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geauxgetlit's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books I’ve read this year!!
By page 2, I was crying
By page 2, I was crying
livin_in_lextacy's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of those out of the blue, out of my normal reading habits, random purchase at Target. I usually don't read more thriller-like novels but decided to pick this one up during the spooky season of October. I FLEW through this novel in a matter of hours. The writing style was enjoyable to read and while I did see the plot twist coming I definitely enjoyed the execution of it. The atmosphere of this book was well done and perfect for the season when I read it. I would absolutely suggest this for anyone who wants to dip their toe into the world of thrillers.
mysticalstardrops's review against another edition
4.0
Rating: 3.75
I'm writing this review with the intention of highlighting a few details that made me either appreciate or dislike this book, in hopes that it may benefit a fellow reader searching for a good horror novel.
I found that The Companion wasn't a particularly special book, but wasn't too bad either. The plotline, although quite cliche, did hook me from the start, which is what made the book an enjoyable read. I found The Companion while searching for a clean horror book to satisfy my cravings (we all get them...), but also that wouldn't have a ton of trash every other page. Although the book wasn't overly horror-y, it was just enough to fall under the horror category.
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The Companion takes readers on a journey into the Sutton estate, a mysterious manor owned by the wealthy Sutton family. When an orphaned Margot is called to the house to become a companion to their sick daughter, she uncovers dark secrets that haunt the mansion. As Margot delves deeper, she discovers a long hidden secret that has festered in the household for decades.
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One of the main things I found important was that although there was some romance written into the plot (something I found very disappointing at that point in the book), I found it very unnecessary, and as a result, detached from the plot in a way that made it easy to skip over. I'm not entirely sure why the author deemed it necessary to add that; I feel that it took away from the truly important relationships the main character had with the other personas. Although I understand that a bit of filler in was needed in the plot to add themes other than gloom and horror, I think Alender could have definitely focused on friendship between the main character and the other character in question, rather than create a romance that wasn't needed by either of the characters at that point in their lives (as was proved at the end of the book).
So in summary, I'd recommend The Companion to readers looking for a clean read—although the romance was bothersome, it wasn't explicit, was very easily skippable, and didn't last longer than a page at a time. I also didn't come across *any* bad language, which was a very pleasant surprise. The horror plotline itself began as a cliche, and did contain more unoriginal plot details throughout the novel, but there were several interesting plot twists that made reading the book worth it. I give this book a 3.75, with points removed because of unnecessary romance plot, as well as the cliches Alender used throughout the novel. Otherwhise, this was truly an enjoyable read.
I'm writing this review with the intention of highlighting a few details that made me either appreciate or dislike this book, in hopes that it may benefit a fellow reader searching for a good horror novel.
I found that The Companion wasn't a particularly special book, but wasn't too bad either. The plotline, although quite cliche, did hook me from the start, which is what made the book an enjoyable read. I found The Companion while searching for a clean horror book to satisfy my cravings (we all get them...), but also that wouldn't have a ton of trash every other page. Although the book wasn't overly horror-y, it was just enough to fall under the horror category.
---
The Companion takes readers on a journey into the Sutton estate, a mysterious manor owned by the wealthy Sutton family. When an orphaned Margot is called to the house to become a companion to their sick daughter, she uncovers dark secrets that haunt the mansion. As Margot delves deeper, she discovers a long hidden secret that has festered in the household for decades.
---
One of the main things I found important was that although there was some romance written into the plot (something I found very disappointing at that point in the book), I found it very unnecessary, and as a result, detached from the plot in a way that made it easy to skip over. I'm not entirely sure why the author deemed it necessary to add that; I feel that it took away from the truly important relationships the main character had with the other personas. Although I understand that a bit of filler in was needed in the plot to add themes other than gloom and horror, I think Alender could have definitely focused on friendship between the main character and the other character in question, rather than create a romance that wasn't needed by either of the characters at that point in their lives (as was proved at the end of the book).
So in summary, I'd recommend The Companion to readers looking for a clean read—although the romance was bothersome, it wasn't explicit, was very easily skippable, and didn't last longer than a page at a time. I also didn't come across *any* bad language, which was a very pleasant surprise. The horror plotline itself began as a cliche, and did contain more unoriginal plot details throughout the novel, but there were several interesting plot twists that made reading the book worth it. I give this book a 3.75, with points removed because of unnecessary romance plot, as well as the cliches Alender used throughout the novel. Otherwhise, this was truly an enjoyable read.
kaygo2490's review against another edition
3.0
3.75/5
I wanted to give it higher because I enjoyed so much of this book. It was building up to be one of the strongest thrillers, but the ending was too rushed. Some choices were made in the final moments that felt convenient, destroying the book's slow build-up before that part.
That said, I still very much enjoyed the book and will read from the author again.
Also, I didn't like that significant characters were underutilized in the plot. It felt lazy.
I wanted to give it higher because I enjoyed so much of this book. It was building up to be one of the strongest thrillers, but the ending was too rushed. Some choices were made in the final moments that felt convenient, destroying the book's slow build-up before that part.
That said, I still very much enjoyed the book and will read from the author again.
Also, I didn't like that significant characters were underutilized in the plot. It felt lazy.
kirkl's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
angrymilk's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
So, so spooky. My skin was crawling by the 60% point. Could not put the book down, what a great thriller.
samanthalvnn's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
irezelina's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you Bookish First, author Katie Alender and her publishing company for this copy of The Companion. I was instantly hooked when I read the first impression and the full book met my expectations. I read the book really fast because the plot, characters, suspense, and mystery kept me intrigued. Every chapter revealed just enough for you to learn something new, stay interested, and want to read on. I really like a story that you can't really predict what's going to happen and this story had a few surprisingly elements. At first I thought Agatha was the creepy one, but just wait until you find out more...
Despite really liking the story, I do have a few critiques. I felt like the not all of the characters were fully developed or had a big role in the story: especially the male characters. I felt like if they were going to be in the story, they should play a bigger role. Also I figured out the climax about three-fourths of the way into the book but it didn't ruin the ending because I still didn't know what was going to happen.
Overall I really liked the book and will be recommending it to friends!
Despite really liking the story, I do have a few critiques. I felt like the not all of the characters were fully developed or had a big role in the story: especially the male characters. I felt like if they were going to be in the story, they should play a bigger role. Also I figured out the climax about three-fourths of the way into the book but it didn't ruin the ending because I still didn't know what was going to happen.
Overall I really liked the book and will be recommending it to friends!