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readingrainbowtho'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Violence, Death, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
tabea_hg's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
2.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Rape
dyslexzak's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I never felt like I cared for the characters, yet the characters were really the only through line. There really wasn't a plot thread that I could follow start to finish, unless you include the romance element. I suppose it is a romance with a spy thriller skin.
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Violence, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
thefictionalhevschwar's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was such a quick read due to the plot which I quickly got caught up in. I really believe that this is another book to which the film adaptation doesn't do justice. The only key flaw I can provide for this book is the first chapter, where the author tries to give the reader a low down on all the spy lingo that will be used through the book, as it is a fast-paced spy thriller, but it comes across as a long list of jargon on the third page, which nearly put me off the book; but I must say it is worth powering though this section. Another flaw, which really is quite minor due to it being so widespread throughout the writing industry, is that the female protagonist is written by a man - in the sub genre of sex-pionage - need I say more? Although she does make for a very interesting character who, along with some of her counterparts, is really quite likeable. The really thrilling espionage starts around the middle, with a web of contacts trying to decide whether they can trust each other or not, and what patriotism is really worth. The last act was honestly gripping and so dramatic in the most delicious way. What an ending!
Graphic: Blood, Cursing, Violence, Sexual content, Murder, and Misogyny
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Medical content, and Torture
Minor: Grief, Gun violence, Death, Sexual assault, and Rape
literaryliaisons's review against another edition
2.0
Red Sparrow leaves a lot to be desired, but the most glaring flaw I found was the way that women are portrayed. In classic "Men Writing Women" style, the women Matthews creates are described using sexist language, the sex is male-centered and focuses on male pleasure while using the women as props, and of the five notable women in the story, one is unceremoniously murdered less than 10 pages after her introduction, two commit suicide, and one is brutally murdered by the protagonist after he breaks into her home.
The only reason why I didn't give this book a 1-star review was that I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about espionage and "tradecraft." The believable details that ex-CIA agent Jason Matthews weaves into the narrative were certainly fascinating. But all in all, this is an abysmal novel and I certainly won't be tempted to continue the series. Really, take my word for it - just watch the movie.
The only reason why I didn't give this book a 1-star review was that I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about espionage and "tradecraft." The believable details that ex-CIA agent Jason Matthews weaves into the narrative were certainly fascinating. But all in all, this is an abysmal novel and I certainly won't be tempted to continue the series. Really, take my word for it - just watch the movie.
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Suicide, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Torture
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