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callmedenks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
4.75
morlo's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Somehow this book was 5 genres at once.
Fairytale? ✅
Murder mystery?✅
Mythology?✅
Horror/psychological thriller?✅
Romance? ✅
I had no clue what to expect from each chapter, which had me turning pages rapidly. The pure shock factor of the plot twists made it easy to overlook the rapid shifts in focus, glaring plot holes, and lack of explanation/world-building. The romance alone felt like side plot #15.
It’s a quick read, and worthwhile if you don’t think too hard about it. I wouldn’t read again but still enjoyed the experience.
Fairytale? ✅
Murder mystery?✅
Mythology?✅
Horror/psychological thriller?✅
Romance? ✅
I had no clue what to expect from each chapter, which had me turning pages rapidly. The pure shock factor of the plot twists made it easy to overlook the rapid shifts in focus, glaring plot holes, and lack of explanation/world-building. The romance alone felt like side plot #15.
It’s a quick read, and worthwhile if you don’t think too hard about it. I wouldn’t read again but still enjoyed the experience.
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
2.0
2/5
I was intrigued by the books cover and description when I first saw it. Going into the book I got an eerie feeling to it. I enjoyed the island and the Victorian aspect but the spooky parts did sent quiet a chill up my spine. Because of this I doubt I’ll be reading the sequel. For most of the climax of the book I was confused on who was alive and who wasn’t. Then it just got even harder to follow with the love interest.
I was intrigued by the books cover and description when I first saw it. Going into the book I got an eerie feeling to it. I enjoyed the island and the Victorian aspect but the spooky parts did sent quiet a chill up my spine. Because of this I doubt I’ll be reading the sequel. For most of the climax of the book I was confused on who was alive and who wasn’t. Then it just got even harder to follow with the love interest.
theunfriendlyghost's review
4.0
I’m really torn between giving three or four stars, as I loved the plot but was unmoved by the characters.
The world building was mesmerizing. I felt present on the island and captivated by the coastal culture.
The food, clothing, and climate were all described in a way that kept me interested in every scene.
The plot as well was very intriguing! It’s definitely one of those stories that starts slow but ends fast.
There was a lot of buildup, which I suppose was necessary, but I can’t decide if the beginning lagged or if the end hurried.
Regardless, I was fascinated by the twists and turns and thoroughly enjoyed the layers of despair.
Unfortunately, I only began feeling attached to the main character around the halfway point, as I found her rather dull. There was much telling about her quirks and passions, from the mouths of siblings, but very little showing. The sisters also I found bland for the most part, but with so many you’d perhaps need a very long book to flesh out each one.
I grew fond of them eventually, but I can’t say the same for the love interest.
He was predictable and shallow, with his only personality trait being his relationship to the main character. I did not root for them as a couple and wasn’t invested in whatever ending was coming.
I could’ve gone without him as a whole and would’ve loved the story of sisters alone, but that’s just my style.
I’m giving it five stars for the plot, but three stars for the characters, landing us at an average of four stars.
The world building was mesmerizing. I felt present on the island and captivated by the coastal culture.
The food, clothing, and climate were all described in a way that kept me interested in every scene.
The plot as well was very intriguing! It’s definitely one of those stories that starts slow but ends fast.
There was a lot of buildup, which I suppose was necessary, but I can’t decide if the beginning lagged or if the end hurried.
Regardless, I was fascinated by the twists and turns and thoroughly enjoyed the layers of despair.
Unfortunately, I only began feeling attached to the main character around the halfway point, as I found her rather dull. There was much telling about her quirks and passions, from the mouths of siblings, but very little showing. The sisters also I found bland for the most part, but with so many you’d perhaps need a very long book to flesh out each one.
I grew fond of them eventually, but I can’t say the same for the love interest.
He was predictable and shallow, with his only personality trait being his relationship to the main character. I did not root for them as a couple and wasn’t invested in whatever ending was coming.
I could’ve gone without him as a whole and would’ve loved the story of sisters alone, but that’s just my style.
I’m giving it five stars for the plot, but three stars for the characters, landing us at an average of four stars.
littlelifeofbooks's review
5.0
THE BEST FANTASY READ I HAVE READ. You can stop looking for something else to read, this is it.
tell_them_stories's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
bookishmamaworm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cklear's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
carolinate's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5