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phoricho's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I loved Emma's character. At the beginning of the book, we get a real in-depth look into her life and how she thinks. She's a very focused and determined person who finds joy and happiness in her work and her found family. Adele Parks writes Emma as a fully formed character on her own. To put it simply, "she don't need no man".
I enjoyed how Adele started the confusion with simple acts that Emma could explain away. It doesn't start to get concerning until she confides in others for their perspective and she realises that these incidents aren't as simple as she believed, and then the stakes rise.
Characters in this book make small decisions and sacrifices that gradually get more intense with just as intense consequences.
Overall, I really enjoyed First Wife's Shadow. I will say I guessed parts of the twist, but even so, I still enjoyed the story. Compared to the rest of the book, I didn't find the ending as impactful. The impact was more in the chapters before the ending, where the ending was more characters settling into a new normal.
If you enjoy twists and turns, psychological thrillers, and second-guessing yourself, then go pick up First Wife's Shadow by Adele Parks.
I received an advance readers copy from the publisher at no cost but all opinions are my own.
I enjoyed how Adele started the confusion with simple acts that Emma could explain away. It doesn't start to get concerning until she confides in others for their perspective and she realises that these incidents aren't as simple as she believed, and then the stakes rise.
Characters in this book make small decisions and sacrifices that gradually get more intense with just as intense consequences.
Overall, I really enjoyed First Wife's Shadow. I will say I guessed parts of the twist, but even so, I still enjoyed the story. Compared to the rest of the book, I didn't find the ending as impactful. The impact was more in the chapters before the ending, where the ending was more characters settling into a new normal.
If you enjoy twists and turns, psychological thrillers, and second-guessing yourself, then go pick up First Wife's Shadow by Adele Parks.
I received an advance readers copy from the publisher at no cost but all opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual content, Stalking, and Murder
Minor: Addiction and Drug abuse