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margaux22l's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
stefgibmc's review against another edition
2.0
GR force-closed while I was wrapping up a lengthy review and my energy is waning.
This is a quick read, face paced, and surface-level entertaining. Thomas is typically known for YA and television writing, and I felt that reading this. It relied heavily on emotion without supporting elements. The details, plot, and resolution(s) are all neglected in favor of ill written co-plots. Every mystery requires for dust to be kicked up, but Out of the Ashes deserved more cohesion and editing. Samantha was humanely designed to be a walking contradiction to all that ails her. She successfully steals a lethal dose of medication, administers it to a terminal loved one, obstructs several investigations, smuggles drugs into a county jail (this was the most bizarre, unrealistic scene of all), and violates the boundaries of nearly every single being she encounters. Her character growth is a whisper of what might happen offline. Her timeline feels overly manufactured to suit her own interests; I wish we could have seen her develop. The ending, summed up perfectly, “hurry up to wait”.
This is a quick read, face paced, and surface-level entertaining. Thomas is typically known for YA and television writing, and I felt that reading this. It relied heavily on emotion without supporting elements. The details, plot, and resolution(s) are all neglected in favor of ill written co-plots. Every mystery requires for dust to be kicked up, but Out of the Ashes deserved more cohesion and editing. Samantha was humanely designed to be a walking contradiction to all that ails her. She successfully steals a lethal dose of medication, administers it to a terminal loved one, obstructs several investigations, smuggles drugs into a county jail (this was the most bizarre, unrealistic scene of all), and violates the boundaries of nearly every single being she encounters. Her character growth is a whisper of what might happen offline. Her timeline feels overly manufactured to suit her own interests; I wish we could have seen her develop. The ending, summed up perfectly, “hurry up to wait”.
jje121579's review against another edition
5.0
WOW, riveting…
The mystery grabs your attention from Samantha’s return to Carney. Sam is a likable character even if she lives in a somewhat grey area of morality. Her investigation into her family’s murder takes more twists and turns than a mountain passage. Couldn’t put down this enthralling read.
The mystery grabs your attention from Samantha’s return to Carney. Sam is a likable character even if she lives in a somewhat grey area of morality. Her investigation into her family’s murder takes more twists and turns than a mountain passage. Couldn’t put down this enthralling read.
tembra615's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
The story telling was rushed and sporadic, hard to follow and vague at times.
slynn0909's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
thepeachmartini's review against another edition
3.0
I had no idea what to expect going into this - I'm not familiar with the author at all. Out of the Amazon First Reads selections, this one seemed the least boring/predictable...and for the most part that was true.
Samantha was hard to connect with - there were times I didn't like her, and times I really felt for her. Though, it doesn't seem fair to say you don't like a character who has experienced some form of severe trauma.
About 3/4 through the book I was pretty sure I knew the outcome; sure enough I was right. Not a bad thing, as there are only so many ways you can tie up those loose ends. Overall, I'd say this one wasn't a total waste of time, yet I don't think I'd immediately recommend it.
Samantha was hard to connect with - there were times I didn't like her, and times I really felt for her. Though, it doesn't seem fair to say you don't like a character who has experienced some form of severe trauma.
About 3/4 through the book I was pretty sure I knew the outcome; sure enough I was right. Not a bad thing, as there are only so many ways you can tie up those loose ends. Overall, I'd say this one wasn't a total waste of time, yet I don't think I'd immediately recommend it.
moorealexa's review against another edition
4.0
I love Kara Thomas’ YA thrillers and her first adult thriller did not disappoint! This was so good. Very twisty and engaging. Highly recommend!
fearthetoaster's review
4.0
Solid 4 stars to give the year a good kick start on reading.
This book followed Samantha as she returns to her hometown for the first time in 20 plus years since her family was murdered, to help take care of her dying uncle in his final days. During his last moments, he mistakes Sam for her mother, and apologizes profusely for something that Sam is unsure of. The death bed confession along with a visit from a state cop who is looking into her family's now cold case, sends her spiralling looking for answers.
This book was enjoyable, and kept me captivated during the read. It was a nice and short book (at least in my standards) to help me kick off reading for the year.
This book followed Samantha as she returns to her hometown for the first time in 20 plus years since her family was murdered, to help take care of her dying uncle in his final days. During his last moments, he mistakes Sam for her mother, and apologizes profusely for something that Sam is unsure of. The death bed confession along with a visit from a state cop who is looking into her family's now cold case, sends her spiralling looking for answers.
This book was enjoyable, and kept me captivated during the read. It was a nice and short book (at least in my standards) to help me kick off reading for the year.