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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Drug use, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder
I knew this book wasn't going to work for me, but I got it anyway thinking maybe I was wrong. I was not. The story itself kept me interested and I was into the story. But not only did I see the twist coming almost immediately, but also the suspension of disbelief required is mind boggling from page one. And the whole time I was just thinking there's no way this could ever, ever, EVER happen. Gilbert does do a good job of making you hate every single vile character in the book.
Rarely do I write reviews but I am so disappointed. Even more surprised this was a BOTM pick so I feel bad for all those who also chose this. I am generously giving this 2 stars because I was able to finish this book (somehow did not become a DNF) and it was entertaining in some parts.
In short: I predicted the ending/twist maybe 15% in? The book had so many point of views plus unrealistic diary entry chapters. The characters were so flat and caricatures of mean girls. No depth at all, just one dimensional monsters. Also, the girls seemed the exact same, down to the dialogue, as they were ten years ago in school.
So confused by the italic parts in Esther's chapters only?
The outcome of the art exam was so dumb and unbelievable. And in the end super heartbreaking and didn't really leave me feeling like their was "justice."
I feel like the book was long but nothing really happened during the majority of the book.
In short: I predicted the ending/twist maybe 15% in? The book had so many point of views plus unrealistic diary entry chapters. The characters were so flat and caricatures of mean girls. No depth at all, just one dimensional monsters. Also, the girls seemed the exact same, down to the dialogue, as they were ten years ago in school.
So confused by the italic parts in Esther's chapters only?
The outcome of the art exam was so dumb and unbelievable. And in the end super heartbreaking and didn't really leave me feeling like their was "justice."
I feel like the book was long but nothing really happened during the majority of the book.
this book took me a while to get into, but i believe that was more likely due to personal circumstances than the book itself. that being said, i didn’t find this to be an instant page turner until about halfway through the book. the different character perspectives worked for some instances but i didn’t feel like were necessary for the overall narrative of the story.
I predicted the twist ending, but I still enjoyed the whole ride. I was expecting another twist with Robyn but was a bit let down that nothing too extreme happened there. I really felt for Poppy and was rooting for "Poppy" the entire time. The women were insufferable—seriously, the urge to slap Chloe and Tanya was unreal. Their relationship with Poppy, especially with Tanya, was heartbreaking for me.
I am a sucker for mysteries on a deserted island, snowed in, locked room, etc. This book has those features and it did not let me down. I predicted the twist, which was still great though, but I normally can predict most twists so I wasn't disappointed. Sian Gilbert sure did a great job at making these characters unlikable!! I listened to it on Audible and the voice actors did an amazing job. I gave it a 4/5 only because I predicted the ending very early on. Great read!
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced