A review by nixbix_reads
The Four by Ellie Keel

dark emotional 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

1.0

I didn’t think I’d ever find a book I disliked to the same level as Verity, but here we are.  With a complete cast of entirely unlikeable characters, we meet the four scholarship students as they enter High Realms, a prestigious high school for the elite of the elite.  They soon find that no-one wants them there, including the teachers, and that they will be horrifically bullied.  This does turn into bullying porn because no student is safe at this school; these jackals will turn on each other at the slightest hint of provocation.

Then something happens & one of the head students is hurt because of one of the four, and they make one dumb decision after another, carrying on beyond any version of common sense.  I can suspend belief for plot lines, but this was just some ridiculously contrived BS.  This dragged on for far too long - there was so much that could have been edited out & nothing would have been missed.

I did like the map & the cover is stunning.

Trigger warnings: bullying, sexual assault, mental breakdown, suicide.
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