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A review by whatsamreads_
The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The Nature of Disappearing is an amazing blend of suspense and emotional depth, set against the majestic backdrop of Idaho’s wilderness. This book explores the themes of trauma, reconciliation, and the complexities of human connection, making it a compelling read from start to finish.
Emlyn, the story’s resilient FMC, lives a life of quiet seclusion, distancing herself from the painful memories of her past. Her world is abruptly disrupted when Tyler, her ex-husband, reappears with alarming news about their estranged friend, Janessa. Janessa's sudden disappearance from her #vanlife adventures propels Emlyn back into a tumultuous journey she thought she had left behind. Grant's portrayal of Emlyn's struggle between clinging to her hard-won stability and facing her unresolved past is both heart-wrenching and relatable.
The author excels in crafting a narrative that is both character-driven and suspenseful. Emlyn’s reluctant partnership with Tyler as they track Janessa’s last known movements adds layers of tension and unresolved chemistry to the story. Their interactions are charged with the weight of shared history and unspoken emotions, which keeps readers invested in their evolving relationship. The depiction of their journey through the wild landscapes of Idaho is immersive and vividly detailed, reflecting both the beauty and the peril of the natural world.
Grant’s ability to interweave the external adventure with Emlyn’s internal struggles is one of the novel's strongest aspects. The mystery of Janessa’s disappearance is gripping, with every clue and twist building a sense of foreboding. As Emlyn and Tyler delve deeper into the wilderness, the narrative deftly shifts from a quest for answers to a deeper exploration of trust, redemption, and the lingering shadows of the past.
The only minor drawback is that some of the secondary characters and their motivations could have been fleshed out more fully. However, this does not significantly detract from the books overall impact. The story's emotional depth and suspenseful progression keep the reader thoroughly engaged.
In summary, The Nature of Disappearing deserves 4.5 stars for its intricate character development, compelling plot, and the seamless integration of suspense with emotional storytelling.
Thank you NetGalley, Kimi Cunningham Grant, and Minotaur Books for this gifted ARC.
Emlyn, the story’s resilient FMC, lives a life of quiet seclusion, distancing herself from the painful memories of her past. Her world is abruptly disrupted when Tyler, her ex-husband, reappears with alarming news about their estranged friend, Janessa. Janessa's sudden disappearance from her #vanlife adventures propels Emlyn back into a tumultuous journey she thought she had left behind. Grant's portrayal of Emlyn's struggle between clinging to her hard-won stability and facing her unresolved past is both heart-wrenching and relatable.
The author excels in crafting a narrative that is both character-driven and suspenseful. Emlyn’s reluctant partnership with Tyler as they track Janessa’s last known movements adds layers of tension and unresolved chemistry to the story. Their interactions are charged with the weight of shared history and unspoken emotions, which keeps readers invested in their evolving relationship. The depiction of their journey through the wild landscapes of Idaho is immersive and vividly detailed, reflecting both the beauty and the peril of the natural world.
Grant’s ability to interweave the external adventure with Emlyn’s internal struggles is one of the novel's strongest aspects. The mystery of Janessa’s disappearance is gripping, with every clue and twist building a sense of foreboding. As Emlyn and Tyler delve deeper into the wilderness, the narrative deftly shifts from a quest for answers to a deeper exploration of trust, redemption, and the lingering shadows of the past.
The only minor drawback is that some of the secondary characters and their motivations could have been fleshed out more fully. However, this does not significantly detract from the books overall impact. The story's emotional depth and suspenseful progression keep the reader thoroughly engaged.
In summary, The Nature of Disappearing deserves 4.5 stars for its intricate character development, compelling plot, and the seamless integration of suspense with emotional storytelling.
Thank you NetGalley, Kimi Cunningham Grant, and Minotaur Books for this gifted ARC.