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A review by screamdogreads
The Betrayals by Bridget Collins
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I will forever be extremely grateful to Bridget Collins, HarperCollins and Waterstones for giving me the opportunity of experiencing this fantastic book early. While I was in no way required to write a review due to furlough, I think this book deserves the praise. I've done my absolute best to avoid including any spoilers since this book is yet to be released. (Despite how much I want to scream about certain details of this book.)
Honestly I don't know what to say or where to begin. This book was enigmatic, unique and unlike anything I've read before. The word abstract comes to mind when thinking about this book. When I first read the premise, I was skeptical as I normally don't enjoy the 'dark academia' theme, this however, captured me from the very first page. The character of The Rat coupled with Collins' beautiful writing really made for a strong opening. This is one of those stories that weaves its threads together to create a masterpiece.
Watching the twists and turns of Carfax's and Léo's dynamic/relationship grow, shatter, and then work itself into the crevices of the main story was heart breaking. It felt so completely real. Their chemistry was simply perfection, and I found myself rooting for them long after the book was over. Even after that devastating twist, I still found that I wanted them to be together. Something that I feel needs special mention is how Collins manages to create real, believable same-sex relationships that are normal and expected, even. Honestly, more authors need to take note of how this is done.
The world this is set in, the school itself, the mountains, the characters even... They all come to life. This book was as tense as it was relaxing. I spent so much time laying on my bed, listening to rain sounds and letting this book pull me away from life. Filled with political intrigue, grief and flawed characters who behave much like people in the real world would, The Betrayals is one those absorbing stories that will stick with you, long after you put the book down.
Honestly I don't know what to say or where to begin. This book was enigmatic, unique and unlike anything I've read before. The word abstract comes to mind when thinking about this book. When I first read the premise, I was skeptical as I normally don't enjoy the 'dark academia' theme, this however, captured me from the very first page. The character of The Rat coupled with Collins' beautiful writing really made for a strong opening. This is one of those stories that weaves its threads together to create a masterpiece.
Watching the twists and turns of Carfax's and Léo's dynamic/relationship grow, shatter, and then work itself into the crevices of the main story was heart breaking. It felt so completely real. Their chemistry was simply perfection, and I found myself rooting for them long after the book was over. Even after that devastating twist, I still found that I wanted them to be together. Something that I feel needs special mention is how Collins manages to create real, believable same-sex relationships that are normal and expected, even. Honestly, more authors need to take note of how this is done.
The world this is set in, the school itself, the mountains, the characters even... They all come to life. This book was as tense as it was relaxing. I spent so much time laying on my bed, listening to rain sounds and letting this book pull me away from life. Filled with political intrigue, grief and flawed characters who behave much like people in the real world would, The Betrayals is one those absorbing stories that will stick with you, long after you put the book down.