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A review by franksfiction
The Haters by Robyn Harding
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
This is my 4th Robyn Harding novel I have read, and I enjoy everything she writes. However, “The Haters” was a little less enjoyable than the others I’ve read from her. That doesn’t constitute this novel as bad, but I believe Harding made some changes to her writing format that I didn’t enjoy as much. But first, the premise:
Camryn Lane has finally published her first novel! Everyone is backing the book until she receives a disturbing message from an unknown sender. Soon after, a scathing one-star review causes more bad reviews to pour in. As the online harassment grows, Camryn is determined to figure out who is behind this wretched act and why?
In Harding’s other novels, her writing shines with strong, contrasting points of view for each of the main characters. In “The Haters,” we get a back-and-forth between Camryn’s first-person view and chapters from her book. I know a singular first-person POV can add to the tension and mystery, but I think adding at least the daughter’s point of view could have added layers to the storytelling.
There were also A LOT of characters in this novel. I think it’s realistic, considering the type of environment and story we’re working with, but it can become confusing to the reader. At one point in the story, I mixed up Martha and Jodi. Then you have her entire publishing team, Camryn’s writing friends, her daughter’s friends, other students from the school, parents of some of those students, her ex-husband’s family, her current boyfriend, random characters she meets along the way, and all of the fictional characters in Camryn’s novel, “Burnt Orchid.”
The tension and realism in 'The Haters' are palpable, making it a truly engaging read. Camryn's career and her writing, which reflect her experiences, add a thrilling layer to the narrative. Even on vacation, I found it hard to put this book down. The relationship between mother and daughter felt authentic, and the concept of cancel culture was handled with finesse.
Whenever I become a published author, I hope my experience isn’t exactly like Camryn Lane’s ha! Overall, I adore Robyn Harding, I will continue to read her books, and I’m honored to have my name in the acknowledgments.
Camryn Lane has finally published her first novel! Everyone is backing the book until she receives a disturbing message from an unknown sender. Soon after, a scathing one-star review causes more bad reviews to pour in. As the online harassment grows, Camryn is determined to figure out who is behind this wretched act and why?
In Harding’s other novels, her writing shines with strong, contrasting points of view for each of the main characters. In “The Haters,” we get a back-and-forth between Camryn’s first-person view and chapters from her book. I know a singular first-person POV can add to the tension and mystery, but I think adding at least the daughter’s point of view could have added layers to the storytelling.
There were also A LOT of characters in this novel. I think it’s realistic, considering the type of environment and story we’re working with, but it can become confusing to the reader. At one point in the story, I mixed up Martha and Jodi. Then you have her entire publishing team, Camryn’s writing friends, her daughter’s friends, other students from the school, parents of some of those students, her ex-husband’s family, her current boyfriend, random characters she meets along the way, and all of the fictional characters in Camryn’s novel, “Burnt Orchid.”
The tension and realism in 'The Haters' are palpable, making it a truly engaging read. Camryn's career and her writing, which reflect her experiences, add a thrilling layer to the narrative. Even on vacation, I found it hard to put this book down. The relationship between mother and daughter felt authentic, and the concept of cancel culture was handled with finesse.
Whenever I become a published author, I hope my experience isn’t exactly like Camryn Lane’s ha! Overall, I adore Robyn Harding, I will continue to read her books, and I’m honored to have my name in the acknowledgments.