sophie_hans's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Murder, Medical content, Death, Child death, Abortion, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, and Car accident
Moderate: Pregnancy
rory_john14's review
- 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? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Child abuse, Cursing, Abortion, Child death, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Grief
Moderate: Animal death, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, Mental illness, Animal cruelty, Car accident, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Sexual assault, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Kidnapping, Ableism, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Confinement, and Forced institutionalization
bea2001's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Violence, Vomit, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement
davianareads's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Death of parent, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Violence, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gore, Grief, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Abortion, Car accident, Child death, Death, Murder, Body horror, and Gaslighting
bmitch21's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I’ve never read a book that made me feel so disgusted and sick to my stomach and made me cry like this. There absolutely should be a trigger warning before the book even starts.
There’s no romance to me in this book. It’s smut, which I’m okay with, while others aren’t.
If you have triggers of child death and abuse, this book is NOT for you.
Graphic: Murder, Toxic relationship, Death, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Vomit, Child abuse, Child death, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Cancer, Sexual content, Abortion, Car accident, Body shaming, and Cursing
maddie_0930's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death, Body horror, Abortion, Child death, Child abuse, Grief, Sexual content, Gore, Pregnancy, Murder, and Miscarriage
christinewashere's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
Moderate: Murder, Abortion, Death, Miscarriage, Child death, Medical content, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, and Genocide
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Car accident, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Blood, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, and Kidnapping
sophiaxscherm's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
But if you can accept a book with horrible characters for what it is, the story is interesting until you reach the end, where it just feels too predictable and a lot of stuff just not making sense.
Graphic: Murder, Abortion, Blood, Emotional abuse, Grief, Toxic relationship, Child death, Death, Pregnancy, Rape, Gaslighting, and Car accident
ashreads13's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Child death and Toxic relationship
mila_nights's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Summary
Spoiler
The psychological thriller novel follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is given a unique opportunity when she's asked to finish a bestselling series by the immensely popular author Verity Crawford, who has been incapacitated due to an accident.Lowen moves into Verity's home to go through her notes and outlines for the remaining books. While searching for material in Verity's office, Lowen discovers an unfinished autobiography written by Verity. As she reads through the manuscript, she becomes increasingly disturbed by the contents, which reveal dark and disturbing secrets about Verity's life and her relationship with her family.
As Lowen becomes more engrossed in Verity's manuscript, she finds herself drawn to Jeremy Crawford, Verity's attractive and enigmatic husband. The two develop a connection, complicated by their growing feelings for each other despite the presence of Verity, who is in a vegetative state.
"I was not expecting the plot twist at the end! I literally cannot believe it, like whaaaat?"
Review
The story’s unique premise focused on a struggling writer uncovering the secrets of another author, is both original and compelling. Hoover masterfully crafts a tense atmosphere that gradually unravels, unveiling layers of mystery and darkness. The narrative's unpredictable twists and turns ensure that the reader remains engaged and invested in discovering the truth.
The characters are multi-dimensional and realistically flawed, which makes them relatable. The complex relationships and interactions between the characters add depth to the story and contribute to its emotional resonance. The psychological exploration of the characters' motives and actions adds an extra layer of complexity to the story.
Hoover's ability to create tension and evoke strong emotions is evident throughout the book. The alternating perspectives provide insight into different facets of the story, enhancing the reader's understanding of the characters' motivations and the unfolding events.
While the novel has many strengths, it's worth noting that certain elements might feel slightly melodramatic or implausible.
In conclusion, 'Verity' is a highly compelling thriller that showcases Colleen Hoover's versatility as an author. The engaging plot, well-developed characters, and skilled writing make for an enthralling read. While some elements might stretch believability, the overall experience of diving into the darkness of the story is well worth the journey, earning this novel a solid rating.
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child death, Murder, Infidelity, Child abuse, and Grief
Minor: Sexual content, Car accident, Abortion, and Miscarriage