zluke's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Overall a disappointing end to what seemed like a promising series.
The first two-thirds of the book are really slow and boring. Lots of relationship angst to get through which just wasn't interesting. The final part of the book then feels very rushed and the ending is very abrupt. The short epilogue-style chapter at the end just seemed to come out of nowhere.
The ways Milo changes again in this book are just ridiculous. He goes from being mildly abusive and neglectful to downright emotionally abusive. It was actually quite upsetting to read Libby blaming herself for hurting him when he's shouting at her, scaring her and trying to control her. The fact that there's even a dilemma between Milo and Braden at this point is entirely contrived. I really wanted some of Libby's friends to talk some sense into her and actually support her during the first parts of the book but this doesn't really happen.
I'm glad Libby finally talks to Jen in this book but it was only one proper conversation which sought to resolve their issues far too quickly. It would have been more believable if their friendship had been explored more and allowed time for it to mend. Jen doesn't really feature much, even in Libby's thoughts after this either which is strange considering they were best friends and supposedly reconciled.
The mysteries and twists weren't very well done. I either guessed them or just didn't care about them. There weren't many real aha moments or things I was very curious about like with the first book.
I did like the more fast paced parts of the book toward the end and discovering a little more about the world. However there just wasn't enough of this.
I hated how Libby is portrayed in the end. The final chapter was too sickeningly perfect for my liking.
Another major flaw of this book is that it is littered with typos and grammatical errors. As well as overly long dialog and scenes. It could have done with a good editor to cut it down and proofreaders to catch the typos and mistakes which distract from the story.
The first two-thirds of the book are really slow and boring. Lots of relationship angst to get through which just wasn't interesting. The final part of the book then feels very rushed and the ending is very abrupt. The short epilogue-style chapter at the end just seemed to come out of nowhere.
The ways Milo changes again in this book are just ridiculous. He goes from being mildly abusive and neglectful to downright emotionally abusive
Spoiler
and finally literally torturing herI'm glad Libby finally talks to Jen in this book but it was only one proper conversation which sought to resolve their issues far too quickly. It would have been more believable if their friendship had been explored more and allowed time for it to mend. Jen doesn't really feature much, even in Libby's thoughts after this either which is strange considering they were best friends and supposedly reconciled.
The mysteries and twists weren't very well done. I either guessed them or just didn't care about them. There weren't many real aha moments or things I was very curious about like with the first book.
I did like the more fast paced parts of the book toward the end and discovering a little more about the world. However there just wasn't enough of this.
I hated how Libby is portrayed in the end.
Spoiler
At the end Libby kills loads of the guardians for no reason after she's already stolen their talents. This seemed over the top and really doesn't gel with the picture we're supposed to believe of Libby being merciful. Her whole point has been to only use violence when necessary so this ending point flies in the face of that. If she'd already stolen their talents they wouldn't be much of a threat in a world where everyone else has talents surely?Another major flaw of this book is that it is littered with typos and grammatical errors. As well as overly long dialog and scenes. It could have done with a good editor to cut it down and proofreaders to catch the typos and mistakes which distract from the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Murder, Torture, Violence, and Death
Minor: Pregnancy and Suicide
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