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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
slow-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
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
tense
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
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The male main character was very infuriating; I found myself rooting against him!
Delicious slice of 21st century noir that packs a devious punch!
I am a huge fan of the 1940s Hollywood film noir movement and I love a novel that captures that vibe and brings it into the 21st century. There’s only a handful that do it really well and Olivia Kiernan’s may just be the very best! I loved everything about this novel and simultaneously felt like I was being transported into the very best of the film noir genre (think, Double Indemnity or The Postman Always Rings Twice) and reading something fresh, original and very much of our time (think, not bound by the moralities of that era). It’s no mean feat! Kiernan beautifully blends plot and character, gradually building a mounting tension that spirals into a runaway train of heart-racing thrills and explosive action. If you enjoy a slow-burn novel that really pays off in the final third, The End of Us is one of the finest examples. Kiernan takes her time planting the seeds of the plot, nurturing them and keeping the reader guessing as to what they may grow into, only to masterfully weave the vines around a trellis of misdirection, subterfuge, smoke and mirrors and ultimately, an astoundingly shocking finale. This novel is plotted to perfection, meaning the reader thinks they can see where this is going, only to find that everything will unravel far further than they could possibly imagine. It’s such a satisfying read!
Whilst this book is very much a triumph of plot, it’s also bound by sheer brilliance of the characters. Again, Kiernan has written a book that not all authors can pull off, because there isn’t really a single likeable character at the core of the narrative! This feels entirely right though and fits completely with the noir ambiance. The story is told from the perspective of Dr. Myles Butler and his voice is pitch perfectly reminiscent of the male lead voiceovers so prominent in the film noir movies of the 40s. We get to know Myles intimately and despite his shortcomings, we allegiances come to lie with him. As his situation spirals further and further out of control I was fascinated at how I continued to route for him in the face of insurmountable odds. The final line is a complete knock-out and insanely chilling - it’s going to stay with me for a long, long time!
I really enjoyed the themes that the novel touches upon too. There is a lot of thought-provoking exploration of greed, obsession, deception, our predilection for maintaining appearances and the impact of wealth and the desperation that comes with losing it. These all feel like timeless issues, but Kiernan routes them very much within 21st century capitalism and the mindset of wanting more that so many people have today. All of these themes are so expertly rooted in the overarching plot, making the events of the novel seem so plausible even in their most extreme. That’s what makes this book such a fantastic read!
I am a huge fan of the 1940s Hollywood film noir movement and I love a novel that captures that vibe and brings it into the 21st century. There’s only a handful that do it really well and Olivia Kiernan’s may just be the very best! I loved everything about this novel and simultaneously felt like I was being transported into the very best of the film noir genre (think, Double Indemnity or The Postman Always Rings Twice) and reading something fresh, original and very much of our time (think, not bound by the moralities of that era). It’s no mean feat! Kiernan beautifully blends plot and character, gradually building a mounting tension that spirals into a runaway train of heart-racing thrills and explosive action. If you enjoy a slow-burn novel that really pays off in the final third, The End of Us is one of the finest examples. Kiernan takes her time planting the seeds of the plot, nurturing them and keeping the reader guessing as to what they may grow into, only to masterfully weave the vines around a trellis of misdirection, subterfuge, smoke and mirrors and ultimately, an astoundingly shocking finale. This novel is plotted to perfection, meaning the reader thinks they can see where this is going, only to find that everything will unravel far further than they could possibly imagine. It’s such a satisfying read!
Whilst this book is very much a triumph of plot, it’s also bound by sheer brilliance of the characters. Again, Kiernan has written a book that not all authors can pull off, because there isn’t really a single likeable character at the core of the narrative! This feels entirely right though and fits completely with the noir ambiance. The story is told from the perspective of Dr. Myles Butler and his voice is pitch perfectly reminiscent of the male lead voiceovers so prominent in the film noir movies of the 40s. We get to know Myles intimately and despite his shortcomings, we allegiances come to lie with him. As his situation spirals further and further out of control I was fascinated at how I continued to route for him in the face of insurmountable odds. The final line is a complete knock-out and insanely chilling - it’s going to stay with me for a long, long time!
I really enjoyed the themes that the novel touches upon too. There is a lot of thought-provoking exploration of greed, obsession, deception, our predilection for maintaining appearances and the impact of wealth and the desperation that comes with losing it. These all feel like timeless issues, but Kiernan routes them very much within 21st century capitalism and the mindset of wanting more that so many people have today. All of these themes are so expertly rooted in the overarching plot, making the events of the novel seem so plausible even in their most extreme. That’s what makes this book such a fantastic read!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
A very interesting book looking at trust issues. I thought that i would have found this book difficult to read, as i nearly had my home repossessed due to an ex partner and i ended up silently being angry and sticking with it until i decided enough was enough and asked him to leave. But i would have never resorted to this its a step too far and one you can’t take back. Also once the trust has gone and all that. There is an element of keeping up with the joneses but is it worth the sacrifice. If you couldn’t trust them before they probably won’t change. But then nearly having your house repossessed changes your mindset and life forever, why not add all possible death into the mix - cos that helps you heal and move on right… how far are you willing to go to protect yourself and in the end is it worth it.
A really interesting book and an interesting ending. I really enjoyed it. I get to meet the author next week and i am quite excited.
A really interesting book and an interesting ending. I really enjoyed it. I get to meet the author next week and i am quite excited.
The End of Us tells the story of Myles and Lana Butler, who move into an exclusive gated community in Wimbledon. It is the kind of place where neighbours take it in turn to host dinners and everyone knows everyone elses business. Myles is struggling financially and is close to losing their home; the couple discuss this with their neighbours and laugh about the possibility of committing insurance fraud. Then Lana disappears...
At first, I thought this was like every other story about a gated community, however it soon became clear that there was more to it. The premise was a new one to me and I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. There were lies and deception and you're never quite sure who to trust; I loved it!
None of the characters were particularly likeable and their morals are pretty non-existent, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them.
My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
At first, I thought this was like every other story about a gated community, however it soon became clear that there was more to it. The premise was a new one to me and I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. There were lies and deception and you're never quite sure who to trust; I loved it!
None of the characters were particularly likeable and their morals are pretty non-existent, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them.
My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
This book was sent by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
To begin, the story felt very gone girl inspired in terms of the character Lana, however Lana didn't feel as charismatic. I don't want to give too much away but I did read this with a theory as to what happened and it felt predictable in terms of the way the narrative went. The actual plot points were surprising though and I did enjoy the last third of the book where most of the action took place.
Both Myles and Lana were annoying and sociopathic in their own way but feeling annoyed at them meant I was at least engaging with the book.
Overall it was a decent read. I would recommend it as a casual book to read.
To begin, the story felt very gone girl inspired in terms of the character Lana, however Lana didn't feel as charismatic. I don't want to give too much away but I did read this with a theory as to what happened and it felt predictable in terms of the way the narrative went. The actual plot points were surprising though and I did enjoy the last third of the book where most of the action took place.
Both Myles and Lana were annoying and sociopathic in their own way but feeling annoyed at them meant I was at least engaging with the book.
Overall it was a decent read. I would recommend it as a casual book to read.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes