A review by my_corner_of_the_library
The Free by K Webster

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

1.75

This book...was...better than the last? That's about all the good I have to say.

I knew very little about this book going in, but having read the first I had a pretty good idea. If I hadn't bought the two books as one I probably wouldn't have read this one, but since I'd already paid for it and it was in my hands I figured I might as well.

Credit to this book where the other failed:
  • The taboo relationship wasn't immediate and took time to develop
  • We get at least some insight into how the characters cope with their developing taboo relationship
  • The juvenile POV of Eve is explainable and fitting due to her seclusion from a young age and abuse, giving her charm
  • Atticus actually makes attempts to do the right thing,
    both when he believes her under age and when he finds out about their familial connection.

Now...onto the things that were not good...

The writing of this book was really just as bad as the first. The different POV's were still distinct only because Atticus used the word "fuck" as a way to describe pretty much everything (check out my review of The Wild for more insight on what I mean by this). 

One of the big things that REALLY got to me was the fact that Atticus really didn't seem to care that Eve had been mauled by a bear (this happens within the first chapter, so not really a spoiler), he is still completely preoccupied with sexual thoughts.
As in, "Wow, her chest is really infected and completely torn open from her horrific wounds. Oh look, she has nipples too. Now I have a raging erection."


I definitely liked this book more than the first, and can actually see how people can really like this book if the writing doesn't bother you as much as it did me. However, that's about all the good I can say for it.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings