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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
I only wish I remembered more about “The Family Upstairs” while reading this, but it was still pretty good.
Read this after rereading the first book for book club and really felt like Henry was super inconsistent between books. I loved Lucy though and I wanted more Phin so I had a good time with this
Couple plot holes that were technically explained but weren’t realistic. Even still, I liked this one more than the first. Especially enjoyed Rachel’s character and her horrifying story.
mysterious
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
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Really interesting intertwined stories with multiple timelines and POVs but I feel like at the same time it feels like nothing happens? Idk I enjoyed the ride (mostly) but felt like there was something missing.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A good follow on...
First of all this is a good follow on from 'The Family Upstairs'. However, before commiting to this read I would read, or at least familiarise yourself, with the plot of 'The Famy Upstairs' as this book picks up on its characters and storylines. Otherwise, it may feel a little confusing although there are a few reminders and hints to what happened previously throughout the book.
I was super excited to read 'The Family Remains' as I absolutely loved the 'Family Upstairs' and when I found out there was a sequel I couldn't wait to get stuck in.
I really liked how this story picked up on the lives of those in the previous novel and went into more depth with some previous characters, namely Henry and Lucy. It was nice to find out what happened to these characters in the aftermath. Henry in particular was a very interesting and well constructed character with his constant mind games, thoughts and changing identities. Lucy was more sensitive and continued with the theme of building a better life for herself and for those close to her heart.
This book also provided more context to Lucy and Michael's relationship and introduced a newish character, Rachel. I enjoyed Rachel's chapters immensely and found them to be so raw and emotional. However, initially I wasn't sure how she tied in, but by the end I found her to be one of my favourite perspectives to read.
Overall I enjoyed this book, though it did not blow me away as much as 'The Family Upstairs'. I feel I was expecting a little more, perhaps for it to be bit more moody and atmospheric. Having said that though, I'm so glad that this sequel was written and helps the characters live on beyond the previous book. This read for me was less of a mystery or thriller but a good conclusion.
First of all this is a good follow on from 'The Family Upstairs'. However, before commiting to this read I would read, or at least familiarise yourself, with the plot of 'The Famy Upstairs' as this book picks up on its characters and storylines. Otherwise, it may feel a little confusing although there are a few reminders and hints to what happened previously throughout the book.
I was super excited to read 'The Family Remains' as I absolutely loved the 'Family Upstairs' and when I found out there was a sequel I couldn't wait to get stuck in.
I really liked how this story picked up on the lives of those in the previous novel and went into more depth with some previous characters, namely Henry and Lucy. It was nice to find out what happened to these characters in the aftermath. Henry in particular was a very interesting and well constructed character with his constant mind games, thoughts and changing identities. Lucy was more sensitive and continued with the theme of building a better life for herself and for those close to her heart.
This book also provided more context to Lucy and Michael's relationship and introduced a newish character, Rachel. I enjoyed Rachel's chapters immensely and found them to be so raw and emotional. However, initially I wasn't sure how she tied in, but by the end I found her to be one of my favourite perspectives to read.
Overall I enjoyed this book, though it did not blow me away as much as 'The Family Upstairs'. I feel I was expecting a little more, perhaps for it to be bit more moody and atmospheric. Having said that though, I'm so glad that this sequel was written and helps the characters live on beyond the previous book. This read for me was less of a mystery or thriller but a good conclusion.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated