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violingirl's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lightsoverash's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.5
travsbookshelf's review
4.0
Wow. I’m almost speechless.
Almost.
The only thing I can compare this to is “No Exit”, by Taylor Adams of course, as it definitely resembled his writing style to that book as well. Nothing wrong with that, sure, every writer has their formula. “No Exit” had everything I look for in a perfect thriller.
This one matched the same intensity, fast pacing, ominous atmosphere, and character development as “No Exit” did. Same with the unexpected plot twists, and it grips you right out of the gate.
But there were times I felt this book sort of derailed in execution. While said plot twists were indeed surprising (and a couple even shocking), a fair bit of it was actually predictable. Certain phrases by characters and note-worthy moments were just a wee bit too obvious. And while I enjoyed the tragedy of Emma’s backstory and appreciated her complexity as an emotionally wrought character, sometimes it felt a little too dramatic and maybe a twinge unbelievable. Some aspects were a tad confusing. The “secondary story” that interspersed with the main plot throughout was highly enjoyable as I didn’t know where it was going and most of the cutaways between the two were brilliantly done. This made for a very unique writing style. The ending was powerful and very pleasing. This is a truly tragic but entertaining tale.
I’m giving this 4.8 stars. It just missed the mark of being a perfect read for me like “No Exit” was, but it was damn near close. I highly recommend this book if you want the style of a great, fast-paced thriller and a few really shocking moments. And who doesn’t love reading about a beloved golden retriever as an actual side character?
Almost.
The only thing I can compare this to is “No Exit”, by Taylor Adams of course, as it definitely resembled his writing style to that book as well. Nothing wrong with that, sure, every writer has their formula. “No Exit” had everything I look for in a perfect thriller.
This one matched the same intensity, fast pacing, ominous atmosphere, and character development as “No Exit” did. Same with the unexpected plot twists, and it grips you right out of the gate.
But there were times I felt this book sort of derailed in execution. While said plot twists were indeed surprising (and a couple even shocking), a fair bit of it was actually predictable. Certain phrases by characters and note-worthy moments were just a wee bit too obvious. And while I enjoyed the tragedy of Emma’s backstory and appreciated her complexity as an emotionally wrought character, sometimes it felt a little too dramatic and maybe a twinge unbelievable. Some aspects were a tad confusing. The “secondary story” that interspersed with the main plot throughout was highly enjoyable as I didn’t know where it was going and most of the cutaways between the two were brilliantly done. This made for a very unique writing style. The ending was powerful and very pleasing. This is a truly tragic but entertaining tale.
I’m giving this 4.8 stars. It just missed the mark of being a perfect read for me like “No Exit” was, but it was damn near close. I highly recommend this book if you want the style of a great, fast-paced thriller and a few really shocking moments. And who doesn’t love reading about a beloved golden retriever as an actual side character?
thekaitlinreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
emma_coulter's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nidaelboustany's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lisalovesbooks21's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
This book had so much potential. For the first 1/3 of it I thought for sure it was going to be a 5 star read. Never have I ever have a book fall so far by the time it ended.
The Last Word should have had it's last word so much earlier. It just feels like we are led round and round for the characters to be repeatedly put in similar situations.
I listened to this on audio and while the narrators did an amazing job, because I didn't have the book in hand, I legit thought the book was ending at least 6 times. Each time I was shocked that there was more.
I think The Last Word had the potential to be such a great story, but sadly it needed to be at least 100 pages less.
The Last Word should have had it's last word so much earlier. It just feels like we are led round and round for the characters to be repeatedly put in similar situations.
I listened to this on audio and while the narrators did an amazing job, because I didn't have the book in hand, I legit thought the book was ending at least 6 times. Each time I was shocked that there was more.
I think The Last Word had the potential to be such a great story, but sadly it needed to be at least 100 pages less.