Reviews

Someone Else's Life by Lyn Liao Butler

gena1203's review against another edition

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3.0

This book had an interesting concept which caught my attention. We sometimes find ourselves in situations where we swear we know EXACTLY what we would do, then reality hits and all of a sudden our sense of logic goes out the window. I felt this tension the entire time reading this book--one part annoyed that the main character kept making predictable choices, but on the other hand, I also understood her motivation and intrigue as she continued down the path we all knew would lead to something bad. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters own emotional journey, but this realization didn't come until the end of the book. This is definitely a book that will leave you questioning your own growth and sense of compassion at the end.

smithemorgan's review against another edition

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3.0

2.5 but I’ll round up

I’m having conflicting thoughts about this book. The storyline itself is pretty predictable but it’s hard to write a story no one has ever told before. The execution is what lost stars for me.

The dialogue was childish for such a dark topic. The way the main character was “so depressed” and “being grouchy was ruining her life” but warmly welcomes a stranger into her home and thinks she’s her new bestie? No. SO MUCH repetitive dialogue as well. If I had to hear the same question one more time…

The pacing of the book was bizarre. I was into it —> bored as hell —> it was great —> boring and drawn out again. Like 75% of this could have been cut out and it still would’ve been the same story.

I did like the action and the setting so +1 star for each of those. Overall, I enjoyed it enough to say I liked it but definitely not a well written book.

sydneelea's review

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mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

ravyncrow's review

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mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

kaycvee's review

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mysterious 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? Yes

3.5

jknnbs2010's review

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emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

3.5

mgrumley's review

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3.0

This book is INTENSE! Should come with a trigger warning. Lol

antiopelle's review against another edition

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2.0

Annie is home alone when a storm is brewing outside. The wind is howling and the nearby river is swelling when a stranger - Serena - asks for shelter, as her car broke down and it is too dangerous to stay outside. Reluctantly, Annie accepts and quickly the two bond over a few bottles of wine, tea and (too) personal stories. As this is a thriller, it is obvious that one of them is up to no good and that the night will of course end in mayhem.

I'm always in for a slow burning locked room mystery and the setting was perfect and drew me in. Alas, the conversation that takes place between the two women is awkward and very repetitive, big red flags are not only being ignored, but they also make very little sense and that made the whole story unbelievable. The premise is very good, the setting also and the story in itself is original, but I felt that it lacked in execution. I think this story would have worked better as a short story or novella.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas and Mercer and the author for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

amgray08's review

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

wednesdayzombie's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5