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sopherdopher's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
I read these books because they seemed like fun. Ridiculous in concept but something I could read without thinking much. Teens recruited by the FBI and solving crimes, which seem to always connect to their personal baggage! Sure! The first two delivered in that, and wrapped up the love triangle pretty quickly which was a nice sign. But the complete shift in the third book is baffling? And the ending of the fourth book is so unnecessary and awful?? It felt like a soap opera, with too many characters and everyone related and murdering one another. The last two books felt like a different series than the first two. I'm not sure what teenager I would ever recommend this series to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Mental illness, Torture, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Self harm and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Rape
meganemarshall's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This was a satisfying conclusion for the series. There were mysteries within mysteries, and it really kept my attention. The whole secret society thing is a bit much, but it works for a YA book.
The series as a whole is a 4 star series.
It was a fun time. I loved Sloane. She's definitely the best character. Dean and Michael were a bit too tropey. Rich bad boy and bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Dean was kinda bland. I liked the Michael of the first two books, but he disappeared after Cassie didn't choose him. I still don't like Lia. Even with her back story, she is an awful person. Cassie was a fine narrator, just fine.
The Inheritance Game series has been on my TBR. If it's just as twisty as this series, I'll be picking them up soon.
The series as a whole is a 4 star series.
It was a fun time. I loved Sloane. She's definitely the best character. Dean and Michael were a bit too tropey. Rich bad boy and bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Dean was kinda bland. I liked the Michael of the first two books, but he disappeared after Cassie didn't choose him. I still don't like Lia. Even with her back story, she is an awful person. Cassie was a fine narrator, just fine.
The Inheritance Game series has been on my TBR. If it's just as twisty as this series, I'll be picking them up soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Murder
Moderate: Kidnapping and Stalking
Minor: Domestic abuse and Rape
myahthebookfiend's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
another day, another slay. absolutely adored this. amazing finish to the series. no complaints.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death
victoria_elaine's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
This ending was actually insane. I’m so close to giving this 5 ⭐️, but some of the plot line as far as the mystery goes was hard to follow because of how complex it was. HOWEVER, honestly the last 100 pages were nail biters and I could NOT put it down. I CANT BELIEVE THE DIRECTOR OF THE FBI WAS IN THE MASTERS??? Living for Dran and Cassie. I need more 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 p.s. violence-related trigger warnings y’all please check
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Torture, and Murder
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
biaaaa's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book lost me a little bit ngl. I think it was trying to fit way to many plot lines.
But the last few chapters totally redeemed the entire book for me! Even though this isn't my favorite book of the series it is for sure my favorite plot twist, i never saw it coming!!!
I'm kinda sad to be saying goodbye to this characters and universe, but it was a good ending to the series.
But the last few chapters totally redeemed the entire book for me! Even though this isn't my favorite book of the series it is for sure my favorite plot twist, i never saw it coming!!!
I'm kinda sad to be saying goodbye to this characters and universe, but it was a good ending to the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Torture, and Murder
Minor: Rape
lkristin2018's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
An intriguing YA mystery featuring the “Naturals.” They start investigating one thing and discover it’s connected with so much more. The relationships between the characters and the thought process they go through to solve crimes are both engaging.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
mikathereviewer's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Summary of my review: More action than ever, based on previous books story, emotional and quirks of characters makes them seem real, sometimes confused (especially with Cassie switching from 'you' to 'I' and again later on), most plot twists were predictable, pitiful main character, cringe scene, romance I didn't care about.
‘“Sometimes, the biggest sacrifice isn’t made by the person who gives up her life.” He lowered his forehead to touch mine. “Sometimes, the hardest thing to be is the one who lives.”’
- Dean
The last book has more action than ever and we also solve multiple cases this time which I found very exciting to read!
Loved how Michael finally addressed the issue I have with Lia. Saying that it's none of the business from other's but being nosey herself.
Reference: “This isn’t about you, Lia. This is none of your damn business.”
Like the emotional parts about this book once again. Here it is;
"All of us had a way of regaining the control that life had taken from us. For Sloane, it was numbers. For Lia, it was keeping her true self buried beneath layers of lies. Michael intentionally provoked anger instead of waiting for someone else’s fuse to blow. Dean did everything he could to keep his emotions in check.
And I use knowing things about people as an excuse to keep them from knowing me."
Regarding personality they aren't flat, regarding development most unfortunately are though (reasoned in my dislike section). But I still liked them and the quirks were fun to like how Sloane likes to drink coffee and that Michael has a soft spot for puppies.
Judd is a real one, hands down. He always cares about his naturals as if they are his own kids.
Was a bit confused by the way the killer just rhymed once when we were in its perspective, but never again. Like I was prepared for a poetical killer??
Reference: "Some things you remember. Some things you don’t. Some things you’ll shudder at—and some things you won’t."
