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2.5 stars. I applaud the endeavor, but the execution just didn't work for me. As with any collection of short stories, this collection turned novel had its good sections and its not so great sections. Ultimately, it just felt a bit overly rambling and cobbled together. The pacing was sluggish and I just didn't find myself excited to sit back down with it. I love several of the authors who took part in this project and I think it was a great idea, but the end product just fell short of my expectations.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
4.5 stars.
Though it didn't have as much podcast content as The Night Swim, I really enjoyed that element continuation in this second installment from Goldin. The setting was interesting and modern. It's hard to say how this will age, but it works great for now.
There were some moments that felt unrealistic (particularly with the FBI handling) and some that felt unnecessary (I didn't really need the romantic aspect), but overall I enjoyed this rather quick paced read. There's a lot of great character work and the organization of the plot is well executed. I enjoy how Goldin's writing feels natural and unpretentious while still remaining somewhat authoritative in the feel. There is a good mix of professional and personal personality development in Rachel and I'm looking forward to the potential of continuing installments with her perspective.
Though it didn't have as much podcast content as The Night Swim, I really enjoyed that element continuation in this second installment from Goldin. The setting was interesting and modern. It's hard to say how this will age, but it works great for now.
There were some moments that felt unrealistic (particularly with the FBI handling) and some that felt unnecessary (I didn't really need the romantic aspect), but overall I enjoyed this rather quick paced read. There's a lot of great character work and the organization of the plot is well executed. I enjoy how Goldin's writing feels natural and unpretentious while still remaining somewhat authoritative in the feel. There is a good mix of professional and personal personality development in Rachel and I'm looking forward to the potential of continuing installments with her perspective.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An interesting paranormal flavored magical realism tale from Sarah Addison Allen. Charming and cute with fun characters who each have their own individual struggles and a great development of a found family. Some very sad family circumstances are presented in the narrative that just had me aching for a few of the characters. The mild twists were well-written and though I could somewhat see them coming, were not obvious. The soft magic of Allen's writing is soothing and just lulled me along as I read. The story was comforting despite some of the more heartbreaking and serious situations. I didn't want to put this read down and stayed up quite late to finish it in a two day binge. Emotionally wonderful and beautifully written. Allen has definitely not lost her touch.