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norwegianforestreader's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
oddduck's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
Wow, this was fantastic. An absolutely phenomenal end to this trilogy!
First, the plot. This was such a satisfying end to all of the mysteries of the first book. I can see where some might feel that there wasn't enough foreshadowing or clue placement to make the final mystery feel like a natural progression/not completely out of left field. I think that was kind of the point though, and I think we get an in-universe explanation for that in Tobias Hawthorne's message.He set everything up so that Avery would be the one to deal with it. Not his family. Because he didn't want his family to know about any of this, until Avery was there. So of course this would be as much a surprise to them as it would be to Avery. When you're dealing with a plot that's based on long buried family secrets, and uncovering said secrets, it's definitely plausible that there could be something big that got buried. It felt like everything slotted together nicely in this book and I really enjoyed the direction it took.
A big part of those feelings are because of the new characters we meet in this book. My non-spoiler thoughts are that they were fantastic in all the worst ways and I loved their addition to the cast. Everything else I have to say about them is full of spoilers though.Let's start with Eve, because holy crap. Girl!! I know she's kind of a not good person, but I have a hard time blaming her?? She got an absolute shit hand in life and she's just trying to make sure she never ends up in that position again. There were other ways she could have accomplished that, but from her perspective, none of them were viable options. Eve is a great example of one of my favorite motivations for a character. (My only complaint about her is that I'm very over the comparisons to Emily, though I can appreciate what they did within the narrative as an emotional tool.)
I was right there with Avery and Grayson on the "trusting Eve" boat, and even after Avery figures out the message from Tobias warning her not to trust Eve, I was still struggling to see why. Which is brilliant! And definitely made the way she manipulates Grayson so much more emotionally impactful. The scene where Oren's got her pinned down in the chapel, and she's still trying to convince Grayson to help her, and then threatens to jump off a cliff. That had me screaming internally. She's such an interesting character.
Speaking of Grayson, this dude needs some therapy, stat. He's has been through it and he is clearly not taking care of himself in any sort of healthy way. Honestly, this is probably the biggest reason why I don't think he was a good fit for Avery romantically. He needs to deal with his own shit before he tries dating anyone. And he really needs to process everything that happened with Emily.
Now for the Blakes. Honestly, I loved learning about the Blakes. How Vincent was the origin of Tobias Hawthorne's love of games and puzzles. That Vincent is not a good man, but he respects the game more than anything, and if he loses because someone played the game better, then they earned it. And the way the Hawthorne family history is tied in with the Blakes. Wow. I will say it got a bit confusing at times, simply because there's so many characters (we could have used a family tree at the end of the book, honestly), but I loved all the connections.
Which brings us to Toby. Loved seeing him finally decide to stop running away, though it's unfortunate that it was at least partly prompted by Vincent. But then again, Toby made the decision to let Eve win, so that she could get the security she needed/wanted.
I also really loved Rebecca in this book. I didn't really think much about her previously, but she was great here. I love that she's finally learning to take up space and be a person. Her relationship with Thea is awesome. All around good for her.
There was some really cool character work done in this book, and I loved every minute of it.
The love triangle remains the part of these books that I don't really care about. I'm happy with how things shook out. I think the development that happens was natural and made sense. It was a little annoying how Jameson kept trying to like. Start a fight with Avery over Grayson? But I do think it makes sense for his character. He's been down this road before, and he lost, and he's not unused to losing to Grayson, so it was certainly not my favorite thing, but it's a manifestation of his insecurity, which was nice to see. And Avery handled it well. I do have one bone to pick though.The part where Jameson locks Avery in an escape room (without telling her it's an escape room) because he's trying to "protect her" did not make sense. At no point has Avery ever wanted someone to protect her, so for Jameson to say that she does is ???? Where did this come from? I did not like this part and I was very delighted when Avery told him off over it.
And of course: the ending. I already talked about why I liked the mystery part of the plot, but the other part, the inheritance part, was also great. I think her choice makes perfect sense for her character and as an anti-capitalist, I was very on board. A major theme, especially in this book, has been that money = power, so this feels like the natural conclusion. Knowing the end, I also find it hilarious that Amazon acquired the film rights and is reportedly working on developing this series as a tv show.
