laurenjpegler's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this!
I do think it is flawed - why did Annabel set up this group exactly? and more time should have been spent on the reasoning and actions behind Emily’s murder - but it was a super fun book about murder and witchcraft set in a school! Didn’t expect to like it as much as I did!
I do think it is flawed - why did Annabel set up this group exactly? and more time should have been spent on the reasoning and actions behind Emily’s murder - but it was a super fun book about murder and witchcraft set in a school! Didn’t expect to like it as much as I did!
lunelinx's review against another edition
slow-paced
5.0
One of the best books I've read as of recent. The main character does fall flat and sometimes the plot is hard to follow because of the complicated and poem-like text, but the story is incredible. I love the tragic teen girl-feels this book brings. Reminds me of the song 'Allerdale Hall' from the movie 'Crimson Peak'.
caitminch's review against another edition
4.0
this would have done so much better if it wasn't a young adult book. the writing was good enough, but it just wasn't developed enough in places it should have been - robin didn't seem appealing in any way, and grace and alex deserved a lot more development than they got. some key points never got resolved, which was annoying because it felt like i'd read nearly 400 pages for nothing. the more i think about it, the more problems i feel like i have with this.
however, i really loved the writing style (despite the fact it didn't seem to fit the audience) and it was perfect for telling a dark academia-esque story. whilst it may have been questionably very similar to the secret history, it's one of few novels that manage to properly replicate the vibes. the incorporation of witchcraft and arts also gave it a nice edge.
probably not my favourite book i've read in this niche genre, but it's one i'll probably revisit. it feels cruel to give it a low rating.
however, i really loved the writing style (despite the fact it didn't seem to fit the audience) and it was perfect for telling a dark academia-esque story. whilst it may have been questionably very similar to the secret history, it's one of few novels that manage to properly replicate the vibes. the incorporation of witchcraft and arts also gave it a nice edge.
probably not my favourite book i've read in this niche genre, but it's one i'll probably revisit. it feels cruel to give it a low rating.
mrstanton's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-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
2.0
hrhaphrodite1's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
What I Wanted: A 'secret-history'-esque dark acamedia revolving around greek myth, tragedy and maybe a few witches chucked in there for good measure. Secret societies and death rituals also welcome.
What I Got: This book is the rare instance that what I wanted was what I got. What lets this novel down for me, is the way in which all of the elements listed above where displayed. I'm a reader who can get around poor writing with interesting concepts - but what this book sets up in the first few chapters was a starling reality for things to come.
In short - this book is sloppy. By the end of the first chapter I knew that the writing was going to be a problem. The overuse of simple phrases like 'secrets' became tiresome as the mangled plot wove it's way along. I understand that this author was skewing for a younger audience than writers like Donna Tartt and M. L. Rio, but their writing made a somewhat hard-to-follow plot even more incomprehensible.
As Dark Academic texts go, this one is a major let down. However, this may also be due to my very high standards and premeditated expectations. If you're a fan of films like 'The Craft', or television shows like 'American Horror Story' (specifically Murder House and Coven), then you're bound to find it more enjoyable than myself.
What I Got: This book is the rare instance that what I wanted was what I got. What lets this novel down for me, is the way in which all of the elements listed above where displayed. I'm a reader who can get around poor writing with interesting concepts - but what this book sets up in the first few chapters was a starling reality for things to come.
In short - this book is sloppy. By the end of the first chapter I knew that the writing was going to be a problem. The overuse of simple phrases like 'secrets' became tiresome as the mangled plot wove it's way along. I understand that this author was skewing for a younger audience than writers like Donna Tartt and M. L. Rio, but their writing made a somewhat hard-to-follow plot even more incomprehensible.
As Dark Academic texts go, this one is a major let down. However, this may also be due to my very high standards and premeditated expectations. If you're a fan of films like 'The Craft', or television shows like 'American Horror Story' (specifically Murder House and Coven), then you're bound to find it more enjoyable than myself.
kaitlynbowron's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
bkschwartz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Child death, and Child abuse
Moderate: Death of parent and Rape
gondorgirl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Drug use, Rape, Body shaming, Child death, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Murder, Vomit, Child abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal death, Blood, Car accident, Drug abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Sexism, Death, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Violence, Bullying, and Physical abuse