A review by avu_writes
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

“Stood on the cliffside screaming, ‘Give me a reason.’ 

Your faithless love’s the only hoax I believe in.” — ♬

~

I’m still in shock as I write this. the quick, fast-paced chapters always kept me on the edge of my seat, but the ending literally had me clenching my butthole. 

spoilers: 

I saw a lot of negative reviews about how the book was misleading, but I disagree. it promised Greek mythology, murder, & obsession (Mariana & her father,  Mariana & Sebastian,  Mariana & Fosca,  the Maidens & Fosca,  Zoe & Sebastian). the plot twist is tied in with the overarching theme (moldable child + toxic parent), making it very cohesive (definitely appalling, but not entirely pulled-straight-out-of-the-author’s-ass). 

my only complaint was that Mariana was a little annoying sometimes because she just never seemed to like anyone — but then again, that just made her fondness towards Sebastian & Zoe so much more tragic. also, I hate open endings but the more I think about it, I think it’s clear that Mariana forgives Zoe.

~

favorite quotes from the book: 

 

 “Forgiveness could not be coerced – it was experienced spontaneously, as an act of grace, appearing only when a person was ready.” 

 

“You can’t love someone if you’re afraid of them.” 

 

“No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.”

~

follow my book-instagram & I’ll follow back! @book.worm.ali