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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So I thought this book was just ... okay.
It was really disturbing at times and creepy, and made me nervous (which is usually the teller of a great book!)
But the plot twist was very predictable (so much so that I was surprised that the main character herself didn’t catch on earlier), and there was a whole romance plot that was just very unnecessary.
As someone who’s not usually a fan of romance (I’ve really got to be in the mood to pick up a romance book, and it’s very much a hit or miss for me), I found that whole addition to be quite annoying and it greatly took away of the spooky vibe of the story that I was searching for.
Overall, it was fun to read a recently written novel, and the story was quite interesting. I just found that the romance aspect just didn’t make it as enjoyable for me as it could have been.
It was really disturbing at times and creepy, and made me nervous (which is usually the teller of a great book!)
But the plot twist was very predictable (so much so that I was surprised that the main character herself didn’t catch on earlier), and there was a whole romance plot that was just very unnecessary.
As someone who’s not usually a fan of romance (I’ve really got to be in the mood to pick up a romance book, and it’s very much a hit or miss for me), I found that whole addition to be quite annoying and it greatly took away of the spooky vibe of the story that I was searching for.
Overall, it was fun to read a recently written novel, and the story was quite interesting. I just found that the romance aspect just didn’t make it as enjoyable for me as it could have been.
This is a mixed review because I completely enjoyed this book. The atmosphere and writing were great. BUT, it just didn’t ring true. There is a background story that is horrific and yet it doesn’t really affect the MC. Or when it does, it is a side issue that doesn’t actually drive the story itself. It just seems far fetched. I just kept thinking how much better the book could have been if the characters were more fleshed out and developed. All of them. I felt like we skimmed the surface.
DNFd at page 130ish
Nothing wrong with this book I just don’t feel pressed to finish it. The main character is sufficiently angsty and depressed for the teenager she is and the setup seems good for a ghost story/ demon possession kind of route.
Nothing wrong with this book I just don’t feel pressed to finish it. The main character is sufficiently angsty and depressed for the teenager she is and the setup seems good for a ghost story/ demon possession kind of route.
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was enthralled by the first half of the book but by the second half, it dragged on and I was bored. I predicted the series of events after 50% in and when it got to the reveal, it ended up being underwhelming for me. I was not fond of the romance since romance in mystery/thriller/horror books is one of my bookish pet peeves and it's not the book's fault but rather a personal preference. Although, I still appreciate Alender's writing, it didn't do much for me to completely enjoy the story.
This was NOT what I was expecting, it was better, so much better than a simple ghost story, it kept me wanting more, and feeling -lucky- to pick this book up!
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
THE COMPANION is a hefty book, but I still finished it in a day. This YA thriller is well-written, with a taut and compelling story.
Sixteen-year-old Margot is a recent orphan after being the only survivor of a car crash with her family. She’s plagued with recurring nightmares about the accident, and spends just a few months in a temporary orphanage before going to live with a wealthy family in the remote countryside to be a companion for their catatonic daughter, Agatha.
While the mother, Laura, is initially living and supportive, Margot soon realizes there is more to her than she initially thought. The husband, John, works in town and is infrequently home. Their son, Barrett, is also only home for a short while before being sent away again. The home has many locked and unused wings that add to the mystery. Laura won’t let her have access to their WIFI, and her mobile service is nonexistent in their remote location. Agatha’s condition is also perplexing.
Things come together very quickly, especially the last 150 pages. While I guessed some things early on, I still enjoyed this story very much. I’ll definitely read more from this author!