Even though I was a bit surprised that this book wasn't as predictable as the rest I was still disappointed in the end and didn't gave it 4 stars like I planned. Needed to change my first review of this series as I legit guessed something right for the first book (which is 3 books away, by the way). And 'cause this speaks volumes how predictable the plot twists actually are, as I don't blindly guess or just say to every character 'that's the killer!' I am sure now it's not a me-problem but more of a plot twist problem from the author. Seem to be in the minority with this opinion and that's alright as I think it's just for me that this author wrote it in a way how most authors write such stuff, which made me guess almost all correct. I mean I even guessed one from the first book that only got revealed for the last book. For this one it was a; 'Everyone does this plot twist so maybe it's the case for this one too' kinda thinking. And I was right. So maybe the plot twists aren't that original and happen quite often in other books too. It bothered me a lot while reading all books so even though the characters were fun, the idea and the story itself the plot twists ruined my enjoyment to a 3 star rating (average, as the plot twist are average and like in other books for me at least, even though the story I never saw before!)
In case you don't get exactly what I mean please see at the end of my review my StoryGraph version which included all plot twists and my explanation (only read if you have already read the book as it's spoilers the whole book!)
The first plot twist that Celine kidnapped 'herself' was unpredictable.
When they told us (the reader) that 7 wasn't just a number I wanted to rip my hair out. Of course not. You even said yourself there are 9 members so of course there is one that is called 7 as they call eachother by their number as we know SINCE the LAST book. That's nothing new.
Reference: "“Seven isn’t just a number.” She didn’t let me tell her that this wasn’t her fault. “It’s a person.”"
The plot twist that Ree was part of the cult was obvious. She was my first 'suspect' due to her being friends with Lorelai but Michael saw some through that she was upset about something. That spoke volumes to me.
The only person I was ever wrong about, but due to me hoping it's a very unpredictable plot twist was Walter Thane as I hoped for him to just seem unimportant, in the end he REALLY was not part of any evil.
My ‘too obvious’ character this time was Kane Darby as she once again got a great spotlight and that usually is used to lead away from the real killer. Guess what She was the killer.
Since Lia already mentioned in the past that she was part of a cult and we always got to see that the children of that cult went back at least one throughout the story I was certain she would too. I know she didn't actually join them again, but still was obvious that out of anyone she would do it. It was personal.
Unpredictable plot twist — Holland Darby. Really didn't expect that.
The whole twin thing, secret killing in the basement, with the animals dying and family died and stuff wasn't predictable. Only had a feeling that something was wrong with the grandfather (Malcolm Lowell), but didn't expect himself to actually hurt himself so that everyone thinks he was a victim too. I really thought he protected someone or was forced not to speak about it.
That Cassie's Nonna's grandchild died was predictable. When I heard that he only asked about if Cassie about the third murder and not any other character I knew it. I knew it can't be a very major character and needed to be some grandchild or cousin or something.
Geoffrey seemed a bit off in the second book, but I never thought about him again so one point more for having a unpredictable plot twist.
Here's a scene and my note to it as I think that sums the next plot twist predictability perfectly up;
"“How long?” I asked the director. How long have you been one of them?"
My note: When they said the current ninth person must be over 27 my first guess was Dr. Sterling especially as it's always these old barely mentioned ones, but seriously now? really? Not more creative?
Also I know he isn't nine, but Dr. Sterling was since the first book weird. Always too serious and when he got accused of anything he never got mad or felt bad himself. That made me rememher of how psychopaths feel.
Also here's the scene that made me knew:
"“we’re looking for an UNSUB no younger than his late forties—and possibly substantially older.”"
I was also apparently so much ahead of the plot twists that I even guessed one since the FIRST book (this is the fourth as a reminder!) And since I thought there is no way the series is that predictable I included it in my first review just to accidently spoiler everyone who read it. Of course removed it now, but still. There is seriously something wrong with the plot and its twists if I guess them before they even become a topic. And I'm not that smart. I was always bad in guessing the murders.
The pregnant part was something I actually sadly already guessed as it was weird that her second daughter was almost as old as her disappearance so it kinda add up in my head especially as they mentioned pain and torture already before :/
The brainwashing part was predictable, considering previous chapters and how a cult is usually depictured in media as cruel, kidnapping and brainwashing.
The name of Nightshade was unpredictable but due to me actually thinking we never get to know his identity. I don't know why, but that kinda sticked with me. But I knew that he was seven as they made such a fuss about it and night shade was the only one we knew who was in the actual cult and didn't die yet.
The part with the boss of the cult was predictable at chapter 41 already and not like 50-60 somewhere when Kane Darby gave us a warning about his dead;
It isn’t safe for you to be here. It isn’t safe for you to be asking questions. Your friend will be okay at Serenity, but you wouldn’t be. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”
“You’re telling me that your father is a dangerous man.” I paused. “And that my mother left this town for a reason.”
BUT I liked how we didn't know it like a book before and only a few chapters before. But of course our characters didn't know it then yet and I'm certain the readers were supoosed to understand also later.
I hated how Cassie changed the 'You' to 'I' and then back to 'You' later on. Stay consistent! It was also confusing.
Even though I think the author wanted us to empathise with Cassie by letting her blame everything on herself and feel bad it started to get annoying as Cassie done this since the first book and we are already at the 4th and I still have to hear ‘It happened because of me.’ and similar phrases. It gets annoying and reminds myself that she has barely a character development (unfortunately the same for Sloane).
Another thing I disliked about Cassie this time was how she is apparently super smart and a profiler but forgot that the cult doesn't kill children and just fought with her mum and also instead of stabbing her wrong purposely so that the mum can act dead she stabs right inside her heart. Like, did Cassie WANT to kill her mum or what?
Another cringy scene unfortunately and once again only 1. It was when Michael made that Draco Malfoy reference. That was, first of all, unnecessary and not funny. And before someone hates me; I love Harry Potter and I think Draco Malfoy was an important character nevertheless that he was a bully, so just trust me when I say that scene was just cringe.
(It's in chapter 32, by the way)
Once again a bit romance. Must say the least romance we got was the previous book as now it got as much up again as the first book. Especially as we not only have 1 couple. I put it into the 'dislike' section as I personally DIDN'T care about the romance AT ALL. But I think others could like it. Just wasn't for me.
22. July 2024
‘“Sometimes, the biggest sacrifice isn’t made by the person who gives up her life.” He lowered his forehead to touch mine. “Sometimes, the hardest thing to be is the one who lives.”’
- Dean
The last book has more action than ever and we also solve multiple cases this time which I found very exciting to read!
Loved how Michael finally addressed the issue I have with Lia. Saying that it's none of the business from other's but being nosey herself.
Reference: “This isn’t about you, Lia. This is none of your damn business.”
Like the emotional parts about this book once again. Here it is;
"All of us had a way of regaining the control that life had taken from us. For Sloane, it was numbers. For Lia, it was keeping her true self buried beneath layers of lies. Michael intentionally provoked anger instead of waiting for someone else’s fuse to blow. Dean did everything he could to keep his emotions in check.
And I use knowing things about people as an excuse to keep them from knowing me."
Regarding personality they aren't flat, regarding development most unfortunately are though (reasoned in my dislike section). But I still liked them and the quirks were fun to like how Sloane likes to drink coffee and that Michael has a soft spot for puppies.
Judd is a real one, hands down. He always cares about his naturals as if they are his own kids.
Was a bit confused by the way the killer just rhymed once when we were in its perspective, but never again. Like I was prepared for a poetical killer??
Reference: "Some things you remember. Some things you don’t. Some things you’ll shudder at—and some things you won’t."
Even though I was a bit surprised that this book wasn't as predictable as the rest I was still disappointed in the end and didn't gave it 4 stars like I planned. Needed to change my first review of this series as I legit guessed something right for the first book (which is 3 books away, by the way). And 'cause this speaks volumes how predictable the plot twists actually are, as I don't blindly guess or just say to every character 'that's the killer!' I am sure now it's not a me-problem but more of a plot twist problem from the author. Seem to be in the minority with this opinion and that's alright as I think it's just for me that this author wrote it in a way how most authors write such stuff, which made me guess almost all correct. I mean I even guessed one from the first book that only got revealed for the last book. For this one it was a; 'Everyone does this plot twist so maybe it's the case for this one too' kinda thinking. And I was right. So maybe the plot twists aren't that original and happen quite often in other books too. It bothered me a lot while reading all books so even though the characters were fun, the idea and the story itself the plot twists ruined my enjoyment to a 3 star rating (average, as the plot twist are average and like in other books for me at least, even though the story I never saw before!)
In case you don't get exactly what I mean please see at the end of my review my StoryGraph version which included all plot twists and my explanation (only read if you have already read the book as it's spoilers the whole book!)
When they told us (the reader) that 7 wasn't just a number I wanted to rip my hair out. Of course not. You even said yourself there are 9 members so of course there is one that is called 7 as they call eachother by their number as we know SINCE the LAST book. That's nothing new.
Reference: "“Seven isn’t just a number.” She didn’t let me tell her that this wasn’t her fault. “It’s a person.”"
The plot twist that Ree was part of the cult was obvious. She was my first 'suspect' due to her being friends with Lorelai but Michael saw some through that she was upset about something. That spoke volumes to me.
The only person I was ever wrong about, but due to me hoping it's a very unpredictable plot twist was Walter Thane as I hoped for him to just seem unimportant, in the end he REALLY was not part of any evil.
My ‘too obvious’ character this time was Kane Darby as she once again got a great spotlight and that usually is used to lead away from the real killer. Guess what She was the killer.
Since Lia already mentioned in the past that she was part of a cult and we always got to see that the children of that cult went back at least one throughout the story I was certain she would too. I know she didn't actually join them again, but still was obvious that out of anyone she would do it. It was personal.
Unpredictable plot twist — Holland Darby. Really didn't expect that.
The whole twin thing, secret killing in the basement, with the animals dying and family died and stuff wasn't predictable. Only had a feeling that something was wrong with the grandfather (Malcolm Lowell), but didn't expect himself to actually hurt himself so that everyone thinks he was a victim too. I really thought he protected someone or was forced not to speak about it.
That Cassie's Nonna's grandchild died was predictable. When I heard that he only asked about if Cassie about the third murder and not any other character I knew it. I knew it can't be a very major character and needed to be some grandchild or cousin or something.
Geoffrey seemed a bit off in the second book, but I never thought about him again so one point more for having a unpredictable plot twist.
Here's a scene and my note to it as I think that sums the next plot twist predictability perfectly up;
"“How long?” I asked the director. How long have you been one of them?"
My note: When they said the current ninth person must be over 27 my first guess was Dr. Sterling especially as it's always these old barely mentioned ones, but seriously now? really? Not more creative?
Also I know he isn't nine, but Dr. Sterling was since the first book weird. Always too serious and when he got accused of anything he never got mad or felt bad himself. That made me rememher of how psychopaths feel.
Also here's the scene that made me knew:
"“we’re looking for an UNSUB no younger than his late forties—and possibly substantially older.”"
I was also apparently so much ahead of the plot twists that I even guessed one since the FIRST book (this is the fourth as a reminder!) And since I thought there is no way the series is that predictable I included it in my first review just to accidently spoiler everyone who read it. Of course removed it now, but still. There is seriously something wrong with the plot and its twists if I guess them before they even become a topic. And I'm not that smart. I was always bad in guessing the murders.
The pregnant part was something I actually sadly already guessed as it was weird that her second daughter was almost as old as her disappearance so it kinda add up in my head especially as they mentioned pain and torture already before :/
The brainwashing part was predictable, considering previous chapters and how a cult is usually depictured in media as cruel, kidnapping and brainwashing.
The name of Nightshade was unpredictable but due to me actually thinking we never get to know his identity. I don't know why, but that kinda sticked with me. But I knew that he was seven as they made such a fuss about it and night shade was the only one we knew who was in the actual cult and didn't die yet.
The part with the boss of the cult was predictable at chapter 41 already and not like 50-60 somewhere when Kane Darby gave us a warning about his dead;
It isn’t safe for you to be here. It isn’t safe for you to be asking questions. Your friend will be okay at Serenity, but you wouldn’t be. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”
“You’re telling me that your father is a dangerous man.” I paused. “And that my mother left this town for a reason.”
BUT I liked how we didn't know it like a book before and only a few chapters before. But of course our characters didn't know it then yet and I'm certain the readers were supoosed to understand also later.
I hated how Cassie changed the 'You' to 'I' and then back to 'You' later on. Stay consistent! It was also confusing.
Even though I think the author wanted us to empathise with Cassie by letting her blame everything on herself and feel bad it started to get annoying as Cassie done this since the first book and we are already at the 4th and I still have to hear ‘It happened because of me.’ and similar phrases. It gets annoying and reminds myself that she has barely a character development (unfortunately the same for Sloane).
Another cringy scene unfortunately and once again only 1. It was when Michael made that Draco Malfoy reference. That was, first of all, unnecessary and not funny. And before someone hates me; I love Harry Potter and I think Draco Malfoy was an important character nevertheless that he was a bully, so just trust me when I say that scene was just cringe.
(It's in chapter 32, by the way)
Once again a bit romance. Must say the least romance we got was the previous book as now it got as much up again as the first book. Especially as we not only have 1 couple. I put it into the 'dislike' section as I personally DIDN'T care about the romance AT ALL. But I think others could like it. Just wasn't for me.
22. July 2024
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Kidnapping, and Abandonment
Minor: Domestic abuse, Rape, and Self harm
anushar's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
idk how anyone can possibly be okay after the events of this book. truly fucked up in the grandest of proportions— like get yourself a one way ticket to trauma city level. there is a sequel type novella that’s in the print version that i got from the library so i’m reading that next but first i need to recover from this insanity. tbh the only thing that would’ve made this series better is if i cared at all about dean and cassie like i just don’t think they had that much chemistry but when your life revolves around serial killers how much social intelligence can you really have? (the way i used almost all the trigger warning tags is crazy)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Self harm, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Rape, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
gingerbooknerd3's review
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Rape, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
redempta's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5 🌟
No words.
No words.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Rape, Torture, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder