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share_the_book_dragon's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
dontstopreadin's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the most important books I have ever read. I love it so very much. I will be posting a video review for this shortly, and will link it here once it is up. In the meantime, here are some thoughts. But first, trigger warnings.
TW: rape, sexual assault, violence, animal injury.
I loved how authentic this book is.
It’s visceral and dark and brutal. It’s harsh and doesn’t shy away from what things are really like in today’s society for girls. It touches on the female experience and rape culture in a way that has rarely, if ever, done justice to the world we live in. It isn’t exaggerated, but it is perhaps overwhelming in its content because most of this doesn’t happen to the same person in the same course of six months. However, it. All. Happens. It. All. Is. Real.
We begin the novel hearing about our main character – Alex – deciding to kill the guy who rapped and then brutally murdered her sister. As our story takes off this is an event that has already happened, the murder itself is not our plot. However it is our first introduction to Alex and it is a part of her. Something we, as the reader, cannot forget. And then we see Alex volunteering with animals. We see her kind and soft demeanor contrasted to the harsh and vengeful character we thought we knew. And suddenly I was in love with Alex and her sassy, don’t give an eff demeanor. I rooted for her, even though I know she is a killer. She stands up for women, she is violent against men who violate women. She is a hero and a villian at the same time.
We also follow two other characters that don’t have the huge flaw of murder on their record, but have other flaws, the flaws that are the point of this narrative. They perpetuate the sexist ideals we do not want. At first you stop in shock, thinking “isn’t this the opposite of what this book is about?” However, they go through character growth.
They also show what is happening, what others are saying and by sharing their perspective also why they think that way. It is fascinating.
This book is incredibly important. This book is powerful. This book is everything I wanted and so much more than I could have ever expected. Please pick this book up!
TW: rape, sexual assault, violence, animal injury.
I loved how authentic this book is.
It’s visceral and dark and brutal. It’s harsh and doesn’t shy away from what things are really like in today’s society for girls. It touches on the female experience and rape culture in a way that has rarely, if ever, done justice to the world we live in. It isn’t exaggerated, but it is perhaps overwhelming in its content because most of this doesn’t happen to the same person in the same course of six months. However, it. All. Happens. It. All. Is. Real.
We begin the novel hearing about our main character – Alex – deciding to kill the guy who rapped and then brutally murdered her sister. As our story takes off this is an event that has already happened, the murder itself is not our plot. However it is our first introduction to Alex and it is a part of her. Something we, as the reader, cannot forget. And then we see Alex volunteering with animals. We see her kind and soft demeanor contrasted to the harsh and vengeful character we thought we knew. And suddenly I was in love with Alex and her sassy, don’t give an eff demeanor. I rooted for her, even though I know she is a killer. She stands up for women, she is violent against men who violate women. She is a hero and a villian at the same time.
We also follow two other characters that don’t have the huge flaw of murder on their record, but have other flaws, the flaws that are the point of this narrative. They perpetuate the sexist ideals we do not want. At first you stop in shock, thinking “isn’t this the opposite of what this book is about?” However, they go through character growth.
They also show what is happening, what others are saying and by sharing their perspective also why they think that way. It is fascinating.
This book is incredibly important. This book is powerful. This book is everything I wanted and so much more than I could have ever expected. Please pick this book up!
mimiwoz93's review against another edition
4.0
Reminded me a little bit of Speak, but for the new generation.
ollieoxnfree's review
5.0
Utterly amazing. I was an open weeping bleeding wound at the last page. This book touches on things that should be screamed about in school instead of the whispers it earns.
Sometimes you feel things so strongly it has no where to go but out. And I think when ppl think about empathy they imagine weak little girls with tissues. Sometimes the emotion you feel so strongly is rage. What happens when that rage is justified and cannot be contained?
I recommend this book for every person on the planet. Every single one of you. And if you don't get it by the end then pray to never meet an Alex Craft in your life.
Sometimes you feel things so strongly it has no where to go but out. And I think when ppl think about empathy they imagine weak little girls with tissues. Sometimes the emotion you feel so strongly is rage. What happens when that rage is justified and cannot be contained?
I recommend this book for every person on the planet. Every single one of you. And if you don't get it by the end then pray to never meet an Alex Craft in your life.
mhicks22's review against another edition
5.0
Definitely not the novel for everyone, but, if it is for you, you will never forget this stunning novel. Definitely my favorite YA book in recent years.
apkris's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
linoone's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nstyner's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Rape, and Sexual assault
sarahboudereads's review against another edition
5.0
I kept expecting a happy ending and I don't know it never occurred to me that sometimes, people are beyond repair and moving on is the best thing that can happen to them. The rage, the hurt but also the first time joys depicted in this book are so well written. The characterization is incredible and I'm glad that I have a kitten sleeping on my lap right now because it makes me feel hopeful for a better world.
thelibraryoft's review against another edition
5.0
I think I have found a new love for YA thriller, & this one is one of the best yet! Wow! The characters in this are in high school but this book tackles serious topics like murder, revenge, SA & abuse.
Alex Craft is the perfect femme, vigilante, anti-hero (giving Kat Adams from Criminal Minds IYKYK). I loved her. When a character's immediate response to a man coming onto her is to punch him in the balls, I know I am in for a treat.
Alex's story is also really beautifully balanced with truly the most "normal" boring, preacher's kid friend and her golden retriever, perfect, smart, popular, jock love interest. Watching them confront the same issues as Alex really helps frame how abnormal her thinking is. I did love that while Alex is very clearly "not like other girls" she really was very understanding and non judgmental of the other women at the school, when slut shaming would have been a really simple path to follow.
Overall this book was mostly a story about sexism & rape culture, and how rampant these issues are even at a young age. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
Alex Craft is the perfect femme, vigilante, anti-hero (giving Kat Adams from Criminal Minds IYKYK). I loved her. When a character's immediate response to a man coming onto her is to punch him in the balls, I know I am in for a treat.
Alex's story is also really beautifully balanced with truly the most "normal" boring, preacher's kid friend and her golden retriever, perfect, smart, popular, jock love interest. Watching them confront the same issues as Alex really helps frame how abnormal her thinking is. I did love that while Alex is very clearly "not like other girls" she really was very understanding and non judgmental of the other women at the school, when slut shaming would have been a really simple path to follow.
Overall this book was mostly a story about sexism & rape culture, and how rampant these issues are even at a young age. I hope to read more from this author in the future.