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aiqi's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
smartinez9's review against another edition
3.0
2.5
Though I guessed parts of the denouement, I didn’t foresee the whole twist, which is always a plus. While I really enjoyed some aspects of the book—Owen’s boarding school friends, the Gus storyline, the unfolding of the conspiracy—my enjoyment was significantly lessened by the fact that I thought this was going to be more of a murder mystery/thriller. While it began that way, in keeping with Elston’s gripping This is Our Story, it actually ends up being more of an emotional YA contemporary/family drama, which is not at all what I was looking/in the mood for.
I think this was quite a solid book overall that a lot of people would (and clearly did) love, but past the midpoint I started realizing it wasn’t for me. The Noah/Maggie flashbacks felt more like a story from the 1950s then 1999 (maybe because I’m not from the conservative South?). I understood the pressure she was under, but I still didn’t care for Maggie’s eventual lack of agency, or Noah’s martyrdom. It just wasn’t something I wanted to read about, probably because I’m not a fan of second-chance romances where a long stretch of time (17 years!) has passed, largely due to miscommunication. I don’t knock them in real life, but I expect my protagonists to get their shit together a lot faster.
Though I guessed parts of the denouement, I didn’t foresee the whole twist, which is always a plus. While I really enjoyed some aspects of the book—Owen’s boarding school friends, the Gus storyline, the unfolding of the conspiracy—my enjoyment was significantly lessened by the fact that I thought this was going to be more of a murder mystery/thriller. While it began that way, in keeping with Elston’s gripping This is Our Story, it actually ends up being more of an emotional YA contemporary/family drama, which is not at all what I was looking/in the mood for.
I think this was quite a solid book overall that a lot of people would (and clearly did) love, but past the midpoint I started realizing it wasn’t for me. The Noah/Maggie flashbacks felt more like a story from the 1950s then 1999 (maybe because I’m not from the conservative South?). I understood the pressure she was under, but I still didn’t care for Maggie’s eventual lack of agency, or Noah’s martyrdom. It just wasn’t something I wanted to read about, probably because I’m not a fan of second-chance romances where a long stretch of time (17 years!) has passed, largely due to miscommunication. I don’t knock them in real life, but I expect my protagonists to get their shit together a lot faster.
witpip's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. I was not expecting these plot twists. I actually really love this book!!
little_bean's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
julsmarshall's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
This was fast paced, twisty, and compelling but also down to earth and believable. I liked the characters-how earnest and engaging they were while still being a little complicated. I don’t want to say much because going in blind, like I did, may be the best way to experience this mystery.
lyssa_lee's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
taylorlechat's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my god this book was absolutely incredible!!! I loved all of the characters so much and it was such a genuine emotional rollercoaster, and that’s coming from someone with little to no emotions. It was so well written and so descriptive, I have to read all of Ashley Easton’s books and I now need to buy a copy of this book because it sparks so much joy!!!’