A review by _fallinglight_
No Exit by Taylor Adams

adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Ok wow this book was fantastic!! Didn't think it would surpass my expectations. I was not expecting much from it (especially bc I was noticing some problematic stuff) but it blew me away in the end. It carries you off into a blood curling, anxious adventure, psychological intrigue, and a study of circumstance and choices and actions. Gripping pace and narrative. My only one big issue is with the overdone trope of disabled people being dangerous and criminals and having terrible outcomes. The character and Lars' background doesn't sit right with me. He was obviously abused and used by his psychopath brother and though I'm not justifying his behavior, I feel like he really didn't know better throughout and he too was a victim of his brother. It honestly made me uncomfortable that the way he's described perpetuates nasty stereotypes of disabled people. I think the story would've been compelling without this, regardless. Another thing that although it didn't divert much attention away from Darby and the plot, I feel like we really didn't gain anything from the little look into that cop's life. Unless it kinda was to show that cops who shoot people almost always come from disintegrated homes?? I don't know but it was unnecessary. And although I think this book was fascinatingly written there is a a few content warnings: the N-word is used once in this book, as is derogatory language against women and the Chinese. I obviously understand the context those were employed but it's a little dampening nonetheless. Characters wise, Darby Thorne was a great, and I think, realistic mc. Though she was ageist with poor Ed and that cost her and she was hard to get stuff like come on. But the bonding she forms with little Jay is absolutely cute and sweet and fed my found family needs. Ashley Garver was so annoying and hateful and just a cathartic villain. I honestly do love these kinds of villains that are so easy to hate and I can pour all my hatred and horrible thoughts on them. Love the feeling of elation I get when they finally get their punishment. Yeah, morally ambiguous villains with complicated motives are great, but sometimes I just wanna hate someone so despicable beyond redemption with all my guts. The ending made me tear up bc I thought my girl Darby had d worded. she doesn't. So I really liked how it all concluded in a bittersweet way.
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