A review by buttonsandbooks
Unravel by Calia Read

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective 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? Yes

4.0

After the Surviving Trace series and then the Belgrave Dynasty series, I was itching for more Calia Read. Both of those series are incredibly done with layers of history, romance, fantasy, and mystery. This one has two of those four combined to create one heck of a ride. 

Naomi Carradine is a patient in a mental hospital after something happened that she's clearly still trying to sort out and come to terms with. She's hearing voices and seeing things she can't help but believe are real and, therefore, starting to seriously question her sanity. As the days go on and she starts talking to a new psychiatrist, details come out and Naomi starts to unveil what happened to cause her breakdown, all centering around her best friend Lana, the daughter of a Virginia senator, and their attendance at a party that brought Naomi and stockbroker Max together. As Naomi and Max grow closer, she has to face both her relationship with childhood sweetheart Lachlan and an unspeakable act that has her questioning everything she's ever known. 

This wasn't like the other Calia Read books I've read with it all taking place in the present. I miss the historical element, but this was still well done. I'm typically not a fan of Anthony taking place in a mental hospital, but this was well done and felt like it fit with the story well. 

MAJOR TRIGGER WARNING: sexual violence

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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