader hasn’t found out what had happened at the end of the show yet. These chapters are left very open with not too much information. I could tell that the producer wasn’t interested in the contestants welfare which made me worried while reading the chapters about the villa.
I was hooked from the first page of the book. It was such a summery psychological thriller. It kept me guessing throughout and I could never have guessed what actually happened at the end. The ending was intense and became very dramatic. The final chapter left me with suspicions as it was quite open ended, I do like when books are left on an ending like this. I enjoyed finding out how the contestants were chosen for the reality show, it was interesting. I highly recommend this book to those who watch love island and who like a psychological thriller, you will not be disappointed.
thelittlecardiffblog's review against another edition
1.0
I read this on holiday and I just wanted a light hearted holiday read, but this was just plain bad :/ totally forgettable and just silly really. Glad other people liked it though!
treenbean's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
jazzy_g's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This book was lent to me by a friend and I did not expect to read it, let alone quite enjoy it. However it ended up being a bit of a guilty pleasure. It was a pretty quick read and would be a good holiday book, keeps the reader guessing throughout and there were some unexpected twists. References human psychology and the dark side to reality television.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Stalking, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Confinement, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Infidelity, Addiction, Mental illness, Alcoholism, and Body shaming
lainimarie's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.0