A review by caroline_mclaughlin
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

dark reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Disappointing and flat throughout. Way too many irrelevant characters who all have the same personality traits and are indistinguishable from one another. Literally every single character has daddy issues in the sense that they’re “gone”, which appears as both a major theme and the root of everyone’s issues. I’m shocked I was able to guess the ending though so early on, especially because the whole book seems built on pointless red herrings that make it clear something else is going on, but obfuscate all of the details to the point where it’s impossible to actually get a clear picture to try to come to the correct conclusion as a reader.
This is also why I’m annoyed with the specific use of premonition in the letter. Way too intentional especially when Fred is revealed to be following them, but has no payoff or purpose.
Also don’t even get me started on how the women are written and the stalker men. 
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