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lauren_drinkard's review against another edition
2.0
⭐️⭐️ 2.5 stars rounded down. “We’ll, I’ve watched a lot of films. A lot…” and the main character, Greer, reminds you of this on almost every page, too (p. 261). This entire book is riddled with movie references to connect the reader to an idea because it would have been harder to describe it further. Greer breaks the fourth wall often enough that it’s annoying. Then the reader (me) rolls their eyes even harder when this weak, underdeveloped character figures out that she and her 2 other friends are being hunted on vacation but still convinced herself that the rich, entitled ring leader has feelings for her! There is nothing special about Greer, this book, or the resolution. It’s a waste of your time and an insult to your intelligence, reader. If you absolutely must read it, rent it from a library or borrow it from a friend; don’t waste your money on it.
jeffmauch's review against another edition
3.0
Another one that just sorta misses the mark, a shame, I had high hopes for it. Usually a coming of age novel set in a boarding school or small college is my jam, but this one seemed to try just a bit too hard. The characters were too over the top, too cliche, too...everything. I really wanted to enjoy this, but it's flaws annoyed me the further I delved into it and the ending just couldn't save it. Our protagonist here is a female scholarship student at a prestigious school who just just a shadow on the wall among her peers, particularly the cliche wealthy, old money, clique that it seems everyone at the school longs to be a part of, but can never be. She keeps to herself until out of nowhere she finds herself a part of a strange tradition that puts her among the clique. Strange events happen, as the novel turns into a YA thriller that ends in a whimper. This reads like it was written by a teenager and really lacks maturity and self awareness in the characters. I realize that they are on the cusp of adulthood, but some of what they say and how they act and react would simple never happen with kids of this age group. The detracts from an average story and makes it harder and harder to invest in the plot and characters as it moves along. Swing and a miss here, I'd skip it and grab a better written story in the same genre such as Donna Tartt's "The Secret History".
crypticspren's review against another edition
4.0
While this book was a little ridiculous, it was thoroughly enjoyable. It twisted and turned so frequently I was almost dizzied by the unpredictability of it, and I’m now desperate to get the sequel!
ashleighmacro's review against another edition
2.0
I'm so disappointed that this has ended up being my first two star novel of the year! The premise of this novel is so intriguing, it sounded like the perfect October read, and even the first few chapters were making me think that some serious shit was about to go down. There were so many hints about how bad things were going to get and about Greer being a murderer (Greer tells the story in past tense, quickly revealing that terrible things were coming to hook the reader in) that I was on the edge of my seat in no time.
Fast forward a few more chapters and things had slowed down to the pace of a snail. I was getting so impatient that I was actually starting to skim read, something I never, ever normally do. There were unnecessarily lengthy descriptions to set the scene, and Greer was starting to upset me with her The Princess Diaries insults and regularly reused phrases such as "I'm not going to lie," and "I'll be honest with you."
It was only right near the end of the novel that things picked up again, but even then I found the big reveal hugely disappointing, and following that the extra chapter or so completely unsatisfactory.
I'm really frustrated that this book ended up being so disappointing because the ingredients for a masterpiece are all there. It just falls really flat and I wonder whether it's partly because of the hints early on that make the ending feel completely over hyped.
Anyway. Let's move on and hope that my next read is a good'un!
Fast forward a few more chapters and things had slowed down to the pace of a snail. I was getting so impatient that I was actually starting to skim read, something I never, ever normally do. There were unnecessarily lengthy descriptions to set the scene, and Greer was starting to upset me with her The Princess Diaries insults and regularly reused phrases such as "I'm not going to lie," and "I'll be honest with you."
It was only right near the end of the novel that things picked up again, but even then I found the big reveal hugely disappointing, and following that the extra chapter or so completely unsatisfactory.
I'm really frustrated that this book ended up being so disappointing because the ingredients for a masterpiece are all there. It just falls really flat and I wonder whether it's partly because of the hints early on that make the ending feel completely over hyped.
Anyway. Let's move on and hope that my next read is a good'un!
mariella_vertaalt's review against another edition
4.0
Heerlijk boek! In één ruk uitgelezen! Leuk ook, al die filmverwijzingen!
maria_hogan's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.75
chupacabra2000's review against another edition
2.0
I caught myself eyerolling to the clumsy movie references that was jammed in every other sentence. Nah.
btpbookclub's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this one up after seeing other bloggers reading it and saw it in my library. I was not disappointed. I loved the cover too. A brilliant young adult story which turns dark and deadly.
A brilliant read! Throughally enjoyed it. It’s a fast paced, page turner of a read that had me hooked. It would make a brilliant film or tv series. I cannot wait to see what happens in book two D.O.G.S! S.T.A.G.S Ends on a major plot twist and cliff hanger which needs some explanation and answers… Highly recommend.
Perfect for readers who enjoyed One Of Us Is Lying and A Good Girls Guide To Murder. A well deserved five stars from me. One I won’t forget for a long time.
A brilliant read! Throughally enjoyed it. It’s a fast paced, page turner of a read that had me hooked. It would make a brilliant film or tv series. I cannot wait to see what happens in book two D.O.G.S! S.T.A.G.S Ends on a major plot twist and cliff hanger which needs some explanation and answers… Highly recommend.
Perfect for readers who enjoyed One Of Us Is Lying and A Good Girls Guide To Murder. A well deserved five stars from me. One I won’t forget for a long time.
wellingtonestatelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Not as predictable as I thought it would be
bethanmay_24's review against another edition
4.0
I was very interested in the idea of S.T.A.G.S and it didn't disappoint! I listened to it as an audiobook which was a great decision as Lucy Dixon really brings these characters to life. I can't imagine it read by anyone else.
I really enjoyed the twists of this book. I did see a couple coming, but the ending was really gripping. I always hate when I love the "bad guy" character (because thats a very me thing to do!), but its a testament to Bennett's complex characters how you can change how you feel within one chapter. Overall, very happy that I chose to listen after so long of trying to decide whether to or not!
I really enjoyed the twists of this book. I did see a couple coming, but the ending was really gripping. I always hate when I love the "bad guy" character (because thats a very me thing to do!), but its a testament to Bennett's complex characters how you can change how you feel within one chapter. Overall, very happy that I chose to listen after so long of trying to decide whether to or not!