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pisceslibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I rarely get hooked by a contemporary YA novel, however this book managed to keep me engaged with the plot the whole way through. It sells itself as a murder mystery and whilst it seems to me that it is not the main focus of the book it is still interesting enough to keep the reader guessing and excited for the big reveal. Being notoriously hard for an author to keep the differences between first-person narrators consistent, I wasn't expecting much but somehow this book succeeded in making the four main characters voices varied and unique so that I only had to flick back once or twice to see who was narrating. The character development didn't seem forced and finding out who they were underneath their teenage movie stereotypes was very interesting to read. What romance there is was a bit insta-love at first but I warmed up to it more as the book continued and the dynamics between the characters was explored. The interactions between all the characters in the book felt realistic to their personality as well.
I give this book:
4.5/5 stars for the characters
3.5/5 stars for the plot
4/5 stars for the writing
Overall 4/5 stars
I give this book:
4.5/5 stars for the characters
3.5/5 stars for the plot
4/5 stars for the writing
Overall 4/5 stars
normalpeople2005's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
fast past interesting new concept loved the split narrative and was able to keep up with all the different narratives all at once brilliantly written set up for the twist at the end well
wished the ending was abit longer and more detailed compared to the rest of the book
icey81's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
potterhead_me's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
c_hayman's review against another edition
4.0
I devoured One of us is lying, because it is a good book that excellently portrays today’s youth, but it can be quite stereotypical at times. Although, the whodunnit aspect of the book was not so unexpected. However, what stands out for me with this book is how the characters are portrayed as complex (with all their flaws) and not just their stereotypes. Furthermore, the reader is able to understand each character individually and equally. I ;however, must warn the reader that the book contains excessive blasphemy and cuss words. Although, I do not agree with the use of cuss words and blasphemous words it does fit with the genre. I would recommend One of us is lying to the youths and adults alike if you are interested in a good mystery with round characters.
briarbug's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0