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3.23 AVERAGE
3.23 AVERAGE
i have mixed feelings, it took me awhile to get through & i’m not sure i liked it all that much.. I agree with what another reviewer was saying when they said they wish that they could see more aspects of the cult and more from Phoebe’s perspective.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Emotional abuse, Rape, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry
idk what i was expecting when i jumped into that book but it definitely wasn't that
A complicated review for me to write.
This book was a mixed experience for me.
I adored the writing. There were some gorgeous lines in this. Mainly about the relationship and intimacy between Will and Phoebe. Those alone are already worth the read.
It reads quick. Will’s POV is certainly the most engrossing. He is the roundest character, which Phoebe lacked. Perhaps to increase her mysterious forthcoming.
The theme of religion was compelling to me. To learn more about losing your faith and how this can rivet you in existentialism.
There are trigger warnings we have to mention. Sexual assault is mentioned multiple times, with description. There is mention of suicide attempts and physical abuse. (I’m seriously shocked how often SA is a part of novels these days. Why is it everywhere?)
What turned me off the most, taking the story down a star, is the cult aspect. I believed I would enjoy that, but it was mostly left in the dark. I wanted more understanding for the group. A better arch for Phoebe. More motivation for her to become such a big part of this extremist group. I also still do not know why the leader took her in so fanatically. I kept thinking something else was behind his motivations.
All in all- the writing is stunning. I would pick up a piece from this author again. There were pieces of the story that gave me the feelings “the secret history” did. The academic, cult, “whatsgoingon”, pretentiousness and alcoholism vibes. I did not feel like the story was fleshed out in the way I wanted it to be, but I can appreciate it greatly still.
Sidenote: fuck you Will for doing what you did to Phoebe in that one chapter. Bastard.
This book was a mixed experience for me.
I adored the writing. There were some gorgeous lines in this. Mainly about the relationship and intimacy between Will and Phoebe. Those alone are already worth the read.
It reads quick. Will’s POV is certainly the most engrossing. He is the roundest character, which Phoebe lacked. Perhaps to increase her mysterious forthcoming.
The theme of religion was compelling to me. To learn more about losing your faith and how this can rivet you in existentialism.
There are trigger warnings we have to mention. Sexual assault is mentioned multiple times, with description. There is mention of suicide attempts and physical abuse. (I’m seriously shocked how often SA is a part of novels these days. Why is it everywhere?)
What turned me off the most, taking the story down a star, is the cult aspect. I believed I would enjoy that, but it was mostly left in the dark. I wanted more understanding for the group. A better arch for Phoebe. More motivation for her to become such a big part of this extremist group. I also still do not know why the leader took her in so fanatically. I kept thinking something else was behind his motivations.
All in all- the writing is stunning. I would pick up a piece from this author again. There were pieces of the story that gave me the feelings “the secret history” did. The academic, cult, “whatsgoingon”, pretentiousness and alcoholism vibes. I did not feel like the story was fleshed out in the way I wanted it to be, but I can appreciate it greatly still.
Sidenote: fuck you Will for doing what you did to Phoebe in that one chapter. Bastard.
i love stories that explore loss of faith and the desire to believe. this was so beautifully written
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Not an easy book to read but a beautiful one.
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
It’s about love.
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced