Ahoy there me mateys! I seem to be in the minority for this one as it be just an okay read. I loved the author’s zoo city and so picked up this one to listen to in audiobook format. Here are just some of me random thoughts about the book:

- Cool concepts – It starts out as a police murder mystery and winds into something crazier by the end. It had thriller elements, paranormal fantasy elements, and some horror elements. I enjoyed the mix.

- Annoying characters – I think most of me problems with this book stem from the fact that I couldn’t stand the stupid teenager, Layla. She was just so self-absorbed and dramatic and spoiled. Her actions were selfish and thoughtless. She never seemed to use her brain. I didn’t like her mother, the police detective very much either.

- The mother, Gabriella – This cop made so many bad choices. Her daughter roamed wild and the mother made excuses for some of the VERY not cool things her daughter did. She also broke police protocol all the time, used her position for personal gain, and left her gun where her daughter could get to it. I think she is a negligent parent. I did however buy the fact that she would do anything for her daughter and that her choices stemmed from (misused) love.

- Social media – I did enjoy the use of social media in the book. It was nicely used to further both plot and tension. I particularly loved the live-streaming from the phone and the phone call logs. There was also some philosophical dilemmas that arose from the proper use of social media and technology. In fact this theme may be me favourite part of the book.

- The ending – Did not do it for me. I loved what happens to the reporter character. That was cool. And the portion about TK. But again the mom and daughter stuff just seemed way too easy and unsatisfying. Plus there were “convenience” characters that never got any real closure. I don’t think other readers care but I wanted updates on them.

Basically me dislike of two main characters is what caused the decrease of satisfaction in this book. However I still overall enjoyed the writing style and many of the minor characters. I was engaged almost the entire time I was listening to it (minus the very last couple Layla sections). No regrets here!

Side note: The first mate just finished the shining girls and thought it was excellent. I be readin’ that book soon. Arrr!

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