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yvo_about_books's review against another edition
4.25
Finished reading: July 11th 2023
"There’s coloring outside the lines, Guerrera, and there’s scribbling all over the walls."
I still can't believe I've only discovered this author a couple months ago... Isabella Maldonado is quickly turning into another favorite thriller author. I enjoyed my time with the first Nina Guerrera book, and I decided to read both sequels while memories of the first book were still fresh. A Different Dawn is book number two, and I have to say that I enjoyed it even a tiny bit more than the first one. This probably had to do with the fact that I already knew the different characters in play, and it was great seeing them work together as a team. It also means that it's probably best to read the books in order; the first book provides a lot of background and gives you more insight in why the characters behave the way they do. The case in A Different Dawn is completely separate, although there is once again a personal link to main character Nina Guerrera. While things can be said about the credibility of certain aspects of the plot including this link, as a whole this sequel still delivers an entertaining, suspenseful and action-packed ride. I can never seem to resist a serial killer thriller, and the case in A Different Dawn is without doubt intriguing. There are some personal developments as well, and I'm already looking forward to see what the third and final book will bring.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
100_pages_hr's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Wow. This continuation of the Nina Guerrera story is amazing. It works as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading The Cipher first.
Just like book one this reminded me a lot of Criminal Minds, but honestly better. This is so well written and the plot twists are amazing. I was riveted and stayed up way too late to finish listening.
I can't wait to listen to book 3.
Just like book one this reminded me a lot of Criminal Minds, but honestly better. This is so well written and the plot twists are amazing. I was riveted and stayed up way too late to finish listening.
I can't wait to listen to book 3.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
fleurette's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This is a very good thriller, fast-paced and well-thought-out plot.
Nina is a very interesting character, and not only because of her complicated past. She is a strong woman. You can also see how her difficult childhood shaped her and how it influences the decisions she makes as an adult. She is a complicated heroine who works great as the main character of this story. The team she works with is a good background for her, I really liked all these people.
The case Nina is working on is also very interesting. I really liked the idea, which stands out from the rest of the serial killer cases I've read about recently. There is something unique to remember about this one. The murderer is very intelligent, does not make mistakes and is all the time one step ahead of the agents chasing him. I had no doubts that the stakes were high.
This is not a book for very sensitive people. Several newborns are murdered, there are no drastic descriptions, but if you are particularly sensitive to violence against very young children or their mothers, this is not the book for you.
I hadn't read the first book in this series, but it wasn't necessary. You can easily read this book as a stand-alone.
I am eager to read the first book in this series and the next ones.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nina is a very interesting character, and not only because of her complicated past. She is a strong woman. You can also see how her difficult childhood shaped her and how it influences the decisions she makes as an adult. She is a complicated heroine who works great as the main character of this story. The team she works with is a good background for her, I really liked all these people.
The case Nina is working on is also very interesting. I really liked the idea, which stands out from the rest of the serial killer cases I've read about recently. There is something unique to remember about this one. The murderer is very intelligent, does not make mistakes and is all the time one step ahead of the agents chasing him. I had no doubts that the stakes were high.
This is not a book for very sensitive people. Several newborns are murdered, there are no drastic descriptions, but if you are particularly sensitive to violence against very young children or their mothers, this is not the book for you.
I hadn't read the first book in this series, but it wasn't necessary. You can easily read this book as a stand-alone.
I am eager to read the first book in this series and the next ones.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Murder