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3.3 AVERAGE
3.3 AVERAGE
Having watched and adored the first two seasons of BBC's "Killing Eve," my friend and I were eager to also read this book together in a sort of mini-book club. I think that it definitely works as a book club book (there are lots of things to discuss) and I am glad that it was created so that we could have the TV series; however, I felt that had it not been for the TV series and the adaption's interpretations of the characters I would have struggled to finish this book. I am someone who prefers to read the book prior to watching the movie or TV series, but I am not sure I would have wanted to watch the series after reading this book...or perhaps it is because of Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh that their respective characters within this book felt a bit small and less interesting. Who knows?
There between the two there were similarities and differences within the plot, characters, killings, and settings. There was enough difference to keep me interested enough and the general action sequences and close calls...but I found I preferred Killing Eve in almost all cases. What I did like a lot was getting more background on Villanelle and learning some of her history from when she was Oxana that was not mentioned in the series or wasn't mentioned in as much detail. In the end, I think that I preferred the TV series because of characters feeling more vibrant and the comedic edge to the serious situations but also because I could tell that a man was writing the female characters and at times did quite a poor job. There were thoughts from Eve that I felt sounded strange (concerns with appearance at weird moments, for example) and the way boobs were described... Eve's character in general I felt fell much flatter than Sandra Oh's interpretation. Villanelle was interesting enough but still a bit unsatisfying. And the ending...whereas the TV series ends both seasons on shocking moments that are a bit cliffhanger-esque, the book ends at a much calmer point that left me wondering if my copy was missing some pages (not a chapter, because the book only has four rather long chapters).. I think I was also disappointed by the fact that Eve and Villanelle never truly interacted or met.
So...lots of things to discuss with friends or within a group, especially if "Killing Eve" was watched by everyone already, and I am grateful Codename Villanelle was published because it enabled the series to be produced, but it was disappointing to me, personally.
There between the two there were similarities and differences within the plot, characters, killings, and settings. There was enough difference to keep me interested enough and the general action sequences and close calls...but I found I preferred Killing Eve in almost all cases. What I did like a lot was getting more background on Villanelle and learning some of her history from when she was Oxana that was not mentioned in the series or wasn't mentioned in as much detail. In the end, I think that I preferred the TV series because of characters feeling more vibrant and the comedic edge to the serious situations but also because I could tell that a man was writing the female characters and at times did quite a poor job. There were thoughts from Eve that I felt sounded strange (concerns with appearance at weird moments, for example) and the way boobs were described... Eve's character in general I felt fell much flatter than Sandra Oh's interpretation. Villanelle was interesting enough but still a bit unsatisfying. And the ending...whereas the TV series ends both seasons on shocking moments that are a bit cliffhanger-esque, the book ends at a much calmer point that left me wondering if my copy was missing some pages (not a chapter, because the book only has four rather long chapters).
Spoiler
The book ends with a sentence along the lines of how this is only the beginning, which is nice enough, but where the characters are left felt odd. Eve is tracking down a possible lead to Villanelle or her bosses and Villanelle has returned from shooting Konstanin (who appears to be truly dead) and is lounging about in France wondering if she should kill a girl from her past. It felt like a strange place to end the book.So...lots of things to discuss with friends or within a group, especially if "Killing Eve" was watched by everyone already, and I am grateful Codename Villanelle was published because it enabled the series to be produced, but it was disappointing to me, personally.
I loved the BBC Killing Eve series, so thought reading Codename Villanelle would bring an enriched vision of the characters and the events that had be on the edge of my seat. However, for every compulsively turned page, there was a moment of annoyance with me. Slight inconsistencies of a so-called psychopath with friends, some of the gendered narration and dialogue felt weak in comparison to the sharp, slick and stylish series that captured my heart. The writing, although well paced, felt weak and missing something. The characters were not as fleshed out, as unique, and as charismatic as I had hoped. It just felt like it was missing something electric which the series managed to capture.
I watched the tv series first and I didn’t have high expectations for this book based on some quickly read reviews. It’s fine - better than I anticipated but it ends abruptly. I also didn’t like the overly detailed scene where Villanelle travels to the Ukraine for a job.
Some the things added/changed in the show don’t entirely make sense. And some of the details in the book explain some confusion I had after watching the show.
Overall, okay but I’m not sure if I’m reading the next one.
Some the things added/changed in the show don’t entirely make sense. And some of the details in the book explain some confusion I had after watching the show.
Overall, okay but I’m not sure if I’m reading the next one.
Decent and easy read, I like how it jumps between the stories of eve and villanelle with ease. Book doesn't end on a cliff hanager but leaves you with enough to want to start the next book ASAP!
something easy to listen to on my commute
- I literally have nothing to say about this
- it was not horrible and it was not fantastic - I don’t have much to critique but I don’t have much to praise either
- will most likely not be continuing on with this series
- this was just so glaringly mediocre????
- I love spy shit so it did keep me entertained but I legit don’t remember anyone’s names ngl and I also do not care about any character
- I literally have nothing to say about this
- it was not horrible and it was not fantastic - I don’t have much to critique but I don’t have much to praise either
- will most likely not be continuing on with this series
- this was just so glaringly mediocre????
- I love spy shit so it did keep me entertained but I legit don’t remember anyone’s names ngl and I also do not care about any character
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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
Was so disappointed in this after loving the show.
i saw the Hulu show adaptation first, then read this book. both good but they are quite different, enough that there were still surprises for me reading the book. i think i prefer the show so far for the additional complexities and interpersonal dynamics that it included, but maybe the second book will show more of that.