Reviews

The Initial Insult by Mindy McGinnis

gigi_k28's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

neznel's review

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dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

yourwitch_hekate's review

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emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

nja820's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny sad tense fast-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? Yes

4.5

nhammons's review

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dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This is definitely for those who live Poe and dark tales in general—a little too dark for me!

evermoreliterary's review

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2.0

SPOILER WARNINGS FOR THIS REVIEW
TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR PET ABUSE/VIOLENCE/TEENAGE OVER-DRINKING

This had a lot of potential, and I was actually pretty entertained throughout the book. However overall it left me feeling pretty meh once finished. So much of it felt overly dramatic just for the sake of being "shocking or edgy". And then other side plots were just tossed in and left behind/forgotten. Absolutely needed better editing to cut out all the stray bits and pieces of the plot that were completely irrelevant to the story. For example, the whole "Flu" plot? Possibly meant to relate to the coronavirus pandemic, or perhaps Masque of the Red Death peaking through. Either way, completely forgotten about and pointless. For dramatics, we have dead animals (pets) described in detail in regards to "parts remaining". Mostly for shock value and added "grossness". A time waster when the real story was shocking enough. Hello, the girl slowly bricking up her ex-BFF into a basement wall?? Is that not already plenty dramatic? Why the need for swinging pet dog tails around? (There was no need)

A part that I found intriguing but was left highly disappointed by was the whole situation with Tress's cousin. When he becomes intoxicated, he is susceptible to manipulation by his peers and acts as if alcohol is a truth serum. Thus everyone at the party has their way with him, recording his night's events for everyone to see. Tress knows this damaging behavior is going on and yet shrugs it off as not a big deal, and resumes her torture of her ex best friend. As a reader, it felt like we were expected to go along and agree that this kid was just fine at this party because Tress had bigger issues on her hands. But we pretty much never circled back to this, when it was nearly as traumatic of an event as what Tress was doing downstairs. AND, ONCE AGAIN, COMPLETELY UNECCESSARY TO THE ENTIRE STORY. Another side plot, completely abandoned, but still mentioned occasionally for... what purpose? Who the hell knows. Humor? Shock? All I saw was a random kid getting naked, swinging his dick around, and talking about wanting to fuck his teacher while drinking dangerous amounts of alcohol, for no purpose whatsoever. Needed to be cut, or given purpose.

Despite being entertaining, it lacked reason and the ending was melodramatic at best. This the below average rating. I will read more of Mindy's books however, I know she is well loved. This just wasn't for me.

mayaharp's review

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3.0

'The Initial Insult' is a modern tale about revenge, losing ones parents and so much more.
I was super excited to get started on this book. It promised to be dark, adventurous and super interesting. The moment I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read it. However, my expectations were not completely met.
The main plot was super interesting but there were so many other things going on that just made it a bit confusing to me. Almost anything that could happen, did happen and it made an otherwise great story about revenge (and grief) seem just a bit too busy and hectic.
The Characters were expertly written and the history and dynamics between them were interesting and complex.
Overall compelling (although at times absurd) story about revenge.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you Harper Children's for the ARC

brooklyn_bear's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

mmotleyu's review

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3.0

Fun modernization of The Cask Of Amontillado. Kind of all over the place, but a read that many teens will enjoy. Cliffhanger ending that begs for a sequel that is already in the works.

hitechredneck's review

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-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

4.5