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3.28 AVERAGE
3.28 AVERAGE
Ooh now THIS is a proper use of Lovecraft in a novel -it adds to the otherwordly spookiness but doesn't detract from the story. Heartfelt and earnest and genre-bending in the best way (a little bit Lauren Beukes-y). So skillfully written that despite much annoyance with Eggs (stop being a fool and listen to your wife!) and Chloe (stop fooling yourself and listen to your heart!) I was very much invested in all the characters. The only thing preventing a five star rating is . I will most definitely be reading whatever Kepnes decides to write in the future.
Spoiler
Carrig, who wasn't quite believable as an asshole masquerading as a love interest, and made Chloe seem unnecessarily daft
mysterious
medium-paced
This was odd. I love Kepnes style and the fact that she was able to make me like and sympathize with Joe in You was a strong point in her favor. Only, who am I kidding? I’ve been rooting for, and not a little in love with, Dexter since page one, so maybe she had an “in” with me. But I digress.
This was not an even read for me. I liked the three POVs, and I was very, very intrigued by the story. It’s, in my opinion, basically three love stories, two of which simply don’t work out. I guess the downside for me was that she set this up as a kidnapping aftermath story and that panned out, but what didn’t was the tease of the supernatural and then zero explanation.
I don’t want to spoil anyone so I don’t feel I can say anything more specific, but what I can say is that anyone wanting to read this because of the possible Lovecraft angle will be disappointed. That is a reference only. A novel length reference, yes, but not a plot point.
Overall, there were portions of this story that were five star for me, but there were also portions that felt very one star. I feel three is pretty fair compromise.
This was not an even read for me. I liked the three POVs, and I was very, very intrigued by the story. It’s, in my opinion, basically three love stories, two of which simply don’t work out. I guess the downside for me was that she set this up as a kidnapping aftermath story and that panned out, but what didn’t was the tease of the supernatural and then zero explanation.
I don’t want to spoil anyone so I don’t feel I can say anything more specific, but what I can say is that anyone wanting to read this because of the possible Lovecraft angle will be disappointed. That is a reference only. A novel length reference, yes, but not a plot point.
Overall, there were portions of this story that were five star for me, but there were also portions that felt very one star. I feel three is pretty fair compromise.
An interesting character exploration. The ending left me satisfied though it took quite a bit of circling around to get there.
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Kepnes is also the author of You, the Netflix hit I am obsessed with. This story is totally different but I would recommend it as well. It is a supernatural mystery. I don't like either genre but Kepnes can write anything! It definitely kept me on my toes. It was a page turner, easy to read, and the characters were someone one would care about.
I found a deep connection with these characters that made the story immensely engaging. The author's ability to maintain a brisk narrative pace throughout had me eagerly turning page after page, always yearning for more.
Carrig, however, emerged as a character I couldn't help but strongly dislike. The author's skill in crafting such a polarizing character is commendable and added a layer of complexity to the story.
In contrast, my heart was unequivocally drawn to Jon, whose journey resonated with me on a profound level. His character evoked a genuine sense of love and empathy, making his trials and triumphs all the more compelling. On the other hand, Chloe's storyline had me fervently hoping for her success, further enhancing the emotional depth of this captivating narrative.
Carrig, however, emerged as a character I couldn't help but strongly dislike. The author's skill in crafting such a polarizing character is commendable and added a layer of complexity to the story.
In contrast, my heart was unequivocally drawn to Jon, whose journey resonated with me on a profound level. His character evoked a genuine sense of love and empathy, making his trials and triumphs all the more compelling. On the other hand, Chloe's storyline had me fervently hoping for her success, further enhancing the emotional depth of this captivating narrative.
Again, really enjoyed this book. Until the lazy, disappointing ending. Seems to be becoming a theme with this author
Providence by Caroline Kepnes was a read that was way out of my normal wheelhouse. That's not a bad thing, but I think this one is better suited for people who aren't me. Specifically, this one was way more science fiction-y than I anticipated. Oh, and this was an advanced e-galley from NetGalley, so it's not yet available to the masses. Anyway, this story stars with two teenage friends - Jon and Chloe. Chloe is one of the only people that Jon feels truly understands him. Then, Jon is kidnapped by a substitute teacher. Four years later, Jon is released and returns with a new ability that means he has the potential to (literally) hurt those who (literally) get close to him. The rest of the story is then Jon figuring how to manage this power and his connection to Chloe. At the same time, it's Chloe figuring out what her connection to Jon is given his new normal.
After reading YOU, I was really looking forward to this book.
I'll admit, though, that reading some of the reviews I was deterred.
I ended up getting this book in audiobook format, and I'm really glad that I did. A lot of the complaints in reviews that I read were character based, and how they read. I feel that listening to this book in audio formed really can clear a lot of that up.
The story is easy to follow, though doesn't end how I expected it to. I did, however, like the ending. I just wish that there was a bit more explanation and understanding with what happened to Jon. I wanted to understand his 'condition' more, as did he. Then again, as you read through the book, that's sort of the point, and no one will ever quite understand what was done to him, completely.
I'll admit, though, that reading some of the reviews I was deterred.
I ended up getting this book in audiobook format, and I'm really glad that I did. A lot of the complaints in reviews that I read were character based, and how they read. I feel that listening to this book in audio formed really can clear a lot of that up.
The story is easy to follow, though doesn't end how I expected it to. I did, however, like the ending. I just wish that there was a bit more explanation and understanding with what happened to Jon. I wanted to understand his 'condition' more, as did he. Then again, as you read through the book, that's sort of the point, and no one will ever quite understand what was done to him, completely.