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betweentheshelves 's review for:
What Beauty There Is
by Cory Anderson
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for an advanced copy of this to review! Honestly, the first thing I noticed about this book was the cover. Look how gorgeous it is! The writing within reflects the beautiful title, you can trust me on that.
First of all, this is a pretty dark, heavy book. It deals with a lot of heavy issues, like suicide, drug addiction, and abusive relationships. However, Anderson does it in such a way that your heart hurts for the characters. Jack and Matty find themselves in a more and more dangerous situation throughout, living through hardships that no one should have to endure.
While the character development is definitely well done, the plot is where this book shines. The book starts out running and doesn't let up until the very end. Seriously, I was on the edge of my seat almost the whole time reading this. The characters and the plot work together to create a story that pulls you in and doesn't let go. Plus, the ending sets up the sequel, which I'm sure will be just as compelling.
This book is dark, but there's still an element of hoping running through it. It's all that keeps Jack, Matty, and Ava moving forward. The hope that eventually, they'll get to the finish line. The hope that their lives could possibly be normal, someday.
Despite the emotional devastation this book might put you through, it's one of those books that will keep you thinking long after you finish it. These characters won't leave your mind easily, and all the more reason to wait anxiously for the next book.
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This was so dark, and yet I didn't want to put it down. Also it's the beginning of a series, so I'm curious where it's going to go. Full review to come on Thursday!
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Drug use, Medical trauma