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a_libra_library's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Dear Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
You have just become one of my new auto buy authors.
This book is full of suspense, mystery and a true look at what dark academia means in young adult fiction. To critique and comment on educational institutions and the system and structure.
The audiobook was amazing as well, I love when extra production is put into an audiobook to make them more engaging.
If you love a story that keeps you guessing, full of puzzles and anagrams and unreliable narrators then this is the perfect book to recommend. This is so much more than a YA mystery thriller and I hope that anyone picking this title up can see that once they're done.
Also there is a cute animal sidekick so, bonus points.
You have just become one of my new auto buy authors.
This book is full of suspense, mystery and a true look at what dark academia means in young adult fiction. To critique and comment on educational institutions and the system and structure.
The audiobook was amazing as well, I love when extra production is put into an audiobook to make them more engaging.
If you love a story that keeps you guessing, full of puzzles and anagrams and unreliable narrators then this is the perfect book to recommend. This is so much more than a YA mystery thriller and I hope that anyone picking this title up can see that once they're done.
Also there is a cute animal sidekick so, bonus points.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, Abandonment, Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death of parent, Misogyny, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Grief, Medical trauma, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
TW: Drowningleahjanespeare's review against another edition
4.5
I would suggest not to compare this side by side to Ace of Spades even though they are both psychological thrillers that take place at elite boarding schools. They are both strong and equally good in their own way, tackling different institutional, structural issues. AoS takes on racism while this one brings up rape culture and sexual assault.
The author is good at a slow-burn start that pulls you in and before you know it you're neck deep in a clusterfuck of conspiracy. There's a touch of unreliable narrator, a bit of romance, a lot of gaslighting and smash the patriarchy vibes - what a great combination and the author executes it flawlessly. I liked a lot of the side characters in this one because they had distinct personalities, and I liked how well fleshed out the school experience was even though the focus is a missing persons case first and foremost. I also liked the way information was revealed and the layers of deceit that were uncovered. Sade (shah-day) and her friends have experiences that are very much happening in real life, so overall it was a chilling read.
There are heavy themes so make sure to look up any needed trigger warnings for a safe reading experience.
The author is good at a slow-burn start that pulls you in and before you know it you're neck deep in a clusterfuck of conspiracy. There's a touch of unreliable narrator, a bit of romance, a lot of gaslighting and smash the patriarchy vibes - what a great combination and the author executes it flawlessly. I liked a lot of the side characters in this one because they had distinct personalities, and I liked how well fleshed out the school experience was even though the focus is a missing persons case first and foremost. I also liked the way information was revealed and the layers of deceit that were uncovered. Sade (shah-day) and her friends have experiences that are very much happening in real life, so overall it was a chilling read.
There are heavy themes so make sure to look up any needed trigger warnings for a safe reading experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Drug use
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