A review by sopeyaso
The Bellwether Revivals by Renaud Morin, Benjamin Wood

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I finished the second half of the book in one day after reading the first half in irregular increments in the days prior. It was initially a slow read, but eventually I got hooked. What drew me to this book in the first place was the promise that it would be like The Secret History, and I feel like Benjamin Wood definitely drew inspiration from Donna Tartt. The great thing about that is it sets and reverts expectations. The Bellwether Revivals is still pretty much its own story!

I gave this a 5 on Goodreads but a 4.5 here for a little more accuracy, since I found the twist (if one could even call it that) weak. I also think there was more room to explore the chemistry between Oscar and Iris; Oscar’s feelings for her, the infatuation and disappointment and grief, just don’t feel earned.

Overall, I’m glad to say it’s the book that got me out of a long, depressing reading slump!