A review by grunbean
The Cloisters by Katy Hays

dark emotional 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? It's complicated

3.5

All in all, I liked this book. It’s beautifully written, and takes you into a world of dark academia that if interesting. It is, however, a slow burner. And what you’re left with at the end doesn’t tie all the ends together. Especially as none of the characters have what I’d consider a likeable development? 

The twists are interesting, and I think these are the best parts of the book. It is interesting to have a morally grey main character. But in a sea of morally grey main characters, it doesn’t make her too different. I suppose that is the point, but it’s not the most compelling when you’re trying to read it. 

It’s a book I’d consider aesthetic in its contents, and it’s perfect for the colder and spookier seasons (even though it’s set in summer). I just feel like there’s more need to really flesh this out. 
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