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mysticpagemage's reviews
102 reviews
The House Witch and The Enchanting of the Hearth: Fall in love with the cosy fantasy romance that’s got everyone talking by Delemhach
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Book Review
The House Witch
Delemhach
3.75 Stars
CHARACTERS: 4/5
• The group of characters within the novel mesh well together. There are a few obvious stereotypes to some of the characters regarding status and intelligence which could have been interesting to flip on there heads but I understand why the author chose to keep the stereotypes in play, it was to create an easy to follow narrative. You do tend to still find yourself smiling at the comrodarie that is forged throughout the book and the growth that each character goes through.
SETTING & ATMOSPHERE: 3/5
• We don't get too much background about the setting of the book. We do know that we are in a kingdom where magic exists. There isn't much detail given to the layout of the kingdom or the landscape. We know there is upheaval happening withing the kingdom at them time but not much about the different areas and how each group that lives within said areas lives. The atmosphere of the book is fairly light and comical despite there being the faint hint of issues within the kingodom.
WRITING STYLE & LANGUAGE: 4/5
• The writing is very easy to read and has fast paced. It did feel a little more young adult than adult despite having some raunchy jokes throughout the book. I do also have to say that the ending felt like it came a bit abruptly and caught me off guard, to me it felt like there was more to be said.
THEMES & MOTIFS: 4/5
• Withing this novel there are themes of overcoming troubled pasts, learning lessons, found family, finding oneself, allowing oneself to be loved, and growing into your own power. It studies alot of different areas and does them in ways that are cute and fun. It is a feel good story and will bring a smile to you face.
READING EXPERIENCE: 3.75/5
• The House Witch was a fun read. It was a cute little fantasy and I will probably read the other books. I don't know that I will reread the book but I will continue the series or at least try. I would recommend these for people who are starting to read more or if they are in a rutt and want something quick and easy.
The House Witch
Delemhach
3.75 Stars
CHARACTERS: 4/5
• The group of characters within the novel mesh well together. There are a few obvious stereotypes to some of the characters regarding status and intelligence which could have been interesting to flip on there heads but I understand why the author chose to keep the stereotypes in play, it was to create an easy to follow narrative. You do tend to still find yourself smiling at the comrodarie that is forged throughout the book and the growth that each character goes through.
SETTING & ATMOSPHERE: 3/5
• We don't get too much background about the setting of the book. We do know that we are in a kingdom where magic exists. There isn't much detail given to the layout of the kingdom or the landscape. We know there is upheaval happening withing the kingdom at them time but not much about the different areas and how each group that lives within said areas lives. The atmosphere of the book is fairly light and comical despite there being the faint hint of issues within the kingodom.
WRITING STYLE & LANGUAGE: 4/5
• The writing is very easy to read and has fast paced. It did feel a little more young adult than adult despite having some raunchy jokes throughout the book. I do also have to say that the ending felt like it came a bit abruptly and caught me off guard, to me it felt like there was more to be said.
THEMES & MOTIFS: 4/5
• Withing this novel there are themes of overcoming troubled pasts, learning lessons, found family, finding oneself, allowing oneself to be loved, and growing into your own power. It studies alot of different areas and does them in ways that are cute and fun. It is a feel good story and will bring a smile to you face.
READING EXPERIENCE: 3.75/5
• The House Witch was a fun read. It was a cute little fantasy and I will probably read the other books. I don't know that I will reread the book but I will continue the series or at least try. I would recommend these for people who are starting to read more or if they are in a rutt and want something quick and easy.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Book Review
The Secret History
Donna Tartt
4.5
CHARACTERS: 4.5/5
• The main group of six characters are so well entangled together that you get the sense that they are in a completely different time than the rest of the story. Their interactions and inside commentary within their group dynamic is so well done that you feel as though you have been granted a front row seat to something you should not be a part of. They are described so well that you can picture each one vividly in your head to where you can almost hear their voices. You begin to see them in many different lights: the snobby rich kids, the abandoned children, the lost souls, and the easily influenced. However, this does not absolve them of their wrong doings because at the basic level every person should know right from wrong and not be easily persuaded down a path of destruction.
SETTING & ATMOSPHERE: 5/5
• The atmosphere and setting are of superior quality. You find yourself getting lost in the novel feeling as though you are in Vermont at this isolated school among these students. Despite the fact the book is set in the 80s you also lose yourself with the Greek students to a very different time. I found myself being caught off guard when modern things were being discussed because I had the feeling I was in the 20s with the small group of Greek students and how they dress and speak. The small town and the people make it feel even more isolated and separated from the rest of the world.
