A review by read_al_about_it
The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

adventurous mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Karen McManus' writing hits me in a few literary places that aren't touched upon often. On one hand as an adult reading YA I need a certain level of writing to keep me entertained. But on the other I am usually reading YA to enjoy a quickly evolving plot and lighter subject matter. Somehow McManus is able to hit both every single time for me. I love the setting of this story being on an island, as the other pieces I have read of hers are set in a high school, but also enjoy that they are working within this affluent family that owns basically everything on the island. I feel as if there were many tropes that could have been used that would've really flattened the storyline but every single time I expected one I was met with more fun character analysis and backstory instead. One of the characters we are experiencing through the novel is from a flashback, and their story added so much depth and was a very necessary part of understanding the family dynamic. 

All in all a really fast and fun summer read for me! 


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