Jennifer Lynn Barnes has been on my "always read" list for years and this series is a perfect example of why. What a fun ride, and I'm looking forward to the next couple books she's got coming for this universe.
[Additional content warning: emotional manipulation. I don't think it's quite to the point of emotional abuse and it's definitely not gaslighting, but there's a character who knows which buttons to push and does so deliberately in order to make people self-destruct for their own gain.]
First, the plot. This was such a satisfying end to all of the mysteries of the first book. I can see where some might feel that there wasn't enough foreshadowing or clue placement to make the final mystery feel like a natural progression/not completely out of left field. I think that was kind of the point though, and I think we get an in-universe explanation for that in Tobias Hawthorne's message.
A big part of those feelings are because of the new characters we meet in this book. My non-spoiler thoughts are that they were fantastic in all the worst ways and I loved their addition to the cast. Everything else I have to say about them is full of spoilers though.
I was right there with Avery and Grayson on the "trusting Eve" boat, and even after Avery figures out the message from Tobias warning her not to trust Eve, I was still struggling to see why. Which is brilliant! And definitely made the way she manipulates Grayson so much more emotionally impactful. The scene where Oren's got her pinned down in the chapel, and she's still trying to convince Grayson to help her, and then threatens to jump off a cliff. That had me screaming internally. She's such an interesting character.
Speaking of Grayson, this dude needs some therapy, stat. He's has been through it and he is clearly not taking care of himself in any sort of healthy way. Honestly, this is probably the biggest reason why I don't think he was a good fit for Avery romantically. He needs to deal with his own shit before he tries dating anyone. And he really needs to process everything that happened with Emily.
Now for the Blakes. Honestly, I loved learning about the Blakes. How Vincent was the origin of Tobias Hawthorne's love of games and puzzles. That Vincent is not a good man, but he respects the game more than anything, and if he loses because someone played the game better, then they earned it. And the way the Hawthorne family history is tied in with the Blakes. Wow. I will say it got a bit confusing at times, simply because there's so many characters (we could have used a family tree at the end of the book, honestly), but I loved all the connections.
Which brings us to Toby. Loved seeing him finally decide to stop running away, though it's unfortunate that it was at least partly prompted by Vincent. But then again, Toby made the decision to let Eve win, so that she could get the security she needed/wanted.
I also really loved Rebecca in this book. I didn't really think much about her previously, but she was great here. I love that she's finally learning to take up space and be a person. Her relationship with Thea is awesome. All around good for her.
There was some really cool character work done in this book, and I loved every minute of it.
The love triangle remains the part of these books that I don't really care about. I'm happy with how things shook out. I think the development that happens was natural and made sense. It was a little annoying how Jameson kept trying to like. Start a fight with Avery over Grayson? But I do think it makes sense for his character. He's been down this road before, and he lost, and he's not unused to losing to Grayson, so it was certainly not my favorite thing, but it's a manifestation of his insecurity, which was nice to see. And Avery handled it well. I do have one bone to pick though.
And of course: the ending. I already talked about why I liked the mystery part of the plot, but the other part, the inheritance part, was also great. I think her choice makes perfect sense for her character and as an anti-capitalist, I was very on board. A major theme, especially in this book, has been that money = power, so this feels like the natural conclusion. Knowing the end, I also find it hilarious that Amazon acquired the film rights and is reportedly working on developing this series as a tv show.
Jennifer Lynn Barnes has been on my "always read" list for years and this series is a perfect example of why. What a fun ride, and I'm looking forward to the next couple books she's got coming for this universe.
[Additional content warning: emotional manipulation. I don't think it's quite to the point of emotional abuse and it's definitely not gaslighting, but there's a character who knows which buttons to push and does so deliberately in order to make people self-destruct for their own gain.]
