Reviews with content warning for Murder - Sanctuary

Reviews tagging 'Murder'

Sanctuary by Abby Sher, Paola Mendoza

15 reviews

meb1073's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This storyline basically followed the concept of Trump reaching levels of full on dictatorship. I didn't find this dystopian world totally unbelievable (except they'd probably use phones rather than an actual microchip). In fact, it was neat how they took this concept and made it into something creative. It reminded me a lot of how people own fake IDs and the like. I also enjoyed the diversity of characters and how that was used-especially because I enjoy Hispanic culture.
My real issue with the plot was that at times it was unrealistic...not because of the premise, but the way that the main character was able to survive. One example was when she

received $10,000 from Sister Lottie for the coyote...

. I hate to say it, but why would she give so much to a total stranger? Especially with everyone else there at that. Maybe if the mother was close friends with her, but still. Even in general, while there are a lot of undocumented immigrants, it seemed unrealistic that there would be SO many living just in their town...I mean her best friend, the store owner, the soccer coach, and them? That's a big group of people. I feel like it would've been more interesting had it been more rare or secretive.
The plot at times was corny, if not predictable. The

deaths of many of the characters

was predictable, maybe because of the scenario but also it just seemed set up to happen. The

love story with Malakas and Val

was an example of this. It took place over MAYBE a week or two, and honestly if I was starving and that close to death I wouldn't even be thinking of that. Maybe when they got to their destination, but not still travelling.
I think this book was great, but it had a lot more potential to be greater.

Content Warnings

caitlink's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I was so happy that Vali and her brother finally got to California. I was just wondering throughout the book will at least they make? And they did.

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funkylitchick's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional 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? No

5.0

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dtvanderwoude's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I'm a teacher, and I was looking for a novel to teach to my 12th graders involving immigration. When a co-worker suggested Sanctuary, it seemed perfect.

This is a beautiful story about the struggles many immigrants face today, exaggerated, but not by much.

This broke my heart on so many levels. The fact that this is so close to reality. The loss they go through, the need for survival.

I can't wait to read it with my students, I feel like it opened my eyes to SO much.

Content Warnings

reads_cats's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

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