WRITING STYLE & LANGUAGE: 4/5
• Donna Tartt has a way with her writing that pulls you in so much that at times you feel almost like you are in a confined room with the small group of students. I remember one scene where it felt like I was in a dark room lit only by a small oil with the two characters that were talking in rushed tones. Then suddenly a door opens and the moment is broken. I found myself staring at the book thinking wow I was there I was in it. I just don't find that in most books. The only fault I have with the novel was that it was paced a little slow for me personally.
THEMES & MOTIFS: 5/5
• There were so many themes that could be found within this novel: envy, guilt, isolation, manipulation, social class, and the link between beauty and terror. The social class theme is explored in throwing money around as well as thinking that one with high standing can get away with most anything. Guilt is seen in almost a tell-tell heart way with characters seeing and dreaming of those that they have wronged. This novel explores most of these themes well but also leaves plenty of room for the reader to make their own interpretations.
READING EXPERIENCE: 4.5/5
• Overall my experience reading The Secret History was amazing. I did have an issue with how slow the pacing was but I was able to push through that due to the writing style and the story itself. The atmosphere and the characters really were fleshed out so well. You will find yourself in a love hate relationship with the characters so be prepared to ask yourself many time why you sympathize with them while at the same time being infuriated with their choices.
The Secret History
Donna Tartt
4.5
CHARACTERS: 4.5/5
• The main group of six characters are so well entangled together that you get the sense that they are in a completely different time than the rest of the story. Their interactions and inside commentary within their group dynamic is so well done that you feel as though you have been granted a front row seat to something you should not be a part of. They are described so well that you can picture each one vividly in your head to where you can almost hear their voices. You begin to see them in many different lights: the snobby rich kids, the abandoned children, the lost souls, and the easily influenced. However, this does not absolve them of their wrong doings because at the basic level every person should know right from wrong and not be easily persuaded down a path of destruction.
SETTING & ATMOSPHERE: 5/5
• The atmosphere and setting are of superior quality. You find yourself getting lost in the novel feeling as though you are in Vermont at this isolated school among these students. Despite the fact the book is set in the 80s you also lose yourself with the Greek students to a very different time. I found myself being caught off guard when modern things were being discussed because I had the feeling I was in the 20s with the small group of Greek students and how they dress and speak. The small town and the people make it feel even more isolated and separated from the rest of the world.
WRITING STYLE & LANGUAGE: 4/5
• Donna Tartt has a way with her writing that pulls you in so much that at times you feel almost like you are in a confined room with the small group of students. I remember one scene where it felt like I was in a dark room lit only by a small oil with the two characters that were talking in rushed tones. Then suddenly a door opens and the moment is broken. I found myself staring at the book thinking wow I was there I was in it. I just don't find that in most books. The only fault I have with the novel was that it was paced a little slow for me personally.
THEMES & MOTIFS: 5/5
• There were so many themes that could be found within this novel: envy, guilt, isolation, manipulation, social class, and the link between beauty and terror. The social class theme is explored in throwing money around as well as thinking that one with high standing can get away with most anything. Guilt is seen in almost a tell-tell heart way with characters seeing and dreaming of those that they have wronged. This novel explores most of these themes well but also leaves plenty of room for the reader to make their own interpretations.
READING EXPERIENCE: 4.5/5
• Overall my experience reading The Secret History was amazing. I did have an issue with how slow the pacing was but I was able to push through that due to the writing style and the story itself. The atmosphere and the characters really were fleshed out so well. You will find yourself in a love hate relationship with the characters so be prepared to ask yourself many time why you sympathize with them while at the same time being infuriated with their choices.
This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
The main group of characters were introduced rather quickly. There was no backstory given. No development with the characters throughout the novel. I didn't feel bad for any of them except Slade, the dog, and maybe Sylvia because she seemed to be the only one trying to keep a level head and maintain some form of logic.
The characters motivations to begin with are greed based except Sylvia and Luke. Sylvia is there just to learn more about the ecosystem and help a friend, maybe get some publishing. Luke is there to support his girlfriend, he even quit his job so she could follow her dream. Clay and Dylan both are trying to find ways to monetize this expedition and to bankroll it into something lavish for their future, no matter who gets rolled over on the way. Greed is also seen over and over through the flashbacks. This theme of greed tends to end in blood shed and thus curses the person to live with the guilt even after their death.
