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A review by michellemaas
Heart of a Monster by Shain Rose
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
As my rating suggests, it was just a very okay book.
A huge part of that is the fact that this is part 1 of a 2-part series (that really should have just been 1 longer book). Nothing truly eventful seemed to happen, and though it set up the sequel beautifully, the plot was still very meh.
Our main characters, Katie and Rome were both described as extremely broken and a danger to each other. While that makes for an interesting premise, I felt the book was just too short for it/chose not to explore it. Other than being outright told "I am so broken and badass" there wasn't any effort put into that part of the narrative which is a shame since it was a huge driving factor. Also, did I mention the love triangle? I really don't like love triangles . . .
Ultimately, I think the series can still turn out okay since there is a lot of potential to be redeemed in the sequel but as for reviewing this book individually, I was extremely underwhelmed.
A huge part of that is the fact that this is part 1 of a 2-part series (that really should have just been 1 longer book). Nothing truly eventful seemed to happen, and though it set up the sequel beautifully, the plot was still very meh.
Our main characters, Katie and Rome were both described as extremely broken and a danger to each other. While that makes for an interesting premise, I felt the book was just too short for it/chose not to explore it. Other than being outright told "I am so broken and badass" there wasn't any effort put into that part of the narrative which is a shame since it was a huge driving factor. Also, did I mention the love triangle? I really don't like love triangles . . .
Ultimately, I think the series can still turn out okay since there is a lot of potential to be redeemed in the sequel but as for reviewing this book individually, I was extremely underwhelmed.
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Torture, Blood, Dementia, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Infidelity, Racism, Grief, and Alcohol