A review by hobbithopeful
Five Survive by Holly Jackson

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Slow start, but worth it once you get to the action. 
I almost had trouble believing that I was reading a Holly Jackson book with how much trouble I had engaging with the content. When the action finally did start happening, events went from 0 to 100. My heart was racing, and I even broke out in sweat wondering what was going to happen, and who was going to survive. I never expected the twist or what was to come next. I do wish that
Oliver had a better, more drawn out punishment. He is to blame for so much death and I feel like he got off easy. I wish he had been arrested insead, but I don't mind that he died.
In regards to the big secret, I really don't like how
Catherine
was dealt with. I really feel like that character deserved
getting publically and professionally punished. (Straight to jail!) I also wanted to see Red confront her.

I also had a hard time keeping track of all the characters, they weren't as distinctive as say Oliver and Maddy were. 
The ending was fine, but I still had so many questions. It feels like certain characters storylines, such as Red's Dad, were just kinda forgotten. 
I definitely didn't enjoy this even half as much as AGGGTM, but I would still read anything Holly Jackson writes. I feel like it is incredibly difficult to follow up such a popular trilogy and I think everyone had higher expectations then were met. 
I recommend you try this for yourself and see what you think!
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