The story takes place in an isolated forest near a run down town and that helps to set the abandoned, utterly alone, trapped mood very well. The characters interactions with each other are very shallow. They don't talk too much even before they got to the climb site there was limited interaction which makes it feel tense from the very beginning and throughout the story. The main conflict for the characters is that they are lost in the woods after one of the group has suffered a tragic accident. They cannot find their way back to their car no matter how hard they try. Everything seems to be going against them to make sure that they remain stranded. So the isolation and the lack of communication add to the struggle.
The structure is linear with some chapters being dated back in time for reference to what occurred on the land before. This is to help set up the narrative of why the land is evil. It is not difficult to follow. However, it could have possibly been kept til the end of the novel to reveal each of the flash backs to make it a bit different. Also, it doesn't fully give a total reason as to why this particular plot of land. Also, the book is said to have inspiration from the Dyatlov Pass incident, I did not find anything within the book that felt similar to that at all.
The author has a way with being descriptive about the body horror and less so about the surroundings stating that the forest repeats itself almost like a copy and paste effect. They do use unique foliage and fungi to evoke a sense of death and decay within the forest that the characters are in. The writing style is very body horror focused. There is a lot of vomit descriptions. So for anyone wanting to read the book do check trigger warnings. I did not find the book difficult to read, nor do I think the majority of reader would struggle.
Personally it was a fun read. I don't struggle with body horror as much as others. It was a fairly fast read, there could have been some changes that would have made the novel a bit more enjoyable. The blurb mentioned a twist to the book but at the end I sat wondering what the twist was because I didn't think there was one. In all honestly I could see this being made into a 'made for tv' movie at some point.
The characters motivations to begin with are greed based except Sylvia and Luke. Sylvia is there just to learn more about the ecosystem and help a friend, maybe get some publishing. Luke is there to support his girlfriend, he even quit his job so she could follow her dream. Clay and Dylan both are trying to find ways to monetize this expedition and to bankroll it into something lavish for their future, no matter who gets rolled over on the way. Greed is also seen over and over through the flashbacks. This theme of greed tends to end in blood shed and thus curses the person to live with the guilt even after their death.
The story takes place in an isolated forest near a run down town and that helps to set the abandoned, utterly alone, trapped mood very well. The characters interactions with each other are very shallow. They don't talk too much even before they got to the climb site there was limited interaction which makes it feel tense from the very beginning and throughout the story. The main conflict for the characters is that they are lost in the woods after one of the group has suffered a tragic accident. They cannot find their way back to their car no matter how hard they try. Everything seems to be going against them to make sure that they remain stranded. So the isolation and the lack of communication add to the struggle.
The structure is linear with some chapters being dated back in time for reference to what occurred on the land before. This is to help set up the narrative of why the land is evil. It is not difficult to follow. However, it could have possibly been kept til the end of the novel to reveal each of the flash backs to make it a bit different. Also, it doesn't fully give a total reason as to why this particular plot of land. Also, the book is said to have inspiration from the Dyatlov Pass incident, I did not find anything within the book that felt similar to that at all.
The author has a way with being descriptive about the body horror and less so about the surroundings stating that the forest repeats itself almost like a copy and paste effect. They do use unique foliage and fungi to evoke a sense of death and decay within the forest that the characters are in. The writing style is very body horror focused. There is a lot of vomit descriptions. So for anyone wanting to read the book do check trigger warnings. I did not find the book difficult to read, nor do I think the majority of reader would struggle.
Personally it was a fun read. I don't struggle with body horror as much as others. It was a fairly fast read, there could have been some changes that would have made the novel a bit more enjoyable. The blurb mentioned a twist to the book but at the end I sat wondering what the twist was because I didn't think there was one. In all honestly I could see this being made into a 'made for tv' movie at some point.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Book Review
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
Becky Chambers
5 Stars
Follow a motley crew on an exciting journey through space—and one adventurous young explorer who discovers the meaning of family in the far reaches of the universe—in this light-hearted debut space opera from a rising sci-fi star.
Rosemary has joined the crew of the Wayfarer as their new clerk hoping to leave her old life behind. She however has never been off planet before and will need to learn how to be a spacer, hopefully before her new crewmates realizes just how green she is to space.
