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A review by selendrea
No Exit by Taylor Adams
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
No Exit was the perfect book to read on a cold December night; the atmosphere of an isolated rest stop in a blizzard is the perfect set up for the plot that dramatically and disturbingly unfolds in this novel. I absolutely could not put it down, and at times I felt my muscles tensing in anticipation while reading.
Two things really stood out for me in this book. Firstly, Adams has a particular knack for writing characters. Whether you love or hate them, the characters in this book are fully fleshed out and dripping with personality. I absolutely adore stories with gutsy heroines. The main character herself is not just a bland, wooden cutout. She has fiery motivation, a heart wrenching backstory, and somewhat frustrating flaws. I would speak on the antagonist, but I don't wish to give anything away. I will simply say that they felt unique and truly frightening. Additionally, there were several moments of dark humor between characters that is used so expertly as a brief reprieve from the tension.
Secondly, every single little detail that Adams drops into the text mattered. You don't just waste your time learning about pointless information, needless red herrings. Mindful readers who pay close attention will feel satisfied as all loops close, all loose ends tie by the end.
The only downside of my own personal reading experience is that I sadly was unsurprised by any of the twists and turns that occurred. At one time, I even felt that the plot moved in a slightly cliché direction. However, I don't feel that this hurts the enjoyment of this book, especially since some other readers may still feel shocked by multiple reveals. I truly think that fans of fast-paced thriller novels will have a fantastic time with this one.
Two things really stood out for me in this book. Firstly, Adams has a particular knack for writing characters. Whether you love or hate them, the characters in this book are fully fleshed out and dripping with personality. I absolutely adore stories with gutsy heroines. The main character herself is not just a bland, wooden cutout. She has fiery motivation, a heart wrenching backstory, and somewhat frustrating flaws. I would speak on the antagonist, but I don't wish to give anything away. I will simply say that they felt unique and truly frightening. Additionally, there were several moments of dark humor between characters that is used so expertly as a brief reprieve from the tension.
Secondly, every single little detail that Adams drops into the text mattered. You don't just waste your time learning about pointless information, needless red herrings. Mindful readers who pay close attention will feel satisfied as all loops close, all loose ends tie by the end.
The only downside of my own personal reading experience is that I sadly was unsurprised by any of the twists and turns that occurred. At one time, I even felt that the plot moved in a slightly cliché direction. However, I don't feel that this hurts the enjoyment of this book, especially since some other readers may still feel shocked by multiple reveals. I truly think that fans of fast-paced thriller novels will have a fantastic time with this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Confinement, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, and Vomit