caseythereader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcohol, Blood, Body shaming, Cancer, Car accident, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Excrement, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Kidnapping, Medical content, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, and Violence
chessakat's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This is a fun, fast read featuring a Misery-like set up, but subbing in a George RR Martin for the author, and adding in a quiet but smart teenage girl as a heroine. The chapters are short, the pace is very propulsive, and the tension is well-maintained throughout - I could really see this being a great pick for middle grade+ reluctant readers in your life!
That said, I have some weird, icky feelings about the weight loss/forced diet stuff that appeared in this. Like I get that it would happen as a result of the circumstances, but I hate that it’s somehow tied to the success/health of a main character and their recovery. Just...kind of why was this necessary. This isn’t an area that I am super well-versed on, but I feel like it could be really hurtful to folks I love and just...wasn’t needed.
There was also a moment that I found VERY hard to believe concerning a missed detail on the part of the extremely detail-oriented Bridget - that really took me out of the story. That was hard for me to swallow, but it’s fairly minor and might not bother everyone.
That said, I have some weird, icky feelings about the weight loss/forced diet stuff that appeared in this. Like I get that it would happen as a result of the circumstances, but I hate that it’s somehow tied to the success/health of a main character and their recovery. Just...kind of why was this necessary. This isn’t an area that I am super well-versed on, but I feel like it could be really hurtful to folks I love and just...wasn’t needed.
There was also a moment that I found VERY hard to believe concerning a missed detail on the part of the extremely detail-oriented Bridget - that really took me out of the story. That was hard for me to swallow, but it’s fairly minor and might not bother everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Confinement, Fatphobia, and Kidnapping
Minor: Death of parent
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