The Wayfarer is a tunneling ship meaning spacecraft punches holes from point a to point b in space that are connected to make traveling easier. However some punches aren't as easy as others and sometimes they don't go as planned.
This is honestly one of the best sci-fi novels I have read. It is soft sci-fi at its finest with a great adventure and cast of characters. The crew is a hodge podge of goofy and quirky characters that each have their own unique outlook on life and their own past that helps shine light on issues that Rosemary is currently going through. Throughout the novel they all grow together and learn from each other, proving once again family isn't always genetics buy is more often those that are willing to go to the edges of the universe just to bring you home.
"The truth is, Rosemary, that you are capable of anything. Good or bad. You always have been, and you always will be. Given the right push, you, too, could do horrible things. That darkness exists within all of us."
• Initial Response: 5/5 (was very happy with the book would read other books from this author)
• Recommendation: 5/5 (would absolutely recommend)
• Re-Readability: 5/5 (I think after some time rereading this book would be a fun adventure to take again)
• Writing Style: 5/5 (easy to read, great pace)
• Engagement w/ Plot: 5/5 (I wanted to know more about everyone, every place and every thing)
• Character Likeability/Relatability: 5/5 (amazing cast of characters)
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
Becky Chambers
5 Stars
Follow a motley crew on an exciting journey through space—and one adventurous young explorer who discovers the meaning of family in the far reaches of the universe—in this light-hearted debut space opera from a rising sci-fi star.
Rosemary has joined the crew of the Wayfarer as their new clerk hoping to leave her old life behind. She however has never been off planet before and will need to learn how to be a spacer, hopefully before her new crewmates realizes just how green she is to space.
The Wayfarer is a tunneling ship meaning spacecraft punches holes from point a to point b in space that are connected to make traveling easier. However some punches aren't as easy as others and sometimes they don't go as planned.
This is honestly one of the best sci-fi novels I have read. It is soft sci-fi at its finest with a great adventure and cast of characters. The crew is a hodge podge of goofy and quirky characters that each have their own unique outlook on life and their own past that helps shine light on issues that Rosemary is currently going through. Throughout the novel they all grow together and learn from each other, proving once again family isn't always genetics buy is more often those that are willing to go to the edges of the universe just to bring you home.
"The truth is, Rosemary, that you are capable of anything. Good or bad. You always have been, and you always will be. Given the right push, you, too, could do horrible things. That darkness exists within all of us."
• Initial Response: 5/5 (was very happy with the book would read other books from this author)
• Recommendation: 5/5 (would absolutely recommend)
• Re-Readability: 5/5 (I think after some time rereading this book would be a fun adventure to take again)
• Writing Style: 5/5 (easy to read, great pace)
• Engagement w/ Plot: 5/5 (I wanted to know more about everyone, every place and every thing)
• Character Likeability/Relatability: 5/5 (amazing cast of characters)
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Book Review
Pretty Girls
Karin Slaughter
2.25 stars
Im 1991 the oldest of three sisters goes missing. This leaves a family to question what happened, could something have been done to prevent it, how do they move on, and ultimately they each find their own paths forward. The father never gives up his search, the mother remarries after leaving because she feels trapped by the weight of the mystery, the second daughter is constantly trying new ways to dull the pain, and the youngest seeks love from anyone she can until she meets the one man that gives her everything she has ever needed, Paul.
Twenty years later Paul is murdered in a robbery gone wrong. His death brings the two remaining sisters back together in ways that they never dreamed possible. As they begin to reconnect the learn that there are secrets that they never even thought were possible for someone they were so close to to have. How vile human nature can actually be and the true depths of depravity one person will go to to be in control.
To be straightforward with anyone who picks this book up to read, be ready for some graphic writing. It is not going to sugar coat the horrendous crimes that the book entails. There are scenes within the book that will turn most people's stomachs if they have a powerful imagination. So always check the warning on books before diving in blindly unless you are emotionally mature enough to know what you can handle.
The characters were basic level characters: a mothrr who had checked out, a daughter who let the man do everything for her, the black sheep who didn't wanna try to repair her connection with her family, the cocky FBI agent and the fumbling local law enforcement. They weren't really any that you would be rooting for at any moment in the book. However, the weaving connections of all the characters within the plot was interesting.
I will have to admit there was a reveal in the plot that I did not see coming that I literally said out loud "what the actual f***" but then once it was all put together I felt like it was quiet interesting. The torture scenes as I said could be a bit much for some people and to me I think they could have been done a bit differently to not come across as petty in some aspects, speciffically the 'waterboarding' which just felt immature.
Some aspects of the writing felt sluggish especially when the story itself felt like it could have been condensed a bit more. However, I greatly enjoyed the exerts from the father's diary to his oldest daughter that was a great touch. Overall I don't think I would recommend or reread this book. It feels like a one time thing for me and I don't think people I know would enjoy it at all.
• Initial Response: 3/5 (neither good nor bad an average read for me)
• Recommendation: 1/5 (would not recommend most people I know would not enjoy)
• Re-Readability: 1/5 (once you read I don't see the need for a reread)
• Writing Style: 2/5 (easy to read but sluggish at times)
• Engagement w/ Plot: 4/5 (I wanted to know who did and there was some good wtf moments)
• Character Likeability/Relatability: 2/5 (basic characters)
Pretty Girls
Karin Slaughter
2.25 stars
Im 1991 the oldest of three sisters goes missing. This leaves a family to question what happened, could something have been done to prevent it, how do they move on, and ultimately they each find their own paths forward. The father never gives up his search, the mother remarries after leaving because she feels trapped by the weight of the mystery, the second daughter is constantly trying new ways to dull the pain, and the youngest seeks love from anyone she can until she meets the one man that gives her everything she has ever needed, Paul.
Twenty years later Paul is murdered in a robbery gone wrong. His death brings the two remaining sisters back together in ways that they never dreamed possible. As they begin to reconnect the learn that there are secrets that they never even thought were possible for someone they were so close to to have. How vile human nature can actually be and the true depths of depravity one person will go to to be in control.
To be straightforward with anyone who picks this book up to read, be ready for some graphic writing. It is not going to sugar coat the horrendous crimes that the book entails. There are scenes within the book that will turn most people's stomachs if they have a powerful imagination. So always check the warning on books before diving in blindly unless you are emotionally mature enough to know what you can handle.
The characters were basic level characters: a mothrr who had checked out, a daughter who let the man do everything for her, the black sheep who didn't wanna try to repair her connection with her family, the cocky FBI agent and the fumbling local law enforcement. They weren't really any that you would be rooting for at any moment in the book. However, the weaving connections of all the characters within the plot was interesting.
I will have to admit there was a reveal in the plot that I did not see coming that I literally said out loud "what the actual f***" but then once it was all put together I felt like it was quiet interesting. The torture scenes as I said could be a bit much for some people and to me I think they could have been done a bit differently to not come across as petty in some aspects, speciffically the 'waterboarding' which just felt immature.
Some aspects of the writing felt sluggish especially when the story itself felt like it could have been condensed a bit more. However, I greatly enjoyed the exerts from the father's diary to his oldest daughter that was a great touch. Overall I don't think I would recommend or reread this book. It feels like a one time thing for me and I don't think people I know would enjoy it at all.
• Initial Response: 3/5 (neither good nor bad an average read for me)
• Recommendation: 1/5 (would not recommend most people I know would not enjoy)
• Re-Readability: 1/5 (once you read I don't see the need for a reread)
• Writing Style: 2/5 (easy to read but sluggish at times)
• Engagement w/ Plot: 4/5 (I wanted to know who did and there was some good wtf moments)
• Character Likeability/Relatability: 2/5 (basic characters)
The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Book Review
The Box in the Woods
Maureen Johnson
2 Stars
Stevie Bell, 17 year old cold case solving student currently on summer break, recieves an email from a quirky entrepreneur. Carson is now the new owner of a summer camp that was the site of four unsolved, gruesome murders in the late 70s. He is wanting to bring Stevie in to solve the case so that he can start a podcast about the town, the camp, and all that happened there. Stevie accepts his offer on the condition that she can bring along her friends. What follows is three teenagers pretending to be responsible for children while completely lacking any maturity at all. Will Stevie solve the case? Will the town get peace? Will Stevie learn to communicate better with her boyfriend, because that is also an issue in this book that needs resolved, read Box in the Woods in you wanna find out.
The characters themselves did not feel real in the slightest. That has nothing to do with the author. It is just hard to grasp a cold case solving teenager in the year 2024. It is also hard to see these teens as they are presented: getting into a prestigious school based on their talents and drive but lacking emotional maturity and responsibility to be camp counselors. It just felt muddled to me personally.
I think that there were some characters that had the opportunity to be progressive in the way that I would see camp counselors being. Janelle and Nate were more level headed and aware of the things that needed to be done. They seemed to be drastically different from Stevie in how they carried themselves and acted, however I have not read the other books so I cannot confirm if this is the case.
The story it's self really didn't have many twist and turns that would keep you trying to figure out exactly who the culprit was. It was laid out at the beginning that there were three likely suspects however there was never any red herring evidence that led toward one more than the others. There wasn't really much evidence at all and what was evidence was easily missed if you weren't hyper aware of what could be important aspects of crimes. The reveal of who the culprit was felt as if even the writer didn't know which direction to take the book until the last moment.
This isn't to say that there weren't good things about the book. The flashbacks to the 70s were interesting and could have been inhanced upon to give a greater feeling of what those times were actually like. The scene where two characters were being chased was done well and gave the feeling of having objects or trees imploding nearby as they were being shot at. I think over all the intensity could have been cranked up more for a better sense of impending doom in the moment. I also think that some of the evidence could have been done or revealed in better ways.
Over all the book was an enjoyable popcorn read but i would not reread it in the future. Nor would it be something that I recall quickly to recommend to friends or family.
• Initial Response: 2/5 (ready to move on to my next book)
• Recommendation: 1/5 (would not recommend)
• Re-Readability: 1/5 (will not reread)
• Writing Style: 3/5 (easy to read)
• Engagement w/ Plot: 3/5 (of course I wanted to know who did it but also there were issues)
• Character Likeability/Relatability: 2/5 (see above)
The Box in the Woods
Maureen Johnson
2 Stars
Stevie Bell, 17 year old cold case solving student currently on summer break, recieves an email from a quirky entrepreneur. Carson is now the new owner of a summer camp that was the site of four unsolved, gruesome murders in the late 70s. He is wanting to bring Stevie in to solve the case so that he can start a podcast about the town, the camp, and all that happened there. Stevie accepts his offer on the condition that she can bring along her friends. What follows is three teenagers pretending to be responsible for children while completely lacking any maturity at all. Will Stevie solve the case? Will the town get peace? Will Stevie learn to communicate better with her boyfriend, because that is also an issue in this book that needs resolved, read Box in the Woods in you wanna find out.
The characters themselves did not feel real in the slightest. That has nothing to do with the author. It is just hard to grasp a cold case solving teenager in the year 2024. It is also hard to see these teens as they are presented: getting into a prestigious school based on their talents and drive but lacking emotional maturity and responsibility to be camp counselors. It just felt muddled to me personally.
I think that there were some characters that had the opportunity to be progressive in the way that I would see camp counselors being. Janelle and Nate were more level headed and aware of the things that needed to be done. They seemed to be drastically different from Stevie in how they carried themselves and acted, however I have not read the other books so I cannot confirm if this is the case.
The story it's self really didn't have many twist and turns that would keep you trying to figure out exactly who the culprit was. It was laid out at the beginning that there were three likely suspects however there was never any red herring evidence that led toward one more than the others. There wasn't really much evidence at all and what was evidence was easily missed if you weren't hyper aware of what could be important aspects of crimes. The reveal of who the culprit was felt as if even the writer didn't know which direction to take the book until the last moment.
This isn't to say that there weren't good things about the book. The flashbacks to the 70s were interesting and could have been inhanced upon to give a greater feeling of what those times were actually like. The scene where two characters were being chased was done well and gave the feeling of having objects or trees imploding nearby as they were being shot at. I think over all the intensity could have been cranked up more for a better sense of impending doom in the moment. I also think that some of the evidence could have been done or revealed in better ways.
Over all the book was an enjoyable popcorn read but i would not reread it in the future. Nor would it be something that I recall quickly to recommend to friends or family.
• Initial Response: 2/5 (ready to move on to my next book)
• Recommendation: 1/5 (would not recommend)
• Re-Readability: 1/5 (will not reread)
• Writing Style: 3/5 (easy to read)
• Engagement w/ Plot: 3/5 (of course I wanted to know who did it but also there were issues)
• Character Likeability/Relatability: 2/5 (see above)
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
To be honest the whole book is a fast chaotic twist and turn ride. Even the ending has me stumbling.