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aseel_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I can see why this was made into a movie, it makes so much sense, not the best read though. Very long and tedious and we would get random monologues on random people, who would become important in the next bit, but it just took us out of the flow. I found it hard to differentiate the russian last names in the audiobook, since physically seeing it would have helped or seeing them as actors on screen. I did like the inclusion of the recipes at the end of each chapter, they were fun, but again, hard to pay attention to when listening. Overall, a fine book, quite long but I got through it
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, and Stalking
Minor: Grief and Death of parent
thefictionalhevschwar's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was such a quick read due to the plot which I quickly got caught up in. I really believe that this is another book to which the film adaptation doesn't do justice. The only key flaw I can provide for this book is the first chapter, where the author tries to give the reader a low down on all the spy lingo that will be used through the book, as it is a fast-paced spy thriller, but it comes across as a long list of jargon on the third page, which nearly put me off the book; but I must say it is worth powering though this section. Another flaw, which really is quite minor due to it being so widespread throughout the writing industry, is that the female protagonist is written by a man - in the sub genre of sex-pionage - need I say more? Although she does make for a very interesting character who, along with some of her counterparts, is really quite likeable. The really thrilling espionage starts around the middle, with a web of contacts trying to decide whether they can trust each other or not, and what patriotism is really worth. The last act was honestly gripping and so dramatic in the most delicious way. What an ending!
Graphic: Cursing, Misogyny, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Torture, Forced institutionalization, and Medical content
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Rape, Sexual assault, and Grief
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