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lexm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
I wanted to like it so badly. The mythology elements sounded interesting and I love a murder mystery. But this book was filled with deeply unlikable characters, frustrating plot holes, and a twist ending that feels like it was added for shock value without considering how it would tie in with the rest of the book. There was also no time to sit in the chaos and aftermath of the ending, it was too abrupt. The epilogue didn’t even make it feel like we got a proper resolution.
I also wasn’t crazy about the writing style
Graphic: Violence, Death, Grief, Murder, Animal death, and Child abuse
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
msepulv2's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Sexual assault
clarklyn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Violence, Adult/minor relationship, Murder, Mental illness, Child abuse, and Infertility
passionatereader78's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Grief
fmqs96's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The more I sit with this story, the less I like it. I may have been to abrupt with writing the review, but I guess that’s part of the charm: you are so caught up with the twist that it is all you can think about. And while I do stand by it: the plot twist is incredible, there is one thing that keeps growing my dissatisfaction.
It is pretty clear from a little bit before the middle of the book that Zoe has something to do with the crimes. And that is not a problem. Having Sebastian as the voice behind the letters is not a problem. What keeps getting to me is how much of a loss opportunity it is to not mirror Sebastian and Professor Fosca in a deeper level. While it is displayed and recognized, the abuse and manipulation that both men inflict on the young women of their lives is despicable, and yet, we don’t see the truth depth of it.
Thus, the ending feels rushed and incomplete. I keep thinking about The Maidens and the more I do, the less I like it. It is not a bad book per se. The story is intriguing and the idea behind it is pretty engaging, but when you stop to breathe and ignore the emotions that come with the twist, you realize that the story is not nearly as well developed as it could have been.
Maybe he will hit the nail again with The Fury.
———
After reading The Silent Patient, I felt like Alex Michaelides could not replicate the same sense of dread and nervousness as his debut novel. I was (
The constant state of urgency Mariana finds herself in, entices the reader to feel desperate, confused, and on high alert. The most compelling aspect of Michaelides' narration style is the similarities in speech for characters depending on context; it is perfect for keeping the reader uncertain of each character's true intentions. Furthermore, it is the perfect tool to manipulate the audience.
After The Silent Patient, I began The Maidens ready to notice every detail, to not allow myself to be fooled again by his carefully threaded narrative, alas, in my endless desperation to not miss anything, I looked too closely. Thus, I could have never predicted the last chapter from Part 5 or the entirety of Part 6. While the plot twist is satisfying, believable, and shocking, the true star of the show is the lingering sense of discomfort that is perpetuated from the first page.
While I do believe that some plot point were not entirely needed, or perhaps just not well closed at the end, the narrative is solid and engaging. Michaelides' writing is definitely to my taste and I cannot wait to read his newest release, The Fury, and see how he manages to surprise me this time around.
Graphic: Violence, Stalking, and Murder
Moderate: Grief, Infidelity, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Infertility, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Self harm, Incest, Mental illness, and Physical abuse
mfmccoy0216's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Stalking, Mental illness, Death, Gore, and Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
mlovesbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
thepurplepixel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Graphic: Murder, Blood, Mental illness, Death, Grief, Violence, Animal cruelty, Self harm, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Stalking, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Death of parent, Abandonment, Infidelity, Forced institutionalization, and Cursing
bambiann's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Moderate: Stalking, Murder, and Pedophilia
cookie239's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Moderate: Murder and Death
Minor: Blood, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship