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sniderbeebooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I went back to the first several pages after completing the book, but I couldn't identify the exact moment I figured out the twist. Still, I absolutely knew what was going on by page 10. Based on other reviews, that doesn't seem common and I wonder what that reading experience would feel like. Regardless, to be respectful to K. Webster and potential readers, I'll not be spoiling the book here.
Considering the major reveal wasn't a surprise for me, my main issue with the book is how the story is told. The entire execution revolves around concealing a major revelation for two-thirds of the novel and it is NOT an easy thing for an author to conceal. As such, I felt like character and relationship development suffered. I didn't feel like the characters were very genuine, probably because it would reveal too much. I also think the reader loses so much content crucial to bonding with this couple for the same reason. If we knew more intimate details of their story, the twist would disintegrate.
I would love to read this story from beginning to end with no effort made to hit me with a huge twist. I want to find out about Kady exactly when Yeo finds out about Kady. I want to fall in love with him while he falls in love with her, in spite of all that is wrong with her. I want to watch his family try to tear them apart while he begs them to give her a chance. And I would buy an entire trilogy in order to read that story if that is what it would take. Believe me, it is shocking enough to write a romance novel with a character so tragically flawed. That flaw doesn't have to be hidden from us in order to make an impact.
And while I am not personally offended, I really don't like twists based solely upon someone's mental and/or physical health and readers with similar experiences to the character, might not appreciate the gimmick.
I just wasn't satisfied taking so much emotion at face value because the author doesn't let me experience the moments in which that emotion was born.
All of that said, the book was deeply emotional for me in other regards. I think I was triggered for the first time in my life. Again, that had a lot to do with me knowing too early what was going on. I think readers who do a second read-through might feel what I felt the first time. It's hard to read the earlier parts of the book when you know exactly what we're dealing with. I was immediately in a depressed state, almost devastated for the main character. Likewise, the end is traumatic. I don't have first-hand experience of the things in this book, but I felt very deeply for the loss at the end. It should be happy, but I felt so sad for Kady, Yeo, and Bones.
Again, no personal experience with the subject matter, but considering content I've seen on YouTube from people suffering from the same thing as Kady, it seems like K. Webster wrote the character, and all her complexities, with a fair amount of accuracy. I would be interested to know if a medical professional would agree.
Most importantly, please don't enter into this book lightly. Strong warnings for SA involving a minor, domestic abuse, depression, and self-harm.
Considering the major reveal wasn't a surprise for me, my main issue with the book is how the story is told. The entire execution revolves around concealing a major revelation for two-thirds of the novel and it is NOT an easy thing for an author to conceal. As such, I felt like character and relationship development suffered. I didn't feel like the characters were very genuine, probably because it would reveal too much. I also think the reader loses so much content crucial to bonding with this couple for the same reason. If we knew more intimate details of their story, the twist would disintegrate.
I would love to read this story from beginning to end with no effort made to hit me with a huge twist. I want to find out about Kady exactly when Yeo finds out about Kady. I want to fall in love with him while he falls in love with her, in spite of all that is wrong with her. I want to watch his family try to tear them apart while he begs them to give her a chance. And I would buy an entire trilogy in order to read that story if that is what it would take. Believe me, it is shocking enough to write a romance novel with a character so tragically flawed. That flaw doesn't have to be hidden from us in order to make an impact.
I just wasn't satisfied taking so much emotion at face value because the author doesn't let me experience the moments in which that emotion was born.
All of that said, the book was deeply emotional for me in other regards. I think I was triggered for the first time in my life. Again, that had a lot to do with me knowing too early what was going on. I think readers who do a second read-through might feel what I felt the first time. It's hard to read the earlier parts of the book when you know exactly what we're dealing with. I was immediately in a depressed state, almost devastated for the main character. Likewise, the end is traumatic. I don't have first-hand experience of the things in this book, but I felt very deeply for the loss at the end. It should be happy, but I felt so sad for Kady, Yeo, and Bones.
Again, no personal experience with the subject matter, but considering content I've seen on YouTube from people suffering from the same thing as Kady, it seems like K. Webster wrote the character, and all her complexities, with a fair amount of accuracy. I would be interested to know if a medical professional would agree.
Most importantly, please don't enter into this book lightly. Strong warnings for SA involving a minor, domestic abuse, depression, and self-harm.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, and Self harm
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Sexual assault
Minor: Drug use
katyannreads's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, Self harm, Sexual assault, and Blood
Moderate: Miscarriage
kendratalksbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
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
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Ableism and Violence
kirsteen_o89's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Self harm, and Sexual assault
brekel19's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Violence
lexijones's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
This is the worst book I’ve ever read. I do not understand why it has so many 5 star ratings.
It is fast-paced and a page-turner, so at times I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to know what would happen. That’s the only “positive” thing I can say here. Characters are one dimensional and awful. The book is explicit, predatory, racist and homophobic at times. I understand that these were specific qualities in specific characters, but it was done in a very cringey way.
It is fast-paced and a page-turner, so at times I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to know what would happen. That’s the only “positive” thing I can say here. Characters are one dimensional and awful. The book is explicit, predatory, racist and homophobic at times. I understand that these were specific qualities in specific characters, but it was done in a very cringey way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Incest, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Sexual harassment
booknchaoswithmarz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
3.0
What the fuck am I reading?
What the fuck?
What the fuck did I just read?
Confronting
Dark
Psychological
Raw
I'm using specifically vague terms/words as to not spoil this. The author actually recommends a blind read without checking reviews etc and I'd agree, with the caveat that if you are the type of reader that needs cw/tw or you were offended by my earlier language, then this book isn't for you.
Initially I was put off by the writing style, it felt unrefined.
I felt the book confronts preconceived ideas, ableist thinking and the shame that comes with things like invisible illness, mental health, DV, SA and trauma.
Belief is so sorely missing when people deal with those types of issues.
I had an inkling before the "reveal" but the moment one of the characters reveals "the book" I knew and was so glad that someone decided to shine a light into what can be such a dark place for many.
I'm glad I preserved but I'm going to need something a bit lighter for my next read.
What the fuck?
What the fuck did I just read?
Confronting
Dark
Psychological
Raw
I'm using specifically vague terms/words as to not spoil this. The author actually recommends a blind read without checking reviews etc and I'd agree, with the caveat that if you are the type of reader that needs cw/tw or you were offended by my earlier language, then this book isn't for you.
Initially I was put off by the writing style, it felt unrefined.
I felt the book confronts preconceived ideas, ableist thinking and the shame that comes with things like invisible illness, mental health, DV, SA and trauma.
Belief is so sorely missing when people deal with those types of issues.
I had an inkling before the "reveal" but the moment one of the characters reveals "the book" I knew and was so glad that someone decided to shine a light into what can be such a dark place for many.
I'm glad I preserved but I'm going to need something a bit lighter for my next read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
torielizabethh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
just read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Rape, Self harm, and Sexual assault
sadieriley's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Drug use, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
jessecamccombs's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism