Reviews

The Cherished by Patricia Sarrafian Ward

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thenextgenlib's review

A YA horror novel for those looking for a contemporary thriller.

I have mixed feelings on this one. The writing was honestly terrible, but also I read an arc a full nine months before the publication date, so I expect the final result will be much better and I’m not letting that affect my review.

My main issue with it is the ending was extremely unsatisfying, and there were so many plot holes. If this was setting up to be a series I’d be fine with it, but it ended like the first book in a series, not like a standalone. Again, as I’m reading it nine months before the pub date and I expect a lot will change (and possibly a sequel be announced?), I’m not really letting that affect my review.

The best thing about this book is that it’s FUN!!! The characters are annoying and the plot doesn’t make a lot of sense and the writing is terrible but golly it was just so fun to read!!! I will overlook a lot of things for a genuinely fun story.

Also, my deepest thanks to Patricia Ward for writing a fun YA book with NO ROMANCE!!!!!! That is a truly rare find and every time I come across one I’m legally required to like it.

samidonovan's review

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3.0

this is a 2.5 but not a two because I had a decent (quick cause I listened at 3x speed) time. this certainly leans more (darkish) fantasy (horror) and not in a fantasy horror is my personally favorite genre way. I think this has an audience with fantasy readers who may want to get into horror since it’s not what typically horror readers would want/expect. It’s not scary but a little eerie, more so in a way literary can be scary if that makes any sense. I never felt compelled to feel much of any emotion. the characters didn’t annoy me too much since it’s ya and kids can be dumb, I liked the towns people a lot though. my main problem is that it wasn’t atmospheric enough for me nor had enough creepy imagery I typically look for in horror. (the ending was unsatisfying and I’m questioning if it’s sequel bait???)

other reviewers have mentioned the problematic things stated in the book even within the first few chapters. if there was meant to be commentary to go with what’s been stated that’d be one thing, but it was just sort of said. “horror” and “small towns” isn’t an excuse for poor decisions in writing, young adult or adult. that’s not the shock value anybody wants. especially when there’s no reason for any of it.

thanks netgalley for the audio arc I def suggest audiobook with this over physically imo the narrator did a great job (I listened to parts of the final copy via Scribd)

cosmicpanda's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Content Warnings

missjeann's review

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-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

beenasbookshelf's review

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dark mysterious 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? Yes

4.0

yellowmoonreads's review against another edition

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2.5

I was drawn in by the beautiful cover and was intrigued by the synopsis but was left feeling extremely disappointed to say the least.
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The writing itself was mediocre at best and they ending felt convenient and rushed. The characters were undesirable. The mother is a narcissist and the MC is immature and shows no real growth by the end. The only two characters I enjoyed were put down and shown extreme ableism and negativity for being "weird" or "strange".
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On that subject, none of the more sensitive topics were handled very well. Mental health was depicted in much the same way as my statement concerning ableism. The mother, who is pregnant, is referred to as fat, more specifically a "whale", by herself and her daughter on multiple occasions which just felt so unnecessary and odd.
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The single redeeming quality, if it can even be considered that, is that the story matter is interesting. I just honestly wish it has been written by a different author.
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Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with and ALC in exchange for an honest review.