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sarianotsorry's review against another edition
dark
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Murder
chelseadoesnotread's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
⭐⭐ (generously given)
No Way Out by Santana Knox had all the potential for an intense, dark read, but instead, it spiraled into a chaotic mess that left me more baffled than intrigued. The story’s main character, navigating a literal and metaphorical maze, encounters her botany professor (disguised as a “scarecrow”) in an uncomfortably rushed and questionable scene. This bizarre encounter sets the tone for an avalanche of shock-value moments, each one more disconnected from character development or plot logic than the last.
At one point, our heroine is an unwitting participant in a twisted game of seduction and blackmail. Then, with no warning or buildup, she morphs into a sadistic killer, gleefully hunting down fraternity brothers alongside her professor—who not only condones but admires her brutal actions. This sudden switch, from being a confused college student to a relentless murderer, felt so out of place that it shattered any suspension of disbelief. As the narrative escalates, the scenes blend sexual content with gore in ways that feel more gratuitous than purposeful, veering into the absurd when the main character engages in increasingly violent acts while seeming wholly unaffected.
It’s hard to feel any tension or connection to the story when characters shift without rhyme or reason, and the lack of emotional depth makes the “dark” elements feel empty. Even as someone who appreciates darker themes, I found the blending of violence and intimacy to be uncomfortable and excessive—without any clear purpose behind it.
If I had to pick a redeeming part of this novel, it would be the main character’s best friend, who stands out as one of the few elements that brings a hint of charm or groundedness to the story. And while the spice had its moments, the fact that it’s intertwined with such graphic content detracted from the overall appeal.
Overall, No Way Out seems more focused on shocking the reader than delivering a cohesive, impactful narrative. It lacks the anchor that dark fiction needs—an underlying purpose, consistent character development, or even a coherent storyline. While I can appreciate the occasional plunge into twisted themes, this book felt more like a shock-and-awe spectacle than a truly gripping tale.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
karina_dreamsinwords's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.5
The half star is for the twist I wasn’t expecting. Honestly I’ve read worse in terms of content, so this wasn't that shocking for me 😂
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
bookintrovert's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Rape
its_maeve_666's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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? Yes
4.5
This was a really quick read, lots of spice and just in time for spooky season, as a spooky bitch I very much enjoyed this book, it was nothing like I was expecting and I’m honestly happily surprised! i was worried about the age gap being predatory but it wasn’t and that made me happy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Gore, Rape, Stalking, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture
katieb_93's review against another edition
1.0
I draw the line at non-con rape. Not okay
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Vomit, and Murder
txbonnetreads's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
5.0
This review is for the dark romance girlies (gender inclusively)....
Do y'all remember when we all read Haunting Adeline for the first time and collectively said, "wow, we're into some really questionable stuff"? Yeah, Santana has done that here.
There's only a handful of books that I recommend audio over print. There's even fewer that I recommend going in blind. This is one of them. The voice actors are top notch. The use of the voice modulator... 🤤
Anyways, if you're also into very questionable things... Do yourself a favor and get No Way Out.
Check your triggers but don't look at spoilers.
#darkromance #horrotica #horror #cornmaze #santanaknox #nowayout #cliterature #audible
Do y'all remember when we all read Haunting Adeline for the first time and collectively said, "wow, we're into some really questionable stuff"? Yeah, Santana has done that here.
There's only a handful of books that I recommend audio over print. There's even fewer that I recommend going in blind. This is one of them. The voice actors are top notch. The use of the voice modulator... 🤤
Anyways, if you're also into very questionable things... Do yourself a favor and get No Way Out.
Check your triggers but don't look at spoilers.
#darkromance #horrotica #horror #cornmaze #santanaknox #nowayout #cliterature #audible
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, and Violence
allyourpagearebelongtous's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I can't say if this was 1 star or 5 stars, to be honest. I finished it, and it was gripping. But it also took me 10+ hours irl to finish this because I needed more than one break to consider my life decisions... Maybe I loved it, maybe I need more therapy. Probably both.
Warning: Absolutely 100% make sure you read the content warnings before reading. There are more than can be selected here.
The voice actors did a great job, the range in charachers and situations, in less than 3 hours pf audio, is nothing short of impressive.
Warning: Absolutely 100% make sure you read the content warnings before reading. There are more than can be selected here.
The voice actors did a great job, the range in charachers and situations, in less than 3 hours pf audio, is nothing short of impressive.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit and Fire/Fire injury
innae's review against another edition
challenging
dark
I don’t know what to say about this little story. It is DARK, I mean really. I have been reading a fair share of dark romances and this one pushes the envelope further than I have read. Now saying that, it is a good read, nice writing, good plot. And great chapter titles :).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, and Murder
laurenvoice's review against another edition
dark
fast-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
3.25
Well, that was an exciting end to the Halloween reading.
Like, what the fudge was this? So many questions!
Unsure of my thoughts. I enjoyed this book; it was a very quick read, but there was no proper plot. It would have been better if No Way Out was a novel, more fleshed out. It would have been good to see the thought process of the corn "murder spree".
While reading No Way Out, I couldn't help but think of the corn maze in Stars Hollow; however, this corn maze had way more death and gore!
Like, what the fudge was this? So many questions!
Unsure of my thoughts. I enjoyed this book; it was a very quick read, but there was no proper plot. It would have been better if No Way Out was a novel, more fleshed out. It would have been good to see the thought process of the corn "murder spree".
While reading No Way Out, I couldn't help but think of the corn maze in Stars Hollow; however, this corn maze had way more death and gore!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Body horror, Torture, and Murder
Minor: Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Fire/Fire injury