A review by midnightpoison13
Torn by Carian Cole

3.0

"Torn" by Carian Cole takes readers on a tumultuous journey through a maze of drama and relationships, where not all the pieces seem to fit together seamlessly. The narrative deftly balances between moments of tension and levity, but abrupt shifts in character dynamics, like Tesla's unexpected confrontation, can disrupt the flow. Additionally, the extended mystery surrounding Ember's condition and the insertion of Ty's storyline may leave readers feeling disjointed and craving more coherence.

Throughout the book, lingering questions about Kenzi's mother and the accident create a sense of unresolved intrigue, despite the narrative's attempts to provide closure. While the gradual development of Kenzi and Toren's relationship, rooted in childhood bonds, is handled with care and avoids any hint of creepiness, the climax ultimately falls short of expectations. Opportunities for gripping drama, such as Sydni discovering their relationship, are introduced but remain largely untapped.

Although the pacing maintains a steady rhythm, the conclusion fails to deliver the depth and resolution readers anticipate, leaving them wanting more. While "Torn" offers an engaging read, it falls shy of fully realizing its potential, earning a three-star rating for its enjoyable yet unfulfilled narrative.

In summary, while "Torn" adeptly explores the evolution of Kenzi and Toren's relationship, it struggles to capitalize on its promising premise. Despite avoiding any unsettling dynamics between the characters, the narrative lacks the depth and intrigue needed to fully captivate readers. The absence of fully explored conflicts and unresolved plot threads contribute to a sense of dissatisfaction. While an entertaining read, "Torn" ultimately fails to reach its full potential, earning three stars for its missed opportunities and unresolved storylines.

Just for fun, here are a few notes I wrote down while reading:

It's very clear that even though Kenzi may act older than her age, she is very much still immature, seeing as how she reacts when Toren says they can't be together.

Lukas- Kenzie's uncle or cousin? Math ain't mathing here.

I can't read about Toren talking about Kenzi's boobs without hearing Trevor from GTA V go "Nice Tits" when he sees Amanda for the first time in years.