A review by azieyosabor
The Fury by Alex Michaelides

mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

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

4.0

so i finally jumped into “the fury”, and it was unexpectedly good! i hadn't read the author’s other books, and with all the mixed (more negative) reviews, i was almost scared away, but i took the plunge. and guess what? it was worth it.

elliot's narrating this twisted tale about lana, this retired actress with an island in greece. she invites her family members (husband jason, son leo) and friends (elliot, kate & agathi) for a relaxing getaway from the raining london weather, and unexpectedly, bam, three shots and a dead body. 🤯

cue, the start of a story unlike any you’ve ever heard. 

the play-like format in 5 acts was a fresh twist. and get this – you're in the story! the author breaks the fourth wall, elliot talks directly to you. it's like you're part of the drama. loved that! 🎭

the writing was top-notch. michaelides has this magic touch with words. elliot, the narrator, is a mixed bag – annoying, pretentious, yet oddly likable. you're on his side, but also not really.

twists and turns? oh, yes! i saw some coming, but others blindsided me. the plot was tight, and characters were like puzzle pieces, each with their own dark secrets.

but here's the thing – the pacing. this was supposed to be a “masterfully paced thriller,” but man, it dragged. 300 pages felt like 600. the final act? longest. ever. even the author said not to drag it; “the storyteller mustn’t draw out the final act too long” but proceeds to make the final act the longest and most unnecessary dragged out, final act ever written.

overall, the plot was mind-blowing, characters were deep, and the unrequited love theme hit hard. the book made me question how far people go for love and what love even means. obsession, manipulation, genuine love, betrayal – it's all there. a wild ride of longing, betrayal, and tragedy that kept me turning pages.