Scan barcode
A review by elwirax
The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
PROS:
A lot of horror movie references which I absolutely loved
Writing style meant the book was easy and quick to read
I enjoyed seeing the fear test through the target's perspective. Made for a more engaging experience and gave me a break from Rachel's POV.
The discussion on the racial and social divide as well as past traumas was something the author did particularily well.
Good Latinx representation that wasn't made Rachel and Freddie's only traits ( made their bond a bit more believable as they were both the "outcasts" of not only the group but in the school)
I liked the friendship between Saundra and Rachel although I wish it had been more developed
CONS:
I found Rachel to be an unlikeable character. There isn't anything wrong with unlikeable characters on the contrary, I enjoy reading from their perspectives. However in this case I think she was meant to be likeable but came off as annoying ( I know she went through a traumatic event and I have taken this into consideration but in the end I just didn't like her character ).
Had a very predictable and abrupt ending. However, this was a book centred around horror movies and therefore such an ending would be expected.
There seemed to be some sort of weird love triangle going on but there was zero substance between any of them.
Way too melodramatic for my taste.
Overall, an interesting concept and for the most part the execution was well done. I think "The Mary Shelley Club" may be more suited to people who are new to the genres of horror/ slasher. Personally, I don't think YA thrillers are really doing it for me anymore.
A lot of horror movie references which I absolutely loved
Writing style meant the book was easy and quick to read
I enjoyed seeing the fear test through the target's perspective. Made for a more engaging experience and gave me a break from Rachel's POV.
The discussion on the racial and social divide as well as past traumas was something the author did particularily well.
Good Latinx representation that wasn't made Rachel and Freddie's only traits ( made their bond a bit more believable as they were both the "outcasts" of not only the group but in the school)
I liked the friendship between Saundra and Rachel although I wish it had been more developed
CONS:
I found Rachel to be an unlikeable character. There isn't anything wrong with unlikeable characters on the contrary, I enjoy reading from their perspectives. However in this case I think she was meant to be likeable but came off as annoying ( I know she went through a traumatic event and I have taken this into consideration but in the end I just didn't like her character ).
Had a very predictable and abrupt ending. However, this was a book centred around horror movies and therefore such an ending would be expected.
There seemed to be some sort of weird love triangle going on but there was zero substance between any of them.
Way too melodramatic for my taste.
Overall, an interesting concept and for the most part the execution was well done. I think "The Mary Shelley Club" may be more suited to people who are new to the genres of horror/ slasher. Personally, I don't think YA thrillers are really doing it for me anymore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Death
Moderate: Emotional abuse