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onmalsshelf's review against another edition
DNF @ 60%
When I say I tried, I TRIED.
I’ve been reading this since June 10th (today is September 10th) and I only got to 60%.
I don’t mind dark books, but this is DARK and bleak - making for a combination that had me putting down my kindle after each chapter. I tried this on Kindle via eGalley as well as audio from Libby.
While I know that it’s important for authors to inform readers of things that often get forgotten by using fiction, I get concerned when they started using overly descriptive language that seems like it would fit more in a romance novel.
I wish that she had used the River aspect more because once that was gone, there was no flow.
I finally set it down once animal neglect was added in because of course the author just has to pile on more dark things.
I will say, the narrator for this is fantastic. Without the audio, I’m not sure I would have gotten to 60%.
Graphic: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
unfiltered_fiction'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Miscarriage and Police brutality
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Car accident
jaxgirl007'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
4.0
Merriam Webster defines 'gutted' as: to destroy the inside of
This book was such a hard read. The list of trigger warnings is long: sexual abuse, rape, drug abuse, animal cruelty...there's more but I'm a bit stunned after finishing this and so I'm sure I'm missing some of them.
Somehow I was compelled to keep going. The writing definitely runs heavy with the purple prose and I normally don't like that but it worked for me this time. It made me feel like I was experiencing the floating haziness that Arc and the others in the story were experiencing because of their drug use. The extra wordiness did tend to drag the story out a bit long than necessary. The first 3/4 of the book, I was mesmerized; the last part was too much for me. But I also felt like I needed some of the purple prose sections to recover from the more reality based happenings...it became an escape for me just like it was for the characters.
I think what also kept me going was hope: I really did want Arc (and the others) to find a way out of the terrible life she was in and I kept reading hoping she would get there....I was pulling for her to make it. I saw the end coming
I think it's important to mention that the serial killer/murder aspect of the story is a small part of the plot. While this is inspired by the real-life case of the Chillicothe Six, this is not a story about an investigation into a serial killer. The vast majority of the story is given to Arc, her family and her friends' struggles with addiction and the (100% horrific) impact on their lives.
I have respect for this book and think it is very well-written. I put McDaniel's other book, 'Betty' on my TBR...but not for a while as I will need some time to recover from this one. If you can stomach the subject matter, it is a haunting story that will definitely give a reader a lot to think about.
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
cclardo's review against another edition
5.0
This book is not for everyone. Check content warnings and know that portions of this book are like a gut punch.
I also want to note that I have seen this marketed in the mystery/thriller category and that is a misrepresentation of the book. If you are looking for a heartbreaking exploration of self and survival, read this book. If you are looking for a mystery/thriller about a serial killer and a potential victim, this will not scratch that itch.
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Rape, and Violence
Minor: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
wildflowergirl11's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Police brutality, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
emziesreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Betty 2.
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Police brutality
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Death of parent
shelbybowers20'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
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy
kitty03's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
michelleklejmont'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Animal cruelty
marisasabino'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
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Car accident, Murder, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment