A review by olivesnook33
The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I was definitely expecting something different from this book. The description, and even the cover, had me thinking that I was going to be in for a non-stop thrill ride full of mystery and suspense. The opening chapter delivered that but then there was, and were repeated stretches, where it felt as though nothing was really happening. Elin could have been such a compelling character if only one of the two tragedies that were constantly plaguing her was the issue. And she might grow and become who I was envisioning her to be by the end of this book over the course of the next book so I will hold out judgment on her until I see how things play out.

Pearse constructed a tight narrative, she brought the setting to life, her ideas about the plot were great and her use of red herrings was great. That being said, I felt like there was too much happening. For me, when that happens, I tend to not feel that the stakes are high, I feel like some things *have* to be resolved before the final act or the big reveal so I know that there will be yet another lull and those lulls, for me, made me find the book likable but not lovable.   

The "mysterious ending," did perk me up a little bit and I'm hopeful that the next book in the series will make me love Elin and be a little smoother in terms of story and plot.
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