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3.04 AVERAGE
3.04 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
2.00 stars
-
The book's concept was cool. The author mentions that you could treat it as an advent calendar, reading a chapter a day, or binge-read it with a bit of mulled wine. Isla hasn't spoken with her sister after the death of their mother, so she feels it's a bit out of place when she and her husband James are invited to spend the holidays in isolation with them at a cabin in the woods.
Tensions are high once they arrive at the cabin, and everything seems off - Clara and husband Greg are acting strange, there are pictures of another couple around the cabin, and Clara can't help but talk about bringing up their mother a lot more than normal. As the couples try to be civil during their meal, the power goes out and panic ensues.
The synopsis claims that this is a fight for survival, but it's clear from the start (using some foreshadowing), who they're trying to survive. It felt like a nod to The Shining, where someone is meant to go "mad", however, things just happened a bit too fast for me. If this book had been a bit longer, and we could flesh out our characters a bit more I would have enjoyed it more.
Overall this was a bit too predictable for me, I don't think I would have been able to only read a chapter a day as they're so short. This was mainly a one-sitting read for me (give or take a few chapters), if you're looking for a fast-paced holiday thriller I could see someone enjoying this.
-
The book's concept was cool. The author mentions that you could treat it as an advent calendar, reading a chapter a day, or binge-read it with a bit of mulled wine. Isla hasn't spoken with her sister after the death of their mother, so she feels it's a bit out of place when she and her husband James are invited to spend the holidays in isolation with them at a cabin in the woods.
Tensions are high once they arrive at the cabin, and everything seems off - Clara and husband Greg are acting strange, there are pictures of another couple around the cabin, and Clara can't help but talk about bringing up their mother a lot more than normal. As the couples try to be civil during their meal, the power goes out and panic ensues.
The synopsis claims that this is a fight for survival, but it's clear from the start (using some foreshadowing), who they're trying to survive. It felt like a nod to The Shining, where someone is meant to go "mad", however, things just happened a bit too fast for me. If this book had been a bit longer, and we could flesh out our characters a bit more I would have enjoyed it more.
Overall this was a bit too predictable for me, I don't think I would have been able to only read a chapter a day as they're so short. This was mainly a one-sitting read for me (give or take a few chapters), if you're looking for a fast-paced holiday thriller I could see someone enjoying this.
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
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
It was a great idea to have this set out like an advent calendar with 25 chapters to read every day. Clearly I did not do that and just binged it in a few sittings!
It was a quick read, a bit repetitive and a bit far fetched to be completely honest. I think the best bit about the book is the cute cover. I've read a few of this author's books now and I've decided I just don't gel with them, a bit rushed and simple at times.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Netgalley, Little, BooksGoSocial, and the author.
It was a quick read, a bit repetitive and a bit far fetched to be completely honest. I think the best bit about the book is the cute cover. I've read a few of this author's books now and I've decided I just don't gel with them, a bit rushed and simple at times.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Netgalley, Little, BooksGoSocial, and the author.
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I could not put Xmas Break down. I thought Isla was an amazing character and I did not like her sister, Clara. This heart racing novella keeps you guessing from beginning to the end. And just when you think you know what's going on, there is a twist that changes everything. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
tense
fast-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'm not even sure why I finished this... Probably because it's such a quick read? It was predictable, cheesy, and confusingly written
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It was a quick read and kept in the Holiday spirit. Family acceptance and inheritance can make you rethink that next family invite. Saw the writing in the wall for Claire and her deceitful ways but the commitment that James had to Isla I did not see that one coming. Good story line and kept you engaged.
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced