A review by the_lady_reads
Down with the Shine by Kate Karyus Quinn
2.0
I really, really wanted to like this because it sounded fascinating, plus that cover? Guh.
The first half of the book was addicting, and I had so much trouble putting it down—luckily, it was a slow day at work. The second half was a disaster. The ending made me want to pull my hair out. It had a strong beginning that really drew my attention, but ultimately fell flat and very quickly at that. About half way through, I noted that I couldn’t keep track of what was going on, and that the plot was very disjointed which I stand by now that I’ve finished it.
There are some really irritating plot points that are never addressed like attempted incest/sexual abuse, physical/emotional abuse, attempted assault/sexual assault, non-consent, and bullying to name a few. The author had plenty of time to expand, and take care of these controversial topics, but discarded most of them almost as soon as they were mentioned.
It also felt way too light-hearted at some points for the plot. Parts of this were comedic where they should’ve been disturbing, and dark. It made it difficult to read since I didn’t feel like the time matched the events of the novel. This story had so much potential, but couldn’t fully follow through.
The first half of the book was addicting, and I had so much trouble putting it down—luckily, it was a slow day at work. The second half was a disaster. The ending made me want to pull my hair out. It had a strong beginning that really drew my attention, but ultimately fell flat and very quickly at that. About half way through, I noted that I couldn’t keep track of what was going on, and that the plot was very disjointed which I stand by now that I’ve finished it.
There are some really irritating plot points that are never addressed like attempted incest/sexual abuse, physical/emotional abuse, attempted assault/sexual assault, non-consent, and bullying to name a few. The author had plenty of time to expand, and take care of these controversial topics, but discarded most of them almost as soon as they were mentioned.
It also felt way too light-hearted at some points for the plot. Parts of this were comedic where they should’ve been disturbing, and dark. It made it difficult to read since I didn’t feel like the time matched the events of the novel. This story had so much potential, but couldn’t fully follow through.