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brons_books's review
3.0
Thank you so much to Penguin Random House for sending me an Advanced Copy of Nobody But Us.
I had a really fun time reading this book, despite me not loving this genre of book. When I turned 18 I decided I had to read "serious, grown up" books - think Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. Nobody But Us fits into this female led thriller novel.
This was definitely a chill summer read that I think will definitely become one of the most chatted about book in the office. Book clubs will love it and I'm sure the film rights will be optioned soon enough. It just seems like it was perfectly written to be adapted.
That being said, I felt like the first 100 pages were very slow, I wanted to find out what was going on but the first 100 pages(!!!) was pure build up to the first twist.
Nothing is very shocking, the twists are on the nose. (But I think that's what makes this genre fun to read! You feel smart!)
I enjoyed the novel and feel like I wasn't the best audience for it, but I think those who love this genre will adore Nobody But Us.
I had a really fun time reading this book, despite me not loving this genre of book. When I turned 18 I decided I had to read "serious, grown up" books - think Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. Nobody But Us fits into this female led thriller novel.
This was definitely a chill summer read that I think will definitely become one of the most chatted about book in the office. Book clubs will love it and I'm sure the film rights will be optioned soon enough. It just seems like it was perfectly written to be adapted.
That being said, I felt like the first 100 pages were very slow, I wanted to find out what was going on but the first 100 pages(!!!) was pure build up to the first twist.
Nothing is very shocking, the twists are on the nose. (But I think that's what makes this genre fun to read! You feel smart!)
I enjoyed the novel and feel like I wasn't the best audience for it, but I think those who love this genre will adore Nobody But Us.
annelo's review
5.0
Surprisingly good plot and well written. Honestly, I thought it would be a book I read just a few pages and then DNF, but it was a page turner. Not what I expected.
Really well done, especially considering I did not much like either of the protagonists of the book; no, not even Ellie.
I can see this being made into a movie.
Really well done, especially considering I did not much like either of the protagonists of the book; no, not even Ellie.
I can see this being made into a movie.
cjvale's review
3.0
Definitely has the twists I enjoy but the content of the book just turned me off. I hated both the characters and their reasoning for their actions. It's a very dark book with a lot of abuse so here's your trigger warning.
taryns's review
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
krystlekouture's review
2.0
Summary: Steven and Ellie go to a remote location without cell service for a weekend away. They're both keeping secrets that will soon come to a head.
Overall: 2/5 stars I went into this expecting a locked-room thriller, but it was more of a character study.
Detailed Review
Characters: 5/10 The characters were complex with good backstories. However, Ellie's motivation was questionable to me.
Uniqueness: 2/10
Plot: 2/10 The first and last 50 pages had good suspense but the 200 middle pages were hard to plow through.
Cover: 7/10
Atmosphere: 6/10
Knowledge: 8/10 I appreciated how the title was creatively mentioned throughout.
Enjoyment: 4/10
Overall: 2/5 stars I went into this expecting a locked-room thriller, but it was more of a character study.
Detailed Review
Characters: 5/10 The characters were complex with good backstories. However, Ellie's motivation was questionable to me.
Uniqueness: 2/10
Plot: 2/10 The first and last 50 pages had good suspense but the 200 middle pages were hard to plow through.
Cover: 7/10
Atmosphere: 6/10
Knowledge: 8/10 I appreciated how the title was creatively mentioned throughout.
Enjoyment: 4/10
nicola_2310's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookbloggerjanine's review against another edition
4.0
Nobody But Us by Laure Van Rensburg
I give this book 4 stars
Steven Harding is a handsome, well-respected professor.
Ellie Masterson is a wide-eyed young college student.
Together, they are driving south from New York, for their first holiday.
It should be a perfect, romantic trip for two………..
A topical, dark and disturbing psychological thriller.This book starts off at the end of the story which immediately pulls you in, Told to you by the 2 main characters and an unknown diary writer we then explore the backstory…..a creepy remote setting, no connection to the outside world…….everything isn’t as it seems,suspense builds,whose lying,are secrets being hidden,who is out for revenge,how does it all fit together………..
If you want to know you’re just going to have to read it for yourself!
With thanks to Netgalley, Laure Van Rensburg and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for my chance to read and review this book
cheyenneisreading's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the book but at the same time was over it a quarter of the way through. It felt tired and the intensity she was aiming for fell flat unfortunately. I just wasn’t invested in the characters or the story.
ezex's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
SPOILERS AHEAD
Predictable. I think this genre just isn’t for me. If you liked Gone Girl and Promising Young Woman you probably won’t like like this because it’s a blatant copy of both.
The writing comes across as trying too hard, and the descriptions of EVERYTHING are just painful.
The author creates an ominous atmosphere but is very heavy handed with the obnoxiousness of Steven and the nativity of Ellie at the beginning, signposting the twist very obviously.
The most interesting part was the cat and mouse section with Steven trying to outwit Ellie. I enjoyed the insight into his thoughts and his attempts at manipulation and would have liked a deeper dive here.
The lead up to and the ending were very predictable and I found the last 20 chapters boring because of it.
It was a quick and pointless read.
Predictable. I think this genre just isn’t for me. If you liked Gone Girl and Promising Young Woman you probably won’t like like this because it’s a blatant copy of both.
The writing comes across as trying too hard, and the descriptions of EVERYTHING are just painful.
The author creates an ominous atmosphere but is very heavy handed with the obnoxiousness of Steven and the nativity of Ellie at the beginning, signposting the twist very obviously.
The most interesting part was the cat and mouse section with Steven trying to outwit Ellie. I enjoyed the insight into his thoughts and his attempts at manipulation and would have liked a deeper dive here.
The lead up to and the ending were very predictable and I found the last 20 chapters boring because of it.
It was a quick and pointless read.