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literatureaesthetic's Reviews (540)
Rating: ★★★✯☆
(I've included trigger warnings for the book at the end of the review since they are slightly spoilery)
Wow, this book was intense. It was dark, twisted, shocking and so gripping. I've never felt so uncomfortable reading a thriller before. This book took "mean girls" to a whole other level. Every character, and I mean every character was awful. The main character, Ambrosia, was absolutely vile. I hated her so much. I hated her best friend even more.
One thing I really loved about this is how much it affects you. I was so in tune with the characters. Like this book made me anxious, angry, shocked, sad.... I was so invested. Laurie Flynn does an amazing job at pulling the reader in, and keeping them engaged.
I wasn't really sure about how I felt about the ending. I thought it was fitting, in the way that it's dark and twisted. It definitely fits the entire tone of the book. But I'm not sure, I thought it was quite random, I would've preferred things were wrapped up a little more? But that's just a personal preference thing.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, and I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for a psychological thriller with a "mean girls" plot line.
Trigger Warnings for this book: Rape, Self Harm, Suicide, Cheating, fat phobia
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(I've included trigger warnings for the book at the end of the review since they are slightly spoilery)
Wow, this book was intense. It was dark, twisted, shocking and so gripping. I've never felt so uncomfortable reading a thriller before. This book took "mean girls" to a whole other level. Every character, and I mean every character was awful. The main character, Ambrosia, was absolutely vile. I hated her so much. I hated her best friend even more.
One thing I really loved about this is how much it affects you. I was so in tune with the characters. Like this book made me anxious, angry, shocked, sad.... I was so invested. Laurie Flynn does an amazing job at pulling the reader in, and keeping them engaged.
I wasn't really sure about how I felt about the ending. I thought it was fitting, in the way that it's dark and twisted. It definitely fits the entire tone of the book. But I'm not sure, I thought it was quite random, I would've preferred things were wrapped up a little more? But that's just a personal preference thing.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, and I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for a psychological thriller with a "mean girls" plot line.
Trigger Warnings for this book: Rape, Self Harm, Suicide, Cheating, fat phobia
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"If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear."
There were many reasons why I was eager to read this classic: the philosophical questions this book poses, what this book has done for the Gothic Literature and Sci-Fi genres, and the fact that this book was written by the Gothic idol herself, Mary Shelley. Although there were a lot of elements that I appreciated, this novel did fall a little flat for me. There were parts of the book that were so painfully boring. I've heard SO MANY TIMES about how advanced this plot is, and maybe in the past that was true, but I've found that the storyline wasn't as exciting as modern-day readers make it out to be.
I did like how we got multiple different POV's, including Frankenstein's monster. It's clear this book would've been quite polarising during the 19th century, and I enjoyed reading the different perspectives and attitudes towards Frankenstein's creation. The writing style was stunning. The description of the landscapes, and the way Shelley portrayed human emotions were masterful. Frankenstein demands questions of mortality and morality, isolation, evil, religion etc. that are very interesting to consider and reflect upon.
Overall I enjoyed it, but I don't think it's as good as many of the Gothic Literature classics I've read. I did have to read this for University, which is probably why I read it under a much more critical eye than I usually would have. I am glad I've finally gotten round to reading this book, but in all honesty, I think I'm much more intrigued by the origins of this book and Mary Shelley herself rather than the story of Frankenstein and his monster.
Okay, I really enjoyed this. I found each poem to be raw and passionate, the author shared some of her most vulnerable moments for us to read. I could feel her pain, sorrow, joy and love through each poem. I loved it.
It's rare for me to read a poetry book, and love every poem.
Each poem had such beautiful and rich imagery, I was shocked at how brilliant Frank Watson's writing style is. I also love that the author incorporated paintings with some of the poems. It brought each poem to life. I especially enjoyed the occult themes, it gave this boook a gothic feel which I really appreciated. This poetry collection is dark and sensual and completely beautiful, and I highly recommend if you're a fan of poetry.
Each poem had such beautiful and rich imagery, I was shocked at how brilliant Frank Watson's writing style is. I also love that the author incorporated paintings with some of the poems. It brought each poem to life. I especially enjoyed the occult themes, it gave this boook a gothic feel which I really appreciated. This poetry collection is dark and sensual and completely beautiful, and I highly recommend if you're a fan of poetry.
