A review by pep_puterova
Lore by Alexandra Bracken

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

3.75

This book was really entertaining and gripping, it was definitely a fun read. I bought the book a few years ago on a whim and didn't get to it until now, which did sort of build a reluctance in me, as all books that have been sitting on my shelf for years tend to do.

 I was surprised I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. It was a plot driven adventure with some not-so-subtle social commentary that felt a bit flat for me, but I appreciated what it was trying to do nonetheless. The premise was very interesting. It was very engaging and gripping and with so many twists and turns that really made me want to know what's going to happen next. 

If I read this as a teenager, I would have gone absolutely feral over it. As an adult, I can still appreciate it although I recognise its flaws. Imo the characters were just kinda meh; some of the plot twists were not great, but it kept me reading so I suppose serviceable; there was way too much trauma that was sometimes unnecessary, it didn't need to be that dark sometimes. I think the characters should have been aged up, I know it is YA but still, Lore has no business being 17. I suppose that's my problem with most YAs tho. 

It's classed as medium paced on storygraph, but I disagree, I found it very fast paced and I do think it can be a great pick for someone wanting a break from slower literature like myself, or a reintroduction into reading for someone who's going through a reading slump. 

TLDR; It's a page turner with a great premise, engaging plot and many plot twists, but also comes with it's flaws. 

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