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sydneyhenshaw's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
I found this book to keep me intrigued as all Ruta Sepetys books do but I didn’t find myself learning as much on this one. I also found the plot to be predictable at times and Josie (the main character) to be naive. I would still recommend it but with a trigger warning to anyone with sexual trauma and not above Ruta’s other books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Dementia, Grief, Murder, and Abandonment
ameliaflint's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.75
There's a few things I have to say about this book before launching into what I loved about it - first, it feels juvenile. I know it is a young adult book, but the writing in too simplistic and childish, as is the plot. It is kind of like a soap opera and feels like it is catered to "vapid teen girls," an entertainment sales stereotype that I hate. But this vague feeling that persists throughout the book is bizarre when contrasted with the subject matter. I was really disappointed with the writing, especially because the other Ruta Sepyetys books I have read have been AMAZING!! But the one thing this books does have is great characters. I fell in love with every character and hated the villians. In fact, I wished this book dropped its weird murder-mystery side plot and just focused on Josie and her journey!!!! That was the best part of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual violence
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Alcohol
emily_koopmann's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Child abuse, Gun violence, and Racism