readingwitheden's Reviews (508)

This book had a fantastic concept and plot that I'd never come across before. Dreams and lucid dreaming are both things I find incredibly fascinating so to have a book with these things at their core was a great find for me.

Though I enjoyed the premise, the actual book didn't grip me as much as I'd hoped - maybe it was because I was too busy to properly sit down and enjoy it?

I think some things could have done with further explanation. For example, why did Norman share dreams with Breagal's brother (or did I miss the answer to this?) or was it pure coincidence at first, mixed with him being susceptible and easily influenced? Was there another reason altogether?

Breagal definitely could have taken a darker turn in my eyes. It was hinted at a few times with the situation with Skye and "getting dirty" but I would have liked to see that played with a little bit more.

I loved the survival aspect of it, it gave off an almost apocalyptic vibe which added a whole other dimension (clever seeing as it was a dream and therefore technically WAS a whole other world).

Overall this was an extremely enjoyable book which only had faults for my personal taste. Original and unlike anything else!

Oh god. My heart and my head are so conflicted right now. This was a beautifully and cleverly written book that really grew on me the more I got into it. Throughout the first half or so of the book I didn't feel any sort of urgency or tension, more just waiting for something to happen that I thought would happen. The stakes never seemed really high as you feel as though you can trust Ty and believe what he's saying. Then it started to take a turn and boy oh boy did it make me emotional.

I really really fell for Ty and definitely suffered from Stockholm syndrome myself. Of course I wish the ending was different but I did really like how it ended, and it definitely ended how it should have.

The descriptions of the landscape are really incredible and (being a city kinda girl myself) made me want to be there more than anything - albeit for a short amount of time because my white as hell skin would never cope with that sun.


The character and plot development are so well written and constructed that I couldn't fault the writing if I tried. I'd love for there to be a part 2 and to know how Ty and Gemma both went on from that ending and be back in their world

This was surprisingly well developed for such a short story with such an unusual plot. The characters had different aspects and layers to them and the plot itself was unique and interesting. Quick and enjoyable (should I use a simile? No? No.) and I definitely would have liked for this to be a longer book. The condition she developed could have been explored a lot more and made for a really interesting full length novel, but it was perfectly paced for the length.

I've almost gotten used to this type of mystery-thriller book to the point of no longer being surprised by the endings. I know to expect the unexpected and maybe that's why I didn't enjoy this book as much as I hoped?

I need to start by getting something off my chest. I was so IRRITATED by Nora mentioning her stutter that I never got around to feeling sympathy. It felt way too forced and cliched that I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Mention it once, sure, and include it when she's nervous but enough with the "stop fucking stuttering!" lines please..

Nora in general was a ridiculous character. Nobody obsesses over a teen romance 10 years later. A 6 month romance.. I really found the obsession over this short relationship to be bizarre and not at all believable. Who actually cares?! Who cares enough to kill over it?! Seriously.

I would have preferred for the other characters to have more importance than just simply being there. It felt to me like there was only ever 2 real suspects and I'd have preferred a more complex story with more question as to who and why.

Amnesia is an overused trope that just frustrates me instead of keeping me hooked and questioning. It feels like something writers use when they just need to bulk up the book a bit more and can't think of a better way to do it. I'm sorry!

Now I know I've been pretty harsh but this book was an easy read, and definitely far from the worst book I've ever read. I liked Tom and Nina and the story itself - whilst quite predictable - was entertaining. I found Clare to be an interesting character. I tend to enjoy borderline psychopath characters and actually like them way more than I should. She was probably the best part of the book for me.

Maybe mystery-thrillers lose their fun when you get to know them too much. Maybe they all have a lot of similarities that make them repetitive. But maybe this just wasn't that great.

I decided to read this after watching the film and falling absolutely head over heels in love with it. I'd watch it over and over if I could, but I can't afford that many cinema visits so I bought the book.

I think my opinion and enjoyment of the book were definitely impacted by my love of the movie. If I hadn't seen that, would I have enjoyed the book more? We'll never know.

The Sister is an enjoyable, interesting and (mostly) gripping read. I actually enjoyed the use of "Then" and "Now" chapters and I found it added a lot of tension and mystery to the story that definitely wouldn't have been there without it.

The characters were well written - albeit all slightly frustrating at times - and I loved Grace's development over the novel and I really was rooting for her.

*spoiler* The only thing that let me down was the lack of something really thrilling or exciting. Somehow I never really feared for anyone's life and my guess at the ending was pretty much spot on. The fact that Grace thought that Anna and Charlie looked alike as soon as she met gave it away instantly for me. *spoiler*

I said this the last time I read a psychological thriller and this book has confirmed my thoughts - I've read a few too many to be thrilled or surprised by anything lately. I know what to look for and it's dampening my enjoyment a little.

Aside from that, this book is a stellar example of a psychological thriller and a great introduction to the genre for any newbies out there.

Oh my god that ending was the most disappointing thing ever

(I'll write a proper review when I'm over that goddamn ending)

Hangsaman has to be one of the strangest books I've ever laid eyes on. At face value it's a coming of age novel, not much different to The Bell Jar, but go deeper, further and you have something so intricately crafted and unusual that hits notes like no other. This novel is hard to pinpoint. Not quite one thing, hinting at being something else and constantly morphing to suit itself.

This book is chock-full of unpleasant people that you can't help but hold a place for in your heart (or at least your thoughts). Aside from these people Natalie herself is, I thought, absolutely wonderful. To be pulled so far into the mind of a character that you question what may be real or unreal is something rare to come across, and something I fell absolutely in love with.

I have so much to say about this book that I can't put into words at the level it deserves. I know I'll reread this a few times, and still won't be able to fully understand or describe it.

I have so many feelings about this book and no words that can truly explain them all

I wanted to read something super light, funny and sweet and this was the first thing I thought of. It definitely lived up to my expectations from my inner 13 year old. I LOVED Split by a Kiss and it's one of those teen books I've never really forgotten about. I do think I prefer the first book to this one but it definitely still has all of the same charm. Quick, fun and lighthearted read!