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briana1002's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Rape, Child abuse, Child death, Self harm, Murder, and Sexual assault
asteri_mou's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The book emphasizes the PHYCOLOGICAL in psychological thrillers. I was also intrigued by the relationship between the main character and Mike, her foster dad, throughout the book.
The only "negative" about this book was the pacing. I found the book to be of a medium pace, which slowed down my reading speed, however, because of the nature of the book, it didn't bother me greatly.
Was the ending predictable??? In a way...yes. However, it didn't take away from the "surprise" of the ending. The way the second to last chapter was written was so...wow!
I went into the book, thinking it would be 3.5 stars at most, (especially since thrillers aren't always my favorite), but I was really pleased.
Graphic: Self harm, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Physical abuse
Minor: Drug abuse, Suicide attempt, and Drug use
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This story follows Milly, a teenage girl whose mother has kidnapped and murdered several children. Milly has turned her mother in and is staying at her psychologist's home while she awaits trial to testify against her mother. She is the only one who has the concrete, eyewitness testimony to have her mother convicted. Milly is conflicted because she wants to love her mother and protect her, but she knows that her mother did horrible things and needs to be punished. Milly is also concerned because what if she becomes just like her mother, Afterall, she was groomed to be a part of these twisted games.
I think this story explores the idea of nature versus nurture in an interesting way. Although Milly's mom is the villain and the one on trial, Milly is not entirely innocent herself. The story really raises the question of whether we can forgive heinous acts if the person "does not know better"? Also, how can we prove that the person "does not know better"? Milly is struggling to come to terms with the fact she did the right thing, and her inner turmoil is impeccably written. I also very much enjoyed how Milly's new "sister" for a moment is seemingly evil, and how Milly reacts to her. Their interactions paint the perfect picture of Milly's state of mind.
Although I think the ending of the book was well done and stayed true to Milly's character, it was not what I wanted to see happen. I wanted more of a redemption arc for her.
Overall, I enjoyed this debut, and I would read more from Ali Land in the future.
Graphic: Child death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Stalking, Physical abuse, Pedophilia, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Bullying, Murder, Kidnapping, Child abuse, and Death
jhunt20's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, and Incest
Moderate: Cursing
meaghanelizabook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Incest, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Pedophilia, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Alcoholism, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Vomit
amieeliari's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Violence, Bullying, and Death
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Incest, and Pedophilia
Minor: Drug use
emilyswift's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Murder, Child death, Child abuse, Violence, Sexual assault, Self harm, Mental illness, Kidnapping, Grief, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Drug use
taymarie6's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Kidnapping
redstringraven's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Child abuse, and Death
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Murder
rottendollparts's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Self harm, Bullying, Pedophilia, Child death, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Mental illness, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Drug abuse and Animal death