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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
One of the most meh books I've read in recent memory. There's a lot of really interesting conflicts set up, especially in the first half, but I can't think of any plot point that wasn't resolved in the most cheap way possible. The back half is a speedrun of increasingly inane pseudo-feminist microplots, none of which last longer than...I don't know, twenty pages? The writing itself is fine insofar as its unremarkable (aside from brief moments where it dips into a tone so undeservedly self-righteousness that I rolled my eyes), and I think this author probably could write something enjoyable if she planned the story out instead of repeatedly writing herself into a corner and then, like, drawing ideas out of a hat.
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
the writing is pretty good but so far there isn’t really any story?? Idk it’s just really nonlinear and somewhat boring
Interesting behind the scenes look in the cut throat world of ballerinas.
It took forever for the secret to come out and then it finally got interesting.
It took forever for the secret to come out and then it finally got interesting.
I read this book as part of a book club for writers - so reviewing as a writer: The plotting and pacing are fast and the writing is very good. There are some really beautiful lines in the book and the settings are vivid. If you are a writer looking for a novel that clearly hits all the beats of a Save the Cat or The Act Structure, the plotting in this book is very clear. If I had to put this book on a shelf so that readers who would like it could find it, I would call it a beach read. The novel moves at a rapid clip. It's never boring. It hits all the right notes for a fast and easy read. You have to be okay with an unsympathetic MC.
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Death of parent
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, Eating disorder, Abortion
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
It was drama/soap opera, not thriller or suspense, and I wouldn’t have requested it if I’d known that!
This was the second book I’ve read recently set in Paris, and this was by far the inferior of the two. I started listening to the audiobook, but five chapters in switched to my e-ARC, because I read faster than an audio narrator speaks, and just wanted to get this read, since I was finding it hard-going, and my mind kept wandering.
The writing was exceptional but the plot wasn’t anything to write home about. It took a lot of effort for me to even stay focused, there was just so much information that wasn’t required for the story, and the unlikeable characters weren’t unlikeable in a good way, if that makes sense? They were bland as.
These three friends (and I use the term loosely) were in a very toxic friendship, and these characters had no respect for themselves or each other. I wouldn’t even call them frenemies as their relationship appeared solely based on hate, one-upmanship and jealousy, and don’t get me started on the men in this book who were equally atrocious. And, to be blunt, it was tedious to read about. Also, I’d be surprised if this was an accurate portrayal of a prestigious ballet company as these prima ballerinas seemed very unprofessionalI, lacked focus and were self-centred. I know ballet has an ugly side but I wouldn’t have thought the artistic directors and choreographers would stand for it as it’s their reputation on the line? Maybe I’m over thinking it, as it was fictional after all. Learning about the cut-throat world of ballet was initially interesting, but since there was so much of it, it quickly got old.
I wish it had of been marketed better, as I clearly wasn’t the right audience for this book.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Rachel Kapelke-Dale, for the e-ARC.
Available now!
P.S. The cover art is absolutely gorgeous.
This was the second book I’ve read recently set in Paris, and this was by far the inferior of the two. I started listening to the audiobook, but five chapters in switched to my e-ARC, because I read faster than an audio narrator speaks, and just wanted to get this read, since I was finding it hard-going, and my mind kept wandering.
The writing was exceptional but the plot wasn’t anything to write home about. It took a lot of effort for me to even stay focused, there was just so much information that wasn’t required for the story, and the unlikeable characters weren’t unlikeable in a good way, if that makes sense? They were bland as.
These three friends (and I use the term loosely) were in a very toxic friendship, and these characters had no respect for themselves or each other. I wouldn’t even call them frenemies as their relationship appeared solely based on hate, one-upmanship and jealousy, and don’t get me started on the men in this book who were equally atrocious. And, to be blunt, it was tedious to read about. Also, I’d be surprised if this was an accurate portrayal of a prestigious ballet company as these prima ballerinas seemed very unprofessionalI, lacked focus and were self-centred. I know ballet has an ugly side but I wouldn’t have thought the artistic directors and choreographers would stand for it as it’s their reputation on the line? Maybe I’m over thinking it, as it was fictional after all. Learning about the cut-throat world of ballet was initially interesting, but since there was so much of it, it quickly got old.
I wish it had of been marketed better, as I clearly wasn’t the right audience for this book.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Rachel Kapelke-Dale, for the e-ARC.
Available now!
P.S. The cover art is absolutely gorgeous.
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes