lisaolstie 's review for:

The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater

2.5

mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

---

The Listeners starts strong, with mystery and tension that pull you in. But the further you read, the more it unravels. The middle drags, and character choices (like June’s shifting accent and a proximity romance) feel inconsistent. Hannelore had potential, but her portrayal felt flat and overly neat. A few emotional highlights, like Sandy’s outcome, offer brief relief. But overall the book felt like a missed opportunity packed with untapped potential.