vj_thompson's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Gore, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Emotional abuse, Death, Suicide, and Car accident
Moderate: Gun violence, Vomit, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Kidnapping, and Sexual content
Minor: Pregnancy and Abortion
abbeyroad1410's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.25
This was not a bad book by any means. It was actually very well-written, but if you aren't down with graphic descriptions of murder, I would not suggest it because there is a graphic depiction of murder in basically every paragraph. It also details how to clean up a murder if you need that advice.
One thing I love about this novel is its emphasis on the fact that romantic relationships are not the only ones that can be abusive. This, of course, does not mean that I think the main character, Sissy, was in the right for her actions, but she is very clearly traumatized and feels compelled by the dynamic with her sisters to commit most of these heinous actions. I think Ren DeStefano does a remarkable relationship using Dara's romantic relationship as a place to draw parallels for.
At times, the relationships between characters were hard to follow, especially the dynamics between Iris, Moody, and Sissy. While the author tried to clarify this at the end, it was never quite clear who was on the same page or who knew what.
Finally, I'm just going to put it out there Colin is so underutilized. He's in the book for about two seconds but is by far the best character. He has his own life going on, but he isn't plotting murders in detail or being a creep. Give Colin more pages!
One thing I love about this novel is its emphasis on the fact that romantic relationships are not the only ones that can be abusive. This, of course, does not mean that I think the main character, Sissy, was in the right for her actions, but she is very clearly traumatized and feels compelled by the dynamic with her sisters to commit most of these heinous actions.
Spoiler
On the other hand, I am not sure how I feel about her getting away with helping her sisters commit multiple murders.At times, the relationships between characters were hard to follow, especially the dynamics between Iris, Moody, and Sissy. While the author tried to clarify this at the end, it was never quite clear who was on the same page or who knew what.
Spoiler
This last complaint is going to seem super trivial, but why the heck was one sister named Amelia and the other was Emily??? Those are basically the same name. Also, these name reveals were so lackluster. I waited the entire book to find out this woman's name is the same as any other white girl?Finally, I'm just going to put it out there Colin is so underutilized. He's in the book for about two seconds but is by far the best character. He has his own life going on, but he isn't plotting murders in detail or being a creep. Give Colin more pages!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Car accident, Gore, Murder, Self harm, and Suicide
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Abortion, Drug use, and Pregnancy
martine3's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Gore
Moderate: Pregnancy and Drug use
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