A review by wonderwomannz
Briar by Ripley Proserpina

3.0

I recently listened to the audiobook of Briar by Ripley Proserpina, a long-standing entry on my TBR list. It’s my first experience with this author, whose work came recommended on a site I visited.

The pacing was slow, as I expected from its "slow burn" reputation. While the plot had intriguing elements, the overall execution left me feeling conflicted. Unfortunately, neither the female lead nor the boys’ characters felt strong to me. I found the female lead frustrating and weak, which isn’t my preference, and the boys didn’t offer much in terms of compelling development either.

The narrator’s voice was fine, but it leaned towards a younger tone, which might have contributed to a somewhat childish vibe for the story overall. Additionally, for those seeking "spice," this book didn’t deliver in that regard.

Despite these frustrations, I’m still curious to see how the series progresses. I hope the next book brings stronger character development, more engaging pacing, and perhaps a deeper, more mature tone.