espressoreader's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Mental illness, Car accident, Violence, Blood, Body horror, Cannibalism, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Genocide, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, Toxic friendship, Vomit, and Xenophobia
booksandchocaholic's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed the overall plot of this book. It was such a fascinating concept. I love the way that Grant manages to balance the plot between the action, the goings on in the world and the direct impact this has on the characters.
The characters themselves were so easy to follow. Mira Grant always finds a way to give you a protagonist that is intelligent and strong but also under informed while still placing them believably at the centre of the action.
Sal was a compelling protagonist and her social interactions fascinating, frustrating and very realistic for such unrealistic circumstances.
The secondary characters were also incredible with her family, boyfriend and some lab techs thrown in there as well it was an excellent cast of characters carrying the story.
Mira Grant always does a great job of making complicated theories and plots feel easy to read without talking down to the reader. Her pacing is always on the go while simultaneously always making sure to have time to truly understand what is happening, get to know the characters and become deeply invested in what is occurring.
I loved how much this story managed to develop the science, the characters, their relationships and the plot in a seamless progression throughout the novel.
Grant has possibly one of the most grounded outlooks on the "sciences" she incorporates into her books. I can completely believe them from almost instantly. She does the groundwork swiftly, efficiently and thoroughly so I can then get on with the story and therefore have the same questions the characters do. She writes them SO that you can poke at the holes, because her characters are doing the same!
Pros
* Characters
* Pacing
* Intrigue
* "Sciences"
* Interpersonal relationships
Cons
* IF you're not interested in science (even fake ones) steer clear
* Can be frustrating because it contains a conservatorship of an adult
* Though I love it, the writing style is very straight to the point
Overall this was once again a huge success for me with this author. From where it ended up I'm really looking forward to picking up the sequel ASAP!
Graphic: Death, Medical content, Confinement, Car accident, Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Chronic illness, Stalking, Violence, Gun violence, and Child death
Minor: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Blood, Forced institutionalization, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, and Vomit
bleepbloop's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Gaslighting
kukushka's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Deadnaming
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Car accident, Deadnaming, Death, Gaslighting, and Gun violence