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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It would be 5 stars if we got a duel pov with Maura’s true crime hunt.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Violence, Murder
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use
I checked this book out based on the title, admittedly, but I ended up loving it. Annie is such a badass protagonist. She can be frustrating at times (and a little slow on the uptake), but she pulls through when needed. It was cathartic to read about her going after everyone responsible for her death, and I only wish that we could have seen her go after her bitch of a mother and school principal as well.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 stars
Very fun read! I enjoyed the story and the characters and although it wasn’t perfect, I was entertained the whole time and every eye roll was intended by the author.
Very fun read! I enjoyed the story and the characters and although it wasn’t perfect, I was entertained the whole time and every eye roll was intended by the author.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn’t read or hear anything about this book prior to picking it up; it was an impulse borrow from the library based on the title and cover art strictly, but I wasn’t nearly as impressed with the contents of the book as I was the aesthetic of it.
The story itself is teen character driven, which I would not have even entertained had I known this in advance, as I haven’t been a teen in… we’ll say a long time. The author is skilled at descriptive writing; easily capturing character snapshots and painting vivid scenes. But, comparatively to all the time spent describing a character’s outfit (and there is no short supply of characters and outfits), there is no real depth or development for any of them.
The plot itself is extraordinarily clumsy; it bounces from the murder and resurrection of the main character, to the title specific vengeance ultimately reached in the final two chapters, with little cohesion in between.
You have a story that focuses on two worlds, the living and the dead, but neither world is ever elaborated on in any interesting or compelling manner. Again, as a book specifically for teens to young adults, who are looking for a quick paranormal revenge story, it’s adequate; but for an adult desiring a rich, character driven plot that builds mystery and keeps you invested, this ain’t it.
I was hoping for something with more Jennifer’s Body vibes. Took way too many hours before Annie even realizes she’s dead, and I feel like I am still waiting to see any hints of “the bad chick’s” rage. I think it’s spending too much time on Annie coming to terms with her situation and dribbling out the explanations for why she (and the others) are still here.
Unfortunately, it simply isn’t delivering on the tone and pacing I was looking for, and not even the mystery of who killed her or what happened to her friend is compelling me to see it through.
Unfortunately, it simply isn’t delivering on the tone and pacing I was looking for, and not even the mystery of who killed her or what happened to her friend is compelling me to see it through.
fast-paced