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A review by princessgonchar
They Never Learn by Layne Fargo
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I have no idea what Layne Fargo did between Temper and They Never Learn, but my goodness, it was a great decision and I'm glad it happened.
This book was so much fun! I liked the characters, I thought their stories were all compelling on their own, I appreciated the commentary on sexual assault, some of the twists had me gasping - this was literally all I could ask for in a Thriller!
It's not a 5 star because I did have a few problems.
The pacing was a little weird for starters. The first 40% of the book is a lot of setup, and it feels really random and out of place until reveals start happening. Then from 60% to 85%, it felt like we were just waiting for something bad to happen and like things weren't really going on.
Also, there were a couple of character switch moments towards the end that didn't really surprise me and that I think could have been hidden a little more. And I wanted a little more justification for some of Carly's actions.
It was originally going to be a 3.5 rounded up to a 4 for those reasons, but the ending is just so satisfying that I couldn't not give it a straight 4 stars.
A great read, and I'm intrigued to see the next thing Layne Fargo puts out (which is as much as a surprise to me as it is to you).
This book was so much fun! I liked the characters, I thought their stories were all compelling on their own, I appreciated the commentary on sexual assault, some of the twists had me gasping - this was literally all I could ask for in a Thriller!
It's not a 5 star because I did have a few problems.
The pacing was a little weird for starters. The first 40% of the book is a lot of setup, and it feels really random and out of place until reveals start happening. Then from 60% to 85%, it felt like we were just waiting for something bad to happen and like things weren't really going on.
Also, there were a couple of character switch moments towards the end that didn't really surprise me and that I think could have been hidden a little more. And I wanted a little more justification for some of Carly's actions.
It was originally going to be a 3.5 rounded up to a 4 for those reasons, but the ending is just so satisfying that I couldn't not give it a straight 4 stars.
A great read, and I'm intrigued to see the next thing Layne Fargo puts out (which is as much as a surprise to me as it is to you).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexism, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Murder