A review by space_corgi
The Make-Up Test by Jenny L. Howe
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Maaaaan there was some out of pocket content in this book. Let’s just say whoever edited this thing let some crazy sh*t ride. Some totally f’d lines are in this. Sorry I’m just stream of consciousness typing rn. Okay on to the real review.
Where to even start??
1) If you are not familiar with medieval lit you will struggle to get the references.
2) 1D villains
3) mediocre sex scenes that are awkwardly timed (including the out of pocket lines I referenced earlier and regret having to use my actual, human eyes to read)
4) A cohort that seems actually interesting but we don’t get to explore these ppl bc our MC is extremely caught up in her own perception of the world. She is permanently a victim and jumps to conclusions 9 times /10. So frustrating to read.
5) there was content in this book that was unfortunately triggering for me (but let me be 100% clear that this is not influencing my review). I felt like said content did end up serving a higher purpose in the book and that’s probably the best component - you don’t always have to accept/forgive/love the people society/parents expect you to. Great, loved this one aspect.
6) Allison’s relationships with everyone but herself are underdeveloped. Again, she only cares about how other’s actions around her impact her own life. She never grows through this trait and the book ends in the same manner it began. Meaning, Allison’s focus is Allison and she does not care how other ppl feel about that for better or for worse.
7) Messy, messy ending on top of everything. Loose ends tied up like a kid learning how to tie their laces for the first time.
RIP
Where to even start??
1) If you are not familiar with medieval lit you will struggle to get the references.
2) 1D villains
3) mediocre sex scenes that are awkwardly timed (including the out of pocket lines I referenced earlier and regret having to use my actual, human eyes to read)
4) A cohort that seems actually interesting but we don’t get to explore these ppl bc our MC is extremely caught up in her own perception of the world. She is permanently a victim and jumps to conclusions 9 times /10. So frustrating to read.
5) there was content in this book that was unfortunately triggering for me (but let me be 100% clear that this is not influencing my review). I felt like said content did end up serving a higher purpose in the book and that’s probably the best component - you don’t always have to accept/forgive/love the people society/parents expect you to. Great, loved this one aspect.
6) Allison’s relationships with everyone but herself are underdeveloped. Again, she only cares about how other’s actions around her impact her own life. She never grows through this trait and the book ends in the same manner it began. Meaning, Allison’s focus is Allison and she does not care how other ppl feel about that for better or for worse.
7) Messy, messy ending on top of everything. Loose ends tied up like a kid learning how to tie their laces for the first time.
RIP