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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
PLS i wanted to love this so bad. but this fell so flat for me. the plot and idea, amazing, and the character creation was awesome. i usually have a much harder time following an ensemble cast this full, but kaur created beautiful, interesting, and distinct concepts for each of them
i prayyyy that kaur keeps writing because the potential is so there. i feel like a few more swipes and a way better editor and there is an amazing book here. in fact, i blame most of the missed opportunities for writing on the editor. the writing is FULL of overused phrases, often that don’t make any sense in context. the whole time i was thinking about george orwell’s #1 rule for writing: “Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.” on top of that, a lot of telling not showing.
okay and then also the pace/setup. there was a lot of character setup in the beginning but MOST of the plot does not happen until the last third. i would have loved to see more pieces coming together earlier, rather than at the last moment when they need to. dare i say, the pace felt maasian. by the same token, the plotting felt haphazard and unfulfilling. kaur creates vibrant characters, throws them into an elaborate and fantastic surreal plot, only to have them IMMEDIATELY believe everything happening, have the exact resources they need to fix the problem, and only act vaguely afraid of the consequences. don’t get me wrong, i was TOLD they were scared, but i didn’t really feel it or see it.
setting aside my tall glass of haterade, i will, in fact, be keeping a close eye on kaur. i genuinely hope that other people like this enough that it sells well and kaur gets a better editor for her next book because the foundations for such a cool career are THERE.
i prayyyy that kaur keeps writing because the potential is so there. i feel like a few more swipes and a way better editor and there is an amazing book here. in fact, i blame most of the missed opportunities for writing on the editor. the writing is FULL of overused phrases, often that don’t make any sense in context. the whole time i was thinking about george orwell’s #1 rule for writing: “Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.” on top of that, a lot of telling not showing.
okay and then also the pace/setup. there was a lot of character setup in the beginning but MOST of the plot does not happen until the last third. i would have loved to see more pieces coming together earlier, rather than at the last moment when they need to. dare i say, the pace felt maasian. by the same token, the plotting felt haphazard and unfulfilling. kaur creates vibrant characters, throws them into an elaborate and fantastic surreal plot, only to have them IMMEDIATELY believe everything happening, have the exact resources they need to fix the problem, and only act vaguely afraid of the consequences. don’t get me wrong, i was TOLD they were scared, but i didn’t really feel it or see it.
setting aside my tall glass of haterade, i will, in fact, be keeping a close eye on kaur. i genuinely hope that other people like this enough that it sells well and kaur gets a better editor for her next book because the foundations for such a cool career are THERE.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A very solid YA southern gothic. Enjoyed the Georgia setting.
I feel like this could have been 2 books. I would have liked more development of the town since it was also a main character of the story but other wise I thoroughly enjoyed this.
If you like Alan Wake, Stephen Kings IT, Twin Peaks, Gravity Falls, you'll probably like this.
I feel like this could have been 2 books. I would have liked more development of the town since it was also a main character of the story but other wise I thoroughly enjoyed this.
If you like Alan Wake, Stephen Kings IT, Twin Peaks, Gravity Falls, you'll probably like this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book and found myself growing attached to the characters and it was very atmospheric. The supernatural element felt slightly shallow considering the role it plays and I do feel the ending was slightly rushed and didn’t wrap up as nicely as I would have liked but perhaps she’s planning on a sequel. Overall I would recommend it and could see myself rereading it.
This was a fun and intriguing story. We get different POVs from the main characters on their lives, struggles, and family connections and how they all intertwine in a strange way. I really enjoyed going through all the clues with the characters. I do hope there is a sequel to it. I want to know what happens after the podcast goes live and what it means for this group of friends. Here's hoping we get more!
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The plot was extremely interesting and the atmosphere was perfect! As someone who doesn't tend to enjoy YA books that much I thought the writing was actually quite good. It felt realisit and not cringy.
I feel there were too many POVs for a book that is less than 400 pages. I did feel like I was missing the element of getting to know the characters more. But as a debut novel I felt it was pretty good compared to other multiple POVs I have read!
Excited to see what else this author publishes.
I feel there were too many POVs for a book that is less than 400 pages. I did feel like I was missing the element of getting to know the characters more. But as a debut novel I felt it was pretty good compared to other multiple POVs I have read!
Excited to see what else this author publishes.
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
“In Carrion, they have a saying: The devil can be seen coming from a mile away. That is where our story begins. There’s the devil you know, the devil you don’t, the devil you wish you’d never met.”
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
five stars and no notes about it.
The characters allowed this novel to feel so vast. And this was like a true gothic thriller. there wasn't something happening after every chapter to make us anxious, but i was on the edge of my seat waiting for the ball to drop on a LOT of different areas. The characters all felt complete and I didn't dislike any of them at all. Their decisions weren't any that I would have made, but I completely understand why they made them after reading the entire book. Like, I wish there was a part two coming that would tell us more about what happened after the book ends because i was READY for the podcast. I also adore the author so much (mutuals on tiktok) and this book is my new personality.
The characters allowed this novel to feel so vast. And this was like a true gothic thriller. there wasn't something happening after every chapter to make us anxious, but i was on the edge of my seat waiting for the ball to drop on a LOT of different areas. The characters all felt complete and I didn't dislike any of them at all. Their decisions weren't any that I would have made, but I completely understand why they made them after reading the entire book. Like, I wish there was a part two coming that would tell us more about what happened after the book ends because i was READY for the podcast. I also adore the author so much (mutuals on tiktok) and this book is my new personality.