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Sexism, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Classism
joanna77_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
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? No
4.0
โ๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ญโ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ก๐๐ง ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ญ๐๐ค๐ ๐ ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ค๐ฒ ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐.โ
This was so good! I wasnโt a big fan of the second book, and even the beginning of this one wasnโt my favorite, but by the end everything tied together so nicely and I loved the ending! It saved the series for me! To see the boys and Avery so at peace was just wonderful.
There were so many twists and turns in this one, and I found myself getting a little annoyed to be honest, but I think they all wrapped up so nicely that they kind of made up for it unlike in book two.
I wish we could have gotten a little more Toby in this book, especially considering his ending and what we found out about him, but Iโm really hoping we get a prequel series, because I really want to read about him and Hannah.
Okay, so the romance. To be honest, I went into this book rooting for Grayson. I know, I know heโs kind of an asshole, but I really liked his character. This book kind of changed that for me. I still like his character, but not as much after some of the crap he pulled in this book. Now, I basically just feel bad for him. I donโt really care for the romance between Jameson and Avery and I kind of wish there wouldnโt have been any romance in these books (except for Nash and Libby) but itโs a YA so itโs to be expected.
Overall this book redeemed the series for me and I am glad I kept reading even though I was spoiled. The ending was honestly the best, I loved it!
Also, Xander has my heart. I love him. He deserves the world.
This was so good! I wasnโt a big fan of the second book, and even the beginning of this one wasnโt my favorite, but by the end everything tied together so nicely and I loved the ending! It saved the series for me! To see the boys and Avery so at peace was just wonderful.
There were so many twists and turns in this one, and I found myself getting a little annoyed to be honest, but I think they all wrapped up so nicely that they kind of made up for it unlike in book two.
I wish we could have gotten a little more Toby in this book, especially considering his ending and what we found out about him, but Iโm really hoping we get a prequel series, because I really want to read about him and Hannah.
Okay, so the romance. To be honest, I went into this book rooting for Grayson. I know, I know heโs kind of an asshole, but I really liked his character. This book kind of changed that for me. I still like his character, but not as much after some of the crap he pulled in this book. Now, I basically just feel bad for him. I donโt really care for the romance between Jameson and Avery and I kind of wish there wouldnโt have been any romance in these books (except for Nash and Libby) but itโs a YA so itโs to be expected.
Overall this book redeemed the series for me and I am glad I kept reading even though I was spoiled. The ending was honestly the best, I loved it!
Also, Xander has my heart. I love him. He deserves the world.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment
fremzz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
*4.75 Maybe Iโll change my rating idk I need time to process this.
I cried a lot. It was really good.
JUSTICE FOR TOBY! My man was left IN SHAMBLES and for what? Avery could have done something to save him I KNOW SHE COULD but now we wonโt get resolution on his basically imprisonment ๐๐. Also the was she was like โIโll destroy the whole world to save Toby ๐คชโ AND HEโS THE ONLY ONE WHO WASNโT SAVED?!?! We need JUSTICE.
He was the main reason why I cried. Miss Jennifer really wrote the line โI see so much of your mother in youโ and expected for me to just live with it. No. I cried so much my face was RED. Iโm in shambles.
Nash is the BLUEPRINT. You say anything bad about him and youโre just wrong. I never thought I would say this but cowboy hats are IT. Nash is lowkey a trend setter like I might buy one idk. AND THATS ALL NASH. I want a man that tells me he sees me having a baby girl LIKE?!?!?
Also I have to talk about Xander aka the love of my live. He had the best lines no explanation needed. We got robbed of Max x Xander content and thatโs criminal. I would do anything for him. Literally. When he met his dad I wanted to get on there and cry with him because HE DESERVES SO MUCH. Also his dad ๐๐. STOP
I have to address the elephant in the room aka the love triangle aka the most criminal thing in history aka the reason for half of my tears. So I was team Grayson. I still am team Grayson. I donโt have strong feelings about Jameson like heโs done some iffy things but heโs a good guy and he def made me smile like twice. That said I needed more Grayson scenes. Just two more. Or at least make the wine cellar thing a little bit spicier because it was hyped up for PAGEEEEEES and for what? YOU DID THIS FOR WHAT?
