A review by julesmae
The Betrayals by Bridget Collins

mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

While Collins' prose is as dazzling and intricate as ever, I will admit I did not love this book quite as much as The Binding. Keeping some bits of a story's magical realism to the imagination is a great device, but in the case of the book I became frustrated that the game around which everything hinged is never properly explained. I understand that is part of the appeal, part of the intention, but it made it difficult to be immersed in the book for me at least. I also struggled to really connect with the main character's arc - given the "party" was such a vague picture of any oppressive regime and his motivations within it never really became clear. Still, the plot and relationships were carefully and beautifully developed, and overall it was a stunning portrait of what it is to want something so desperately. 
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