charrlie

Another Insufferable Heroine

Reviewed: 12-24-24

I couldn’t make it to figure out why someone killed her. (although, I am sympathetic)

Lina is a manipulative, whiny, brat and the author wants you to think it’s adorable ala Nord’s gaze. She’s happy to bask in the protection of a guardian and shows her gratitude by continually making situations more difficult. In fact, she makes promises to behave and finds it amusing to break them. This is never redeemed by her choices panning out in a positive way. She tries to seduce him repeatedly after he asks her not to. Not only is she a hypocrite but if she was a male character, she would be a CREEP. (or a predator).

There is a reason there are so many books. The author drags out the story in several ways: Lina inexplicably withholds information that is obviously important to moving the plot forward, so freaking many cringey flirting/seduction scenes, and TONS of inner monologue about how horny she is.

Thankfully, both narrators are fantastic. I will definitely look for their other books.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

A fascinating story I couldn’t finish

Reviewed: 12-11-24

The intention was to make you understand how she was duped and instead it just felt painfully, and willfully, gullible. I think I would have enjoyed a nonfiction book about the case more than her firsthand account.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

With this book, I am out.

Reviewed: 10-08-21

I was absolutely hooked on this series for the first few books. It didn’t take long to become thoroughly annoyed with the entirely convenient idiocy of the main character, but I came to love the rest of St. Mary’s. I was even willing to overlook how many times she explains the most basic concepts that loyal readers are more than familiar with.

As time went on, the plot got thinner and the action filled with more and more droning descriptions and unnecessary introspection either for filler, or to create suspense in lieu of solid narrative. I cancelled my preorder of the next book and have shifted to the Time Police series. She scrapped the first person perspective and it makes for a much better read. I hope her prolific publishing contract doesn’t kill that series as well. How many series can one reasonably be expected to simultaneously produce before quality is bound to suffer?? I think she is up to 4 now.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

With this book, I am out.

Reviewed: 10-08-21

I was absolutely hooked on this series for the first few books. It didn’t take long to become thoroughly annoyed with the entirely convenient idiocy of the main character, but I came to love the rest of St. Mary’s. I was even willing to overlook how many times she explains the most basic concepts that loyal readers are more than familiar with.

As time went on, the plot got thinner and the action filled with more and more droning descriptions and unnecessary introspection either for filler, or to create suspense in lieu of solid narrative. I cancelled my preorder of the next book and have shifted to the Time Police series. She scrapped the first person perspective and it makes for a much better read. I hope her prolific publishing contract doesn’t kill that series as well. How many series can one reasonably be expected to simultaneously produce before quality is bound to suffer?? I think she is up to 4 now.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

Good writing, bad narration

Reviewed: 04-14-21

The way that the narrator spoke as the victims creeped me out. It lacked the seriousness of the subject matter, as if it was any other story. Almost weirdly upbeat at times.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Read this book.

Reviewed: 03-04-20

This was one of the best books I have read in a very long time. Kahlil’s words and narration are endearing and honest. Inspiring story.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!