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Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual violence, Violence, Stalking
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Infidelity, Rape, Suicide attempt
Minor: Forced institutionalization
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gore, Infidelity, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
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: Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Violence, Grief, Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Gore
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Infertility, Mental illness, Violence, Murder
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.
Graphic: Violence, Stalking, Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Incest, Infertility, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Self harm, Grief
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Grief, Stalking, Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Infidelity, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Abandonment, Sexual harassment
I’m not sure if I liked it? If it was good? Right now I’m at a 4 but that might change.
As a therapist, it’s wild that she didn’t see any of what was going on.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Mental illness, Self harm, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Incest, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment
Minor: Infertility
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Death, Blood, Grief, Murder, Alcohol
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Self harm, Sexual assault, Stalking, Death of parent