S Y N O P S I S:
"Getting snowed in at a beautiful, rustic mountain chalet doesn’t sound like the worst problem in the world, especially when there’s a breathtaking vista, a cozy fire, and company to keep you warm. But what happens when that company is eight of your coworkers…and you can’t trust any of them?
When an off-site company retreat meant to promote mindfulness and collaboration goes utterly wrong when an avalanche hits, the corporate food chain becomes irrelevant and survival trumps togetherness. Come Monday morning, how many members short will the team be?"
M Y T H O U G H T S:
This book was phenomenal. Thrillers aren't my favourite genre, in fact it's been a long time since I last read a thriller book that I enjoyed. I often quess the plot twists and thus find them boring. I'm so relieved to say that this wasn't the case with this book. From the beginning I was intrigued. The characters were well thought out and had their own personalities, which I loved. I really enjoyed the originality, the whole concept of Snoop (a music app created by the company that's staying at the ski resort) is very different. I liked that there was some tension created from the start because of the app, it made the beginning of the story much more interesting which often isn't the case with thrillers. In terms of the plot, I had no idea where this story was going. It developed into a murder mystery and I LOVED it. I didn't guess the plot twists (THANK GOD) and I was constantly second guessing myself, One By One was carefully crafted and at the end all the peices came together like a jigsaw and it was perfect.
For the first time in what feels like years, I've finally read a thriller that I can wholeheartedly recommend. One By One by Ruth Ware is a incredibly crafted book full of suspense and plot twists that will leave you gasping in disbelief. I very very much recommend, and I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy.
"Getting snowed in at a beautiful, rustic mountain chalet doesn’t sound like the worst problem in the world, especially when there’s a breathtaking vista, a cozy fire, and company to keep you warm. But what happens when that company is eight of your coworkers…and you can’t trust any of them?
When an off-site company retreat meant to promote mindfulness and collaboration goes utterly wrong when an avalanche hits, the corporate food chain becomes irrelevant and survival trumps togetherness. Come Monday morning, how many members short will the team be?"
M Y T H O U G H T S:
This book was phenomenal. Thrillers aren't my favourite genre, in fact it's been a long time since I last read a thriller book that I enjoyed. I often quess the plot twists and thus find them boring. I'm so relieved to say that this wasn't the case with this book. From the beginning I was intrigued. The characters were well thought out and had their own personalities, which I loved. I really enjoyed the originality, the whole concept of Snoop (a music app created by the company that's staying at the ski resort) is very different. I liked that there was some tension created from the start because of the app, it made the beginning of the story much more interesting which often isn't the case with thrillers. In terms of the plot, I had no idea where this story was going. It developed into a murder mystery and I LOVED it. I didn't guess the plot twists (THANK GOD) and I was constantly second guessing myself, One By One was carefully crafted and at the end all the peices came together like a jigsaw and it was perfect.
For the first time in what feels like years, I've finally read a thriller that I can wholeheartedly recommend. One By One by Ruth Ware is a incredibly crafted book full of suspense and plot twists that will leave you gasping in disbelief. I very very much recommend, and I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy.
This book was amazing, I don't even know where to start.
This book follows Fleetwood, who is a pregnant woman in the 17th century. Her only desire is to deliver a healthy, living baby for her husband. When she comes across a letter hidden by her husband saying that she will not survive another pregnancy, she is filled with panic. In comes Alice. Alice is a midwife, who aids Fleetwood during her pregnancy. However with the rise in witchcraft accusations, having Alice deliver Fleetwood's baby becomes a lot more difficult.
I adored this book. I loved Fleetwood- her strength and her passion to do what's right is admirable. She is an amazing character. I was fascinated with the presentation of witches. The Pendle Witch Trials play a huge part in British History. I will say, I enjoyed that Stacey Halls never gives us a definitive answer on whether the females actually were witches or not. She leaves that to the readers.
I 100% recommend this. This is a spellbinding book about women, and let's be honest, we could do with more books like that.
