mjwhitlock18's review against another edition
3.5
Spoiler
I love to see a bitch get what is coming to her.Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Gun violence and Sexism
Minor: Infertility and Sexual content
horizonous's review against another edition
Minor: Death of parent, Infertility, and Violence
woolgatherer's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Bullying
Moderate: Sexism and Gun violence
Minor: Infertility
clarabooksit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexism, and Bullying
Minor: Infertility and Gun violence
daniellekat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexism and Stalking
Minor: Infertility
madamenovelist's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Classism, Violence, Gun violence, and Infertility
corar's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Classism, Gun violence, Sexism, and Infidelity
Minor: Infertility and Sexual content
claudiamacpherson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Spoiler
(the half is Hector because he could be so infuriatingly dumb sometimes.)Spoiler
Happy, though not entirely satisfying. It felt a bit rushed and didn’t tie up everything as neatly as I would’ve liked.Moderate: Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Infertility, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Suicidal thoughts
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The first half of the book was iffy for me. It relies on a love triangle, which is often an irritating contrivance I would prefer to skip past. The characters have unlikable motives, and each of the three characters' perspectives has the power to ruin the other two for you. I was relieved when it all blew up without having to wait for the end of the book. A toxic secret comes to light, throwing all relationships and feelings into turmoil, requiring a cautious rebuilding in the second half. At that point, I found the plot more enjoyable. After the tension snapped, the characters settled more fully into their roles and chose what to fight for. Where I had been lukewarm towards all three leads at first, the latter part of the story allows one character to step forward into a role of ruthless villainy both alarming and impressive. The other two face reality in a way that makes both seem more balanced and thoughtful, which in turn made me value their goals more.
This book is a compelling twist on a story of society romance with elements of critique and magic layered in. I listened to the audiobook and appreciated the voice acting, carrying off French-sounding names I definitely would have butchered in my head. While I had a mixture of reactions throughout, the writing was elegant, and I appreciated a narrative that somehow managed to be both unexpected and recognizable in its path.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death of parent, Gun violence, Infertility, and Suicide attempt
kachina's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I will admit the “two act” format of this book was a little jarring as an audio listener, and I do feel it created a sense of a lag in the middle (though this was slightly off-putting to me at the time, now finding myself at the end I do think it greatly contributes to SMG’s air of mystery by shifting pace mid-tale.
4/5 stars
Minor: Alcohol, Violence, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Infertility, and Gun violence