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frantically's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
in my white suburban mom era
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Mental illness, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Classism
beccasherman's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual assault
lydiavsbooks's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Ehh this just wasn't it for me
The premise was very intriguing, a psychology study that turns sinister is a cool idea, but I just didn't like the direction it took - so much could have been done with that concept and it just felt like a waste.
The whole tone of the book was so overdramatic for what was actually going on. The main character was constantly referred to as having these 'deep dark' secrets that just turned out to be basically nothing. The whole motive behind the experiment was just eye roll worthy (Mild spoiler:turns out the entire motive behind the whole thing was the psychologist character trying to find out if and why her husband cheated...big let down of a reveal), as was the dramatic second person Dr Sheilds chapters. Dr Sheilds was spoken about as if they were some kind of evil genius who was 'always one step ahead' but they just did not live up to that, they were kinda dumb tbh: petty, stupid, and every time they were a 'step ahead' was just due to a fluke or the stupidity of the main character.
The main character was so ignorant, overly trusting and just stupid that I found it very difficult to have any sympathy for her. If you overlook that many red flags then you kinda have it coming.
Reading a not psychologist trying to write the pov of a psychologist is always a lil eye-rolly, but it was clear an effort was made so fair doos. Although the random summaries of famous psych experiments thrown in came across a lil too much like 'look I did my research, see' and just felt a lil forced.
I didn't hate this by any means, the pace was quick, it was intriguing, kept you reading and was a fun time (if you suspend your disbelief).
The premise was very intriguing, a psychology study that turns sinister is a cool idea, but I just didn't like the direction it took - so much could have been done with that concept and it just felt like a waste.
The whole tone of the book was so overdramatic for what was actually going on. The main character was constantly referred to as having these 'deep dark' secrets that just turned out to be basically nothing. The whole motive behind the experiment was just eye roll worthy (Mild spoiler:
The main character was so ignorant, overly trusting and just stupid that I found it very difficult to have any sympathy for her. If you overlook that many red flags then you kinda have it coming.
Reading a not psychologist trying to write the pov of a psychologist is always a lil eye-rolly, but it was clear an effort was made so fair doos. Although the random summaries of famous psych experiments thrown in came across a lil too much like 'look I did my research, see' and just felt a lil forced.
I didn't hate this by any means, the pace was quick, it was intriguing, kept you reading and was a fun time (if you suspend your disbelief).
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault, Suicide, and Toxic friendship
mopobroadway's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual assault, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Murder
faythfarrar's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
gotopaige's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
bookworm89's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book. Great writing from Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Toxic relationship
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? Yes
5.0
I was pulled into the book right away! The pacing was so well done, starting off slowly but picking up speed as more secrets and twists were revealed.
The morality questions asked were very interesting and the characters are well written. I didn’t want to put this book down, with the twists and shocks that kept me guessing!
The morality questions asked were very interesting and the characters are well written. I didn’t want to put this book down, with the twists and shocks that kept me guessing!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Car accident
khakipantsofsex's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Drug use and Sexual assault
sophierizzo's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault and Suicide