This book follows Fleetwood, who is a pregnant woman in the 17th century. Her only desire is to deliver a healthy, living baby for her husband. When she comes across a letter hidden by her husband saying that she will not survive another pregnancy, she is filled with panic. In comes Alice. Alice is a midwife, who aids Fleetwood during her pregnancy. However with the rise in witchcraft accusations, having Alice deliver Fleetwood's baby becomes a lot more difficult.
I adored this book. I loved Fleetwood- her strength and her passion to do what's right is admirable. She is an amazing character. I was fascinated with the presentation of witches. The Pendle Witch Trials play a huge part in British History. I will say, I enjoyed that Stacey Halls never gives us a definitive answer on whether the females actually were witches or not. She leaves that to the readers.
I 100% recommend this. This is a spellbinding book about women, and let's be honest, we could do with more books like that.
3.5 Stars.
Reading this collection, you could feel the author's pain and grief. The poems about his mother's death were heartbreaking to read, but they served their purpose and conveyed the lingering saddness that comes with a death of a parent. Personally, I loved the poems that covered race. They were impactful and with everything going on in America right now, these poems were the ones that effected me. However, I did think the writing style was average. The informal tone was deliberate, I just think the poems would've hit harder if the writing was a bit more complex. That is just my opinion though, I'm sure a lot of people enjoyed the infomal tone. I do also think some of the poems were quite boring or unnecessary. Some poems left me thinking... "oh ok. Why though?" I just though a few of the poems were irrelevant.
Overall, the author delivered on the emotion, I just think the execution could've been a little better.
Reading this collection, you could feel the author's pain and grief. The poems about his mother's death were heartbreaking to read, but they served their purpose and conveyed the lingering saddness that comes with a death of a parent. Personally, I loved the poems that covered race. They were impactful and with everything going on in America right now, these poems were the ones that effected me. However, I did think the writing style was average. The informal tone was deliberate, I just think the poems would've hit harder if the writing was a bit more complex. That is just my opinion though, I'm sure a lot of people enjoyed the infomal tone. I do also think some of the poems were quite boring or unnecessary. Some poems left me thinking... "oh ok. Why though?" I just though a few of the poems were irrelevant.
Overall, the author delivered on the emotion, I just think the execution could've been a little better.
3.5 Stars
This book was unnerving. It served its purpose in making me extremely uncomfortable. This is a disturbing story following Des, a man consumed with jealousy. Des's POV is split into 2 timelines. The past, where he first meets his soon-to-be wife, Jenny. And the present, where we see his toxic jealousy begin to poison his marriage, and eventually his children's lives.
This is a difficult book to rate. I liked to see the mental health rep in the book, except it was included in a way that just disturbed me. Seeing the way Des perceives things was shocking, and so this book definitely succeeds as a thriller. I do think the writing style was peculiar at times. There was some weird imagery going on, and I couldn't tell if that was due to the fact that we were reading in the point of view of a mentally unstable man, or if the author actually thought it was a good description. Even so, I often found the writing style made the book a little disjointed? I will say this is more of the editors fault than the author. I also thought some parts of Des's POV got a bit repetitive, to the point where I was getting bored and skipping a couple paragraphs.
Overall, the plot was great and the book is a very good thriller, I just think some it was slightly boring at times. I wish it was a bit more fast-paced.
This book was unnerving. It served its purpose in making me extremely uncomfortable. This is a disturbing story following Des, a man consumed with jealousy. Des's POV is split into 2 timelines. The past, where he first meets his soon-to-be wife, Jenny. And the present, where we see his toxic jealousy begin to poison his marriage, and eventually his children's lives.
This is a difficult book to rate. I liked to see the mental health rep in the book, except it was included in a way that just disturbed me. Seeing the way Des perceives things was shocking, and so this book definitely succeeds as a thriller. I do think the writing style was peculiar at times. There was some weird imagery going on, and I couldn't tell if that was due to the fact that we were reading in the point of view of a mentally unstable man, or if the author actually thought it was a good description. Even so, I often found the writing style made the book a little disjointed? I will say this is more of the editors fault than the author. I also thought some parts of Des's POV got a bit repetitive, to the point where I was getting bored and skipping a couple paragraphs.
Overall, the plot was great and the book is a very good thriller, I just think some it was slightly boring at times. I wish it was a bit more fast-paced.