Reviews

Burying Eva Flores by Jennifer Alsever

lauranicholereads's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to listen & review this audiobook.

I really enjoyed the narration and multiple POVs. The style of the book was unique in the way it shifted timelines, perspectives, and storytelling format. I thought it would be confusing but it worked really well and I enjoyed it. I thought the characters were authentic and well developed. I really enjoyed the growth of the two main characters and their dynamic. I wish that had been explored more.

I wish there had been more set up with the supernatural element of the book. I just felt like some aspects of the story came out of nowhere and things were left unexplained or unresolved. The subplot with Eva's dad felt unnecessary, underdeveloped, and then wrapped up quickly.

The idea of the ending was great, but the execution of it just didn't work for me. It felt too open ended and unrealistic. I think this is a solid YA read and I could definitely see this playing out as TV show.

opheliakjames's review

Go to review page

4.0

4.75 ⭐️

This story is very different than any other YA book I have read before but I loved it all the more for that.

I absolutely loved the development of the characters and also the moral behind the book and how it showed the consequences of our actions on ourselves and other people.

vanessamarie19's review

Go to review page

4.0

First and foremost, a full cast on audiobook is always an elite treat!!
I loved the way the characters flowed from interview in present time, back to the past leading up to the death of Eva Flores.

Now who did it? Eva was social media famous, anyone at her school or in her life would have had motive to do so. Jealousy, dislike, or even money and fame could have been motivators. The most likely suspect would have to be Sophia, she seemed to dislike her the most, teen drama so to speak. Or her mother, who was always putting her down, or her step father who saw her as a paycheck? Or is that too obvious and it was a friend or another classmate?

This was such a good YA novel that explores the seriousness of social media influence, body image issues, adults who abuse their powers, and the everyday issues that teens face today. I think this is going to be very well received, and has potential to be a movie or series on a streaming platform. My only critique is that it was a bit too long, but the ending was so worth it!

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to listen and give my honest review!

missjustynak's review

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

siparker's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Alsever creates a complex protagonist who struggles with her peers.  She is not the typical teen, and it is fun to watch this character develop throughout the story.  Most of the other characters are flat. While the author may have used this tactic to show how inwardly focused the protagonist is, the supporting cast is begging to be explored.  The narrative was unique as it moved through the investigation, so the reader is drawn into the story.  I would have liked to see a tighter narrative around Sophia.  The magical element of the journal was fun, but Alsever should focus on having only one unrealistic element.  The thread will Manny was a bit off-putting and seemed a bit far-fetched when paired with the magical journal.

pagebypaigebks's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.5

“Everyone thinks I killed Eva Flores.”

I'd like to thank the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!

I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.

Instagram Post

Blog Post

Content Warnings: bullying, disordered eating, sexual harassment, sexual abuse (mentioned), stalking, parental abuse, inappropriate relationship between an adult and a minor, attempted suicide (mentioned), self harm (mentioned)

I was intrigued by the concept of this book. Small town mysteries are so much fun, especially when you have an interesting cast of characters. There were a lot in Burying Eva Flores and I enjoyed learning more about them as time went on. One of my main concerns was the supernatural aspect of the plot. When this was introduced it felt disjointed from the mystery itself. For me, it took away from the thrilling aspect of the story since many plot points were because of the magic and not the characters themselves. My favourite aspect was the different medias that the author used to tell the story. There was everything from text messages, documentary interviews, and more. In terms of the ending, it did wrap up the loose plot points but I wish it was drawn out a bit more so that it would feel less rushed. I listened to the audiobook which was full cast, something I love to see! It was really well produced and brought the story to life.

Overall, I liked the concept but didn't enjoy the supernatural element.

caitc90's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Jennifer is a great writer, she really had me hating Eva… that is until they went on the student trip to the cottage. I wish there was a second book so we could learn more about Eva’s life! So glad I got this eARC from NetGalley, very enjoyable read.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

lorna's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.5

I was drawn to the format. The more I read the more I needed to what happened. I liked the themes of art and writing, but some of the character decisions were odd, and didn't seem to fit the story.

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read the ebook arc. And I also listened to the audio version.

vickyreadsx's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious medium-paced

3.0

palosantoandpages's review

Go to review page

dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0