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pause_theframe's review against another edition
5.0
This is my first book by Elizabeth Roderick, but I now know it will not stand a chance at being my last. This book sounded dark and emotional just from the blurb, which is why I was completely drawn in. I wanted to know what it was like for someone struggling in so many ways, without anyone to turn to. I needed to know where the author took us.
The main character was brilliant. She completely made the raw, gritty nature of this book, with the descriptions and perspectives she gave us, of what was befalling her. She had a way with seeing the world for its true darkness, in her way of the world, and still maintaining a glimmer of hope that things could get better.
This book, whilst it could seem over the top, is very realistic as to what someone who has been dealt a bad hand from birth might deal with. It doesn't sugar coat the darkness or evil, it just gives it to you as is and let's you find a way to fathom what it must be like. I loved this, as it made the book feel as though it was real time. I got the sense of what it was like to try and make decisions and move forward after each incident and every day.
Overall, this was a brilliant read. I was highly impressed and look forward to seeing a lot more of this author.
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
The main character was brilliant. She completely made the raw, gritty nature of this book, with the descriptions and perspectives she gave us, of what was befalling her. She had a way with seeing the world for its true darkness, in her way of the world, and still maintaining a glimmer of hope that things could get better.
This book, whilst it could seem over the top, is very realistic as to what someone who has been dealt a bad hand from birth might deal with. It doesn't sugar coat the darkness or evil, it just gives it to you as is and let's you find a way to fathom what it must be like. I loved this, as it made the book feel as though it was real time. I got the sense of what it was like to try and make decisions and move forward after each incident and every day.
Overall, this was a brilliant read. I was highly impressed and look forward to seeing a lot more of this author.
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
sapphiclavi's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
carleneinspired's review
4.0
3.75 Stars
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Liria is ready to leave her old life behind, she doesn't want to walk in her mother's footsteps anymore and she's sure Cyril is the answer to her problems. When Cyril reveals he's not her dad and wants more than a familial relationship with her Liria goes back out to the streets, leaning on friendly strangers to make it through the days. The strangers she meets though aren't all tied to friendly characters and Liria is exposed to a world darker than that she left behind, filled with more drugs, sex, stripping, murder, money, guns, and people willing to use you to get farther. There's a bright spot though, beautiful Arty makes her feel again, but she also may be tied in to all the darkness she's drowning in. Is Arty there to save her or to use her too?
Liria is desperate; desperate for a place to stay, desperate to get rid of the feeling heroine leaves her with, and desperate for the feeling of love she isn't sure she believes in. As she attempts to take control of her life we watch her tale follow a path most unexpected. Liria is the kind of character you will love or hate, you want so much success for her, but her common sense is seriously lacking. Reading from her perspective was almost unreliable, the things happening to her just seemed crazy, but what more can you expect for a girl down on her luck and unsure of herself. As she clings to any hope of friendship I definitely gained a lot of sympathy for her, especially as a string of characters enter her life bringing both good and bad. I loved the secondary characters and Liria's interactions with them, Elizabeth Roderick did a great job of writing characters who want out of their lifestyles, who don't want others in it either, but are still fighting their way through the system they are stuck in. It's a unique camaraderie that I think takes a lot of research and skill to write, so I was incredible impressed with how The Hustle read. I easily placed myself in every character's shoes, from those desperate for their next hit and their next sexual connection to those hoping someone else will bring in the money for them, leaving them out of harms way.
The Hustle is the kind of book with a slow build, even though Liria's life is changing daily. As things progress from bad to go to worse we are slowly sunk into a world of drugs, money, murder, cover ups and more that takes reading the entire novel to get yourself to fresh air again. While the overarching plot was a bit unbelievable, I found myself still picturing every scene and unable to look away from the downward spiral Liria was caught in. The big twist almost had me quitting, it's a doozy, but I am so glad I stuck it out to watch how it all played out. I think readers will find themselves overwhelmed by the dark nature of Liria's life, but will continue to read with desperation to see how her roller coaster of a life plays out.
