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A review by lynnegweeny
Twisted Lies by Ana Huang
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I did it - I read the whole series. I was ready to give up with the Twisted Hate, but since I'd already read 3/4, the completist in me couldn't let this go. I figured I could also encapsulate what I thought of the series as a whole.
But first things first, this book seemed to be the best of the lot - or at least on par with Twisted Hate. I'm absolutely not sold on the morally grey character of the MMC though - the men in these series (except for Josh) are all supposed to just be casual murderers and somehow their supremely kind and compassionate girlfriends are just okay being with men who have no connection to their humanity. It's all fine if they're killing for the sake of possessiveness and protection. "I knew he was vengeful and it's just something I had to expect from him." (not quoted verbatim). Girl, you can absolutely do better. Are we glorifying men getting away with shit just because they're hot?
There were things that worked with this book. The FMC Stella had a mostly rounded out character story, made up of the other relationships she has in her life (her family, her nanny Maura, her followers as an influencer, her friends, her agent), her character's arc about finding self-confidence, and the parallels abouther stalker and Christian . There were some layers - like Stella's kink when it comes to being pursued by someone she loves versus someone she doesn't. There's nothing attractive about being stalked and someone hiding their true feelings for you whether they're positive or not - this is not that kind of book, but it was of course not at all explored.
Of course, it would not be a Twisted series book without some shades of a scooby-doo plot with an art heist. Ugh, felt like set dressing just for the MMC Christian to kill and destroy people's lives for fun. (It's really written as a way for him to "let off steam", wtf.) Am I to believe that this super gentle, kind and compassionate woman loves this about her man? There's also a bit of a sensationalist backstory to explain his behaviour that feels way too unrealistic.
This has decided it for me. BookTok recs are not for me - no offense to those who have, but I never used to get my recommendations from social media, and this is how it will remain. Mildly regretting it, but I'm also glad I gave it a shot, and know that this is an informed decision. But truly, never again.
But first things first, this book seemed to be the best of the lot - or at least on par with Twisted Hate. I'm absolutely not sold on the morally grey character of the MMC though - the men in these series (except for Josh) are all supposed to just be casual murderers and somehow their supremely kind and compassionate girlfriends are just okay being with men who have no connection to their humanity. It's all fine if they're killing for the sake of possessiveness and protection. "I knew he was vengeful and it's just something I had to expect from him." (not quoted verbatim). Girl, you can absolutely do better. Are we glorifying men getting away with shit just because they're hot?
There were things that worked with this book. The FMC Stella had a mostly rounded out character story, made up of the other relationships she has in her life (her family, her nanny Maura, her followers as an influencer, her friends, her agent), her character's arc about finding self-confidence, and the parallels about
Of course, it would not be a Twisted series book without some shades of a scooby-doo plot with an art heist. Ugh, felt like set dressing just for the MMC Christian to kill and destroy people's lives for fun. (It's really written as a way for him to "let off steam", wtf.) Am I to believe that this super gentle, kind and compassionate woman loves this about her man? There's also a bit of a sensationalist backstory to explain his behaviour that feels way too unrealistic.
This has decided it for me. BookTok recs are not for me - no offense to those who have, but I never used to get my recommendations from social media, and this is how it will remain. Mildly regretting it, but I'm also glad I gave it a shot, and know that this is an informed decision. But truly, never again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, and Murder