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nehaslibrary's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
the concept of this book was actually pretty great
it's just the constant pop culture references especially at the start of the book that threw me off
i loved how the theme of classism was involved in this book
it's just the constant pop culture references especially at the start of the book that threw me off
i loved how the theme of classism was involved in this book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Death, Sexual harassment, Torture, Blood, Classism, Cursing, Drug abuse, Kidnapping, Murder, Homophobia, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Drug use, Gaslighting, and Gore
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
haz19's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
Honestly, the title and description of this book promises so much more than it delivers. A collection of unlikeable, poorly written characters, unnecessary twists for the sake of twists and a plethora of brand name dropping made it quite a difficult read; never really engaging or engrossing. The 14 year old son almost felt like he'd been written as older and then his age was changed at the last minute, especially given an inappropriate, age related crime that was completely glossed over and used more as a plot point for the boys parents, which felt uncomfortable at best, and neglectful and an injustice to young boys at worst.
The other characters were written very similarly, and given that it was written from two characters perspectives, I found it difficult to identify which was which without having to double back to the start of the chapter to clarify.
The plot with its twists felt odd and unbelievable, and not in a good way; I understand the concept of holding back info from the reader until you want them to know, however it meant that something happening didn't make sense in any way when it first happened, just far fetched and unjustified, and then didn't get explained, as a twist, until near the end of a book. It led to me not believing or accepting the initial characters decision and stopped me from engaging from the start, disappointing as the premise of the book held so much potential and I'm gutted I didn't enjoy it.
The book covered classism in an odd way, the name dropping kept it fresh in my mind that the main characters were posh, upper class and rich, but it felt so forced and unnatural and braggy, and thus I never engaged with these characters. Even the 'lower class' character of the book didn't feel believable, moving to London on a whim, living in an expensive borough (in a cheap nasty apartment block yes, but the rent would still be unfathomable for this character) with no rush to get a job, and then she lands the job of a lifetime when it gets handed to her on a platter, again, I can't get behind this. It does mention she is moving on some form of inheritance, but a chunk of money enough to move to the centre of London would be substantial enough to no longer be considered lower or working class.
I pretty much DNF'd this book after the use ofstatutory rape of a 14 year old as a plot device, but skimmed through the last halfish so I could leave a genuine review, it didn't even deserve the skim if I'm honest.
The other characters were written very similarly, and given that it was written from two characters perspectives, I found it difficult to identify which was which without having to double back to the start of the chapter to clarify.
The plot with its twists felt odd and unbelievable, and not in a good way; I understand the concept of holding back info from the reader until you want them to know, however it meant that something happening didn't make sense in any way when it first happened, just far fetched and unjustified, and then didn't get explained, as a twist, until near the end of a book. It led to me not believing or accepting the initial characters decision and stopped me from engaging from the start, disappointing as the premise of the book held so much potential and I'm gutted I didn't enjoy it.
The book covered classism in an odd way, the name dropping kept it fresh in my mind that the main characters were posh, upper class and rich, but it felt so forced and unnatural and braggy, and thus I never engaged with these characters. Even the 'lower class' character of the book didn't feel believable, moving to London on a whim, living in an expensive borough (in a cheap nasty apartment block yes, but the rent would still be unfathomable for this character) with no rush to get a job, and then she lands the job of a lifetime when it gets handed to her on a platter, again, I can't get behind this. It does mention she is moving on some form of inheritance, but a chunk of money enough to move to the centre of London would be substantial enough to no longer be considered lower or working class.
I pretty much DNF'd this book after the use of
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Cursing, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Drug abuse, Murder, Rape, Addiction, Alcoholism, Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Emotional abuse, Stalking, and Vomit
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