Scan barcode
A review by sophiesometimesreads
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I devoured this book, and really enjoyed my experience reading it.
I really enjoyed how, in the first part of the book, I was constantly questioning whether the book was supernatural or not, and whether these things were going to be real or a figment of the character's imagination. It really left the story wide open for a long time and made it hard for me to figure out what was going to happen.
I think the pacing of this book was great, there was always something happening and the information we needed was sprinkled through the story such that I was able to piece SOME of it together eventually but I never quite saw the whole reveal. Even when we did get the information I'd guessed revealed, it was more of an "AHA I WAS RIGHT!" moment instead of a "oh yeah that was obvious" moment as the signs were subtle but there, which I really liked about it. All the reveals made sense when looking back at the information given.
Though this seems like a contentious point, I liked that the big reveal of why everything was happening came relatively early on in the book compared to other thrillers, it really allowed for the resolution to be fleshed out. After this point, things got absolutely chaotic and ridiculous but, in my opinion, it was just enough on the realistic side of ridiculous that it was enjoyable and not cringey. From someone who hasn't read horror, it did seem like the book pushed more into the horror realm from a mystery thriller in the second half too.
Avoiding spoilers, I think the ending could've packed a bit more punch and I was hoping something specific would happen based on something said by a character but it didn't end up happening. But in the big scheme of the book, this was only a small detail so didn't take away much from my overall enjoyment.
I liked the role the characters played in this novel and Kiera is my queen. I didn't particularly connect emotionally to all characters but they all played the role they needed to in the story to make me engrossed.
Overall, I'm not sure why this book is rated so low because I had a wonderful time with it and absolutely devoured the book in just over two days. I would recommend this to people who enjoy slightly ridiculous but intense thrillers.
I really enjoyed how, in the first part of the book, I was constantly questioning whether the book was supernatural or not, and whether these things were going to be real or a figment of the character's imagination. It really left the story wide open for a long time and made it hard for me to figure out what was going to happen.
I think the pacing of this book was great, there was always something happening and the information we needed was sprinkled through the story such that I was able to piece SOME of it together eventually but I never quite saw the whole reveal. Even when we did get the information I'd guessed revealed, it was more of an "AHA I WAS RIGHT!" moment instead of a "oh yeah that was obvious" moment as the signs were subtle but there, which I really liked about it. All the reveals made sense when looking back at the information given.
Though this seems like a contentious point, I liked that the big reveal of why everything was happening came relatively early on in the book compared to other thrillers, it really allowed for the resolution to be fleshed out. After this point, things got absolutely chaotic and ridiculous but, in my opinion, it was just enough on the realistic side of ridiculous that it was enjoyable and not cringey. From someone who hasn't read horror, it did seem like the book pushed more into the horror realm from a mystery thriller in the second half too.
Avoiding spoilers, I think the ending could've packed a bit more punch and I was hoping something specific would happen based on something said by a character but it didn't end up happening. But in the big scheme of the book, this was only a small detail so didn't take away much from my overall enjoyment.
I liked the role the characters played in this novel and Kiera is my queen. I didn't particularly connect emotionally to all characters but they all played the role they needed to in the story to make me engrossed.
Overall, I'm not sure why this book is rated so low because I had a wonderful time with it and absolutely devoured the book in just over two days. I would recommend this to people who enjoy slightly ridiculous but intense thrillers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Blood, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Addiction