Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by joxinabox
End of Story by A.J. Finn
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book starts out slow as can be, but hear me out: STICK WITH IT.
Yes, the start is slow. Yes, the shift in perspectives between Nicki and Maddie that happen mid-chapter with no clarification are extremely jarring (especially in audiobook form). Yes, there is a completely out of nowhere and pointless romance. HOWEVER.
Towards the middle of this book is when the story REALLY starts to pick up. The pace quickens, the characters become more interesting, it's easier to follow the flow of the perspective changes once you've adjusted to the style, and you will learn very quick the romance is kind of pointless on purpose (without spoiling what exactly I mean by that.) The portrait this book paints of Sebastian and his family is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and the plot twists (yes, several) are genuinely so clever and fun. This is a mystery about a family in wreckage, and maybe we can solve one or two of them.
The style also isn't ENTIRELY busted, the high action scenes are described incredibly vividly and feel so cinematic and exciting!!!
Overall, a bit of a slow start with a janky perspective structure, but a very heartfelt and intruiging mystery about a family in ruin.
Also, MASSIVE SPOILERS HERE, DO NOT READ THIS WITHOUT READING THE BOOK FIRST:This is one of the most heartfelt, warm, and meaningful representations I've ever seen of the Transgender experience in my life. I myself am Trans and didn't pick up on the possibility that the character in question was, too. I got the impression they were Queer but never considered it outside of sexuality. I'm so used to us just not being in books, I'm so used to the "the character is Transgender!" plot twist being used for shocking horror or even a joke. This was a breath of fresh air. Thank you, A.J. Finn.
Yes, the start is slow. Yes, the shift in perspectives between Nicki and Maddie that happen mid-chapter with no clarification are extremely jarring (especially in audiobook form). Yes, there is a completely out of nowhere and pointless romance. HOWEVER.
Towards the middle of this book is when the story REALLY starts to pick up. The pace quickens, the characters become more interesting, it's easier to follow the flow of the perspective changes once you've adjusted to the style, and you will learn very quick the romance is kind of pointless on purpose (without spoiling what exactly I mean by that.) The portrait this book paints of Sebastian and his family is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and the plot twists (yes, several) are genuinely so clever and fun. This is a mystery about a family in wreckage, and maybe we can solve one or two of them.
The style also isn't ENTIRELY busted, the high action scenes are described incredibly vividly and feel so cinematic and exciting!!!
Overall, a bit of a slow start with a janky perspective structure, but a very heartfelt and intruiging mystery about a family in ruin.
Also, MASSIVE SPOILERS HERE, DO NOT READ THIS WITHOUT READING THE BOOK FIRST:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Suicide, Death of parent, Murder
Moderate: Fatphobia, Transphobia
"Fatphobia" is mostly internalized thoughts that a fat character has about herself. Nobody else in the cast mocks her for or even comments on her weight.