josiejeror's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Car accident, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Vomit, Chronic illness, Gaslighting, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Physical abuse, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Child death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
davianareads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death of parent, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Violence, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gore, Grief, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Abortion, Car accident, Child death, Death, Murder, Body horror, and Gaslighting
bmitch21's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I’ve never read a book that made me feel so disgusted and sick to my stomach and made me cry like this. There absolutely should be a trigger warning before the book even starts.
There’s no romance to me in this book. It’s smut, which I’m okay with, while others aren’t.
If you have triggers of child death and abuse, this book is NOT for you.
Graphic: Murder, Toxic relationship, Death, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Vomit, Child abuse, Child death, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Cancer, Sexual content, Abortion, Car accident, Body shaming, and Cursing
maddie_0930's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death, Body horror, Abortion, Child death, Child abuse, Grief, Sexual content, Gore, Pregnancy, Murder, and Miscarriage
christinewashere's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Death, Child death, Child abuse, Murder, Toxic relationship, Miscarriage, Genocide, Abortion, and Medical content
Minor: Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Vomit, Blood, Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, Physical abuse, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
mila_nights's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Summary
Spoiler
The psychological thriller novel follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is given a unique opportunity when she's asked to finish a bestselling series by the immensely popular author Verity Crawford, who has been incapacitated due to an accident.Lowen moves into Verity's home to go through her notes and outlines for the remaining books. While searching for material in Verity's office, Lowen discovers an unfinished autobiography written by Verity. As she reads through the manuscript, she becomes increasingly disturbed by the contents, which reveal dark and disturbing secrets about Verity's life and her relationship with her family.
As Lowen becomes more engrossed in Verity's manuscript, she finds herself drawn to Jeremy Crawford, Verity's attractive and enigmatic husband. The two develop a connection, complicated by their growing feelings for each other despite the presence of Verity, who is in a vegetative state.
"I was not expecting the plot twist at the end! I literally cannot believe it, like whaaaat?"
Review
The story’s unique premise focused on a struggling writer uncovering the secrets of another author, is both original and compelling. Hoover masterfully crafts a tense atmosphere that gradually unravels, unveiling layers of mystery and darkness. The narrative's unpredictable twists and turns ensure that the reader remains engaged and invested in discovering the truth.
The characters are multi-dimensional and realistically flawed, which makes them relatable. The complex relationships and interactions between the characters add depth to the story and contribute to its emotional resonance. The psychological exploration of the characters' motives and actions adds an extra layer of complexity to the story.
Hoover's ability to create tension and evoke strong emotions is evident throughout the book. The alternating perspectives provide insight into different facets of the story, enhancing the reader's understanding of the characters' motivations and the unfolding events.
While the novel has many strengths, it's worth noting that certain elements might feel slightly melodramatic or implausible.
In conclusion, 'Verity' is a highly compelling thriller that showcases Colleen Hoover's versatility as an author. The engaging plot, well-developed characters, and skilled writing make for an enthralling read. While some elements might stretch believability, the overall experience of diving into the darkness of the story is well worth the journey, earning this novel a solid rating.
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child death, Murder, Infidelity, Child abuse, and Grief
Minor: Sexual content, Car accident, Abortion, and Miscarriage
rec0030's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Miscarriage
maddy0430's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Grief, Death, Cursing, Abortion, Child death, Child abuse, Miscarriage, Emotional abuse, Car accident, and Kidnapping
0liviamarie's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Blood, Body shaming, Cancer, Car accident, Chronic illness, Death, Eating disorder, Grief, Self harm, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Abortion, Domestic abuse, Gore, Miscarriage, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Medical trauma, Murder, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
hailsatan's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Fatphobia, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Car accident, Abortion, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Death, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Mental illness, Murder, Physical abuse, Miscarriage, Sexual content, and Vomit