The Hustle is a darker story, weaving between the twisting reality of Liria's life and the foreshadowing of her dreams. This compelling tale might gut you, make you feel, and at times creep you out, but you won't be able to put it down.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Liria is ready to leave her old life behind, she doesn't want to walk in her mother's footsteps anymore and she's sure Cyril is the answer to her problems. When Cyril reveals he's not her dad and wants more than a familial relationship with her Liria goes back out to the streets, leaning on friendly strangers to make it through the days. The strangers she meets though aren't all tied to friendly characters and Liria is exposed to a world darker than that she left behind, filled with more drugs, sex, stripping, murder, money, guns, and people willing to use you to get farther. There's a bright spot though, beautiful Arty makes her feel again, but she also may be tied in to all the darkness she's drowning in. Is Arty there to save her or to use her too?
Liria is desperate; desperate for a place to stay, desperate to get rid of the feeling heroine leaves her with, and desperate for the feeling of love she isn't sure she believes in. As she attempts to take control of her life we watch her tale follow a path most unexpected. Liria is the kind of character you will love or hate, you want so much success for her, but her common sense is seriously lacking. Reading from her perspective was almost unreliable, the things happening to her just seemed crazy, but what more can you expect for a girl down on her luck and unsure of herself. As she clings to any hope of friendship I definitely gained a lot of sympathy for her, especially as a string of characters enter her life bringing both good and bad. I loved the secondary characters and Liria's interactions with them, Elizabeth Roderick did a great job of writing characters who want out of their lifestyles, who don't want others in it either, but are still fighting their way through the system they are stuck in. It's a unique camaraderie that I think takes a lot of research and skill to write, so I was incredible impressed with how The Hustle read. I easily placed myself in every character's shoes, from those desperate for their next hit and their next sexual connection to those hoping someone else will bring in the money for them, leaving them out of harms way.
The Hustle is the kind of book with a slow build, even though Liria's life is changing daily. As things progress from bad to go to worse we are slowly sunk into a world of drugs, money, murder, cover ups and more that takes reading the entire novel to get yourself to fresh air again. While the overarching plot was a bit unbelievable, I found myself still picturing every scene and unable to look away from the downward spiral Liria was caught in. The big twist almost had me quitting, it's a doozy, but I am so glad I stuck it out to watch how it all played out. I think readers will find themselves overwhelmed by the dark nature of Liria's life, but will continue to read with desperation to see how her roller coaster of a life plays out.
The Hustle is a darker story, weaving between the twisting reality of Liria's life and the foreshadowing of her dreams. This compelling tale might gut you, make you feel, and at times creep you out, but you won't be able to put it down.
jamiezakian's review
5.0
A dark, dangerous, and exciting read!
The hustle was an amazingly raw story about the dangers that surround a lost young woman in this world. The story follows Liria, a woman who's been emotionally damaged by every person in her life. The thing I loved most about this book was Liria's strength. Bit by bit, the tiny things that Liria holds dear are stripped from her throughout the story, yet she doesn't crumble. Liria even manages to kick her heroin addiction. Although I couldn't relate to Liria's mindset when it came to her decision making (especially with her choices in boyfriend/girlfriend picking), I felt a strong emotional connection with her. My heart broke for Liria and everything she went through.
The storyline is complex, diving deep into the underbelly of organized crime, and the diversity is so authentic. Did I mention the love scenes? Wow! Talk about steamy. I devoured this book in two days. It was amazing! If you're looking for a dark and twisty tale about what awaits a girl rejected by the world around her, then The Hustle is for you. Five stars, for sure!
The hustle was an amazingly raw story about the dangers that surround a lost young woman in this world. The story follows Liria, a woman who's been emotionally damaged by every person in her life. The thing I loved most about this book was Liria's strength. Bit by bit, the tiny things that Liria holds dear are stripped from her throughout the story, yet she doesn't crumble. Liria even manages to kick her heroin addiction. Although I couldn't relate to Liria's mindset when it came to her decision making (especially with her choices in boyfriend/girlfriend picking), I felt a strong emotional connection with her. My heart broke for Liria and everything she went through.
The storyline is complex, diving deep into the underbelly of organized crime, and the diversity is so authentic. Did I mention the love scenes? Wow! Talk about steamy. I devoured this book in two days. It was amazing! If you're looking for a dark and twisty tale about what awaits a girl rejected by the world around her, then The Hustle is for you. Five stars, for sure!
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