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jedore's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- 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
3.75
"It's hard to hate someone once you understand them.”
This is a gripping tale of survival and resilience. Gemma, a teenage girl, is abducted from the Bangkok international airport and held captive in the unforgiving Australian outback. The novel explores themes of isolation, fear, and the human spirit.
I seriously struggled with the developing romantic dynamic between Gemma and her captor, Ty. The author's choice to romanticize their relationship rather than addressing it as a complex and harmful psychological response to trauma was very unsettling. This portrayal can be misleading, particularly for younger readers leading to the glamorization of "trauma bonding."
That said, I was relieved that Christopher did not have Gemma become entirely submissive. Her unwavering determination to escape kept me engaged and hopeful.
While the subject matter is undoubtedly heavy and a bit contentious, it's refreshing to see authors of young adult fiction exploring complex issues with depth.
This is a provocative and thought-provoking read. While the romanticization of the captor-victim relationship is a significant flaw in my opinion, the novel's exploration of survival, resilience, and the human psyche is commendable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Kidnapping
bookishchaos's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was very different, especially the format. I was extremely invested at first, but the absurdity of this book made me lower my ratings. Our main character is one dimensional and we don't feel very connected to her at all. Our kidnapper is this horrible, deranged weirdo that the book tries to play off as a "misunderstood, gentle soul". I know we're reading the book as a letter and it's all from her perspective, but it's still frustrating to read. Not to mention that she had several chances at escaping or unaliving him but she just didn't.
Overall, it was okay, I'm just not sure how I feel about it tbh.
Overall, it was okay, I'm just not sure how I feel about it tbh.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Stalking
Moderate: Blood and Suicide attempt
Minor: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
abbiebonnyman's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
Moderate: Drug use, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
brookey8888's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was an interesting read. It wasn’t as thrilling as I thought it was going to be. It’s more character driven then I was expecting. Gemma gets kidnapped so you and her are starting to feel for the kidnapper and it’s just interesting to read. I didn’t love how this was written, it makes sense, but I just didn’t vibe with it. This was good, but it’s honestly nothing special. It reminded me of the good girl by Mary kubica but young adult. The setting was maybe my favorite part of this, learning about the Australian Outback was interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
onkenzisshelf's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
What I Liked:
- I really like the quick pacing of this book - the story seemed to fly by.
- The writing was brilliant. Writing this book as a letter was the BEST choice and every description jumped out of the page into my mind.
- The whole plot line with the camel - I'm not sure why, but I loved it.
What I Disliked/Wanted More Of:
- It was pretty unbelievable - the whole stalking for years and going completely off the grid.
- Gemma's reactions/thoughts at the end just made me sad.
You Should Read if You Like:
- The Cellar
- Room
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Vomit, Kidnapping, and Stalking
Moderate: Drug abuse
lavendar_fr0g's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Stalking
lucyduller's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Animal cruelty, Death, Drug use, Suicide, and Vomit
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