That said Iโm EXTREMELY HAPPY that Grayson x Eve wasnโt a thing because if it had been I would have gone out to the STREETS to complain about it. She was a master manipulator who got the ending she DESERVED! I was sus of her from the start and when I was proven right I did a victory dance.
Iโve seen a lot of people saying Grayson was done dirty and while I would have wanted a liiiiiitle bit more from him I still think he had a happy ending and I really did like the resolution of his relationship with Avery.
The quote โHe looked at me one last time. โThere are so many things that I will never say.โโ Is going to hunt me forever. Taylor Swift wrote the lyrics โyou drew stars around my scars but now Iโm bleedingโ JUST FOR THEM
I didnโt give it the full five stars because I ainโt going to lie I wanted my team to win and sometimes my emotions take a toll on my ratings #sorrynotsorry
Still objectively an AMAZING book that gave everything that need to be gave. #justicefortoby
Also if you need more Grayson content read the Barnes and noble extra scene because not only is it iconic it gave me the Grayson content I was starved of. Living off crumbs.
I cried a lot. It was really good.
JUSTICE FOR TOBY! My man was left IN SHAMBLES and for what? Avery could have done something to save him I KNOW SHE COULD but now we wonโt get resolution on his basically imprisonment ๐๐. Also the was she was like โIโll destroy the whole world to save Toby ๐คชโ AND HEโS THE ONLY ONE WHO WASNโT SAVED?!?! We need JUSTICE.
He was the main reason why I cried. Miss Jennifer really wrote the line โI see so much of your mother in youโ and expected for me to just live with it. No. I cried so much my face was RED. Iโm in shambles.
Nash is the BLUEPRINT. You say anything bad about him and youโre just wrong. I never thought I would say this but cowboy hats are IT. Nash is lowkey a trend setter like I might buy one idk. AND THATS ALL NASH. I want a man that tells me he sees me having a baby girl LIKE?!?!?
Also I have to talk about Xander aka the love of my live. He had the best lines no explanation needed. We got robbed of Max x Xander content and thatโs criminal. I would do anything for him. Literally. When he met his dad I wanted to get on there and cry with him because HE DESERVES SO MUCH. Also his dad ๐๐. STOP
I have to address the elephant in the room aka the love triangle aka the most criminal thing in history aka the reason for half of my tears. So I was team Grayson. I still am team Grayson. I donโt have strong feelings about Jameson like heโs done some iffy things but heโs a good guy and he def made me smile like twice. That said I needed more Grayson scenes. Just two more. Or at least make the wine cellar thing a little bit spicier because it was hyped up for PAGEEEEEES and for what? YOU DID THIS FOR WHAT?
That said Iโm EXTREMELY HAPPY that Grayson x Eve wasnโt a thing because if it had been I would have gone out to the STREETS to complain about it. She was a master manipulator who got the ending she DESERVED! I was sus of her from the start and when I was proven right I did a victory dance.
Iโve seen a lot of people saying Grayson was done dirty and while I would have wanted a liiiiiitle bit more from him I still think he had a happy ending and I really did like the resolution of his relationship with Avery.
The quote โHe looked at me one last time. โThere are so many things that I will never say.โโ Is going to hunt me forever. Taylor Swift wrote the lyrics โyou drew stars around my scars but now Iโm bleedingโ JUST FOR THEM
I didnโt give it the full five stars because I ainโt going to lie I wanted my team to win and sometimes my emotions take a toll on my ratings #sorrynotsorry
Still objectively an AMAZING book that gave everything that need to be gave. #justicefortoby
Also if you need more Grayson content read the Barnes and noble extra scene because not only is it iconic it gave me the Grayson content I was starved of. Living off crumbs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Kidnapping, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcohol
maya_ahmed's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Stalking, and Death of parent
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Gun violence, Torture, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual harassment
merah's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
One of the best series I've read in my life. Incredible.
I'm so so unbelievably sad it's over. I can't even.
I'm so so unbelievably sad it's over. I can't even.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Stalking, and Death of parent
Minor: Cancer, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
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