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ktrozas's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Grief, Murder, and Gaslighting
amberacks12's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Not gonna lie, this book was anti climatic. There was a lot of build up and then just, poof, it’s done. I’m kind of left feeling underwhelmed and like the story is unresolved. I do feel like Ana Reyes has a lot of potential as a writer, but I don’t think this one really hit as hard as I was promised it would.
And maybe I feel unresolved because of my own skepticism when it comes to certain aspects of the resolution that I will not mention. But I don’t think enough attention was given to how everything is resolved, and more just ends up feeling hand wavy.
Plus, as a thriller, I didn’t ever feel that Maya was really in much danger, except from herself.
That being said, I really enjoyed the tone and writing style, I liked Maya as a character and as a narrator, and I felt like the character aspects of this story were well developed. Each character felt distinct, and I could sense Maya’s imperfections and possible unreliabilities. I also liked the dreamlike quality of the writing, with flashbacks happening interspersed between the present day narration. It added to the sense of unease I’m sure Maya felt.
So, overall, it was fine.
Enjoyment: 3
Educational Value: 3
Emotional Impact: 2
And maybe I feel unresolved because of my own skepticism when it comes to certain aspects of the resolution that I will not mention. But I don’t think enough attention was given to how everything is resolved, and more just ends up feeling hand wavy.
Plus, as a thriller, I didn’t ever feel that Maya was really in much danger, except from herself.
That being said, I really enjoyed the tone and writing style, I liked Maya as a character and as a narrator, and I felt like the character aspects of this story were well developed. Each character felt distinct, and I could sense Maya’s imperfections and possible unreliabilities. I also liked the dreamlike quality of the writing, with flashbacks happening interspersed between the present day narration. It added to the sense of unease I’m sure Maya felt.
So, overall, it was fine.
Enjoyment: 3
Educational Value: 3
Emotional Impact: 2
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Alcoholism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Stalking, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
nbub123's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
TW: addiction, thoughts of suicide
3.5 stars
My first book club book done for the book club I’m running! This was an interesting thriller I thought I was reading two different books at once about halfway through. Maya’s life was definitely different and Reyes writing style was unique as it follows an untraditional themed thriller and mystery. I’ll save most of my thoughts for book club in a few weeks but overall this was a good debut novel for Reyes.
3.5 stars
My first book club book done for the book club I’m running! This was an interesting thriller I thought I was reading two different books at once about halfway through. Maya’s life was definitely different and Reyes writing style was unique as it follows an untraditional themed thriller and mystery. I’ll save most of my thoughts for book club in a few weeks but overall this was a good debut novel for Reyes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Minor: Suicidal thoughts