A review by bluz19
The Bad Ones by Melissa Albert

dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

I thought that the storyline ended up being pretty interesting at the end but the beginning lacked luster. This story is laid out by teenagers as they try to find answers, at times it did seem rudimentary or that it was clearer to see the answers that they were ignoring. I don’t think the story allowed for us to get very close to the characters. They seemed all very surface level and self absorbed, like teens can be. Looking back at the story I truly feel like not much went on the whole time. Like they did locate where this game came from and found resolution in all their questions, but it felt like it lacked more in depth. 
I loved the overall story, the history, the characters connections through past and present. I think the storytelling was great and the overall premise pulled me in but I didn’t feel attached to any character. The story was sluggish until Nora begins to really look at the clues and piece together what is happening. I think that it allowed for surface level “creep” factor as well as some twists and turns that made us rethink the current reality. I didn’t know how the author would end the story, I don’t feel like it was far fetched but the ending could’ve been more flushed and clear. There were some things that could’ve been better explained, and could’ve been used to help us feel the characters more. 
This book is YA with bits of magical realism and the supernatural thrown in. There is mystery that surrounds their school, their town, and their lives. Although I wanted more of the goddess, more creepy additions, and more character development, I think this book was a nice read overall. It’s not an earth shattering book but it is a book that gives a bit of everything in the form of teenage angst. I liked the overall premise of the book and if I hadn’t expected more based off the summary, it may have been just right. 
Overall if you want something with a bit of supernatural, some teenagers, and a wild childhood story come to life, then I think you will enjoy this book.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings