Lianna
I really enjoyed this short story. I think the progression of the story was really well done, and the psychological breakdown happened so smoothly despite how quickly it progressed. Especially as someone working in a healthcare profession, I really quite enjoyed the exchanges between the main character and her husband and comparing modern practices to the historical context. The only thing that is nagging at me is that the story is written as journal entries from the main character, and during the last entry, I really struggled to imagine her in this highly psychotic state where she is stuck pushing around the room and then shortly turn around and write about what happened. All in all, though, I thought this was a very memorable story and would recommend it to anyone.
I really enjoyed this short story. I think the progression of the story was really well done, and the psychological breakdown happened so smoothly despite how quickly it progressed. Especially as someone working in a healthcare profession, I really quite enjoyed the exchanges between the main character and her husband and comparing modern practices to the historical context. The only thing that is nagging at me is that the story is written as journal entries from the main character, and during the last entry, I really struggled to imagine her in this highly psychotic state where she is stuck pushing around the room and then shortly turn around and write about what happened. All in all, though, I thought this was a very memorable story and would recommend it to anyone.
The plot was enjoyable, and I really loved all of the creative references to the original story. I certainly wouldn't say that this is a modern retelling of the original story, but the inspiration from the original story is definitely there, and it was interesting that the story is set in our normal world. The ending was definitely unexpected, and even though I had to suspend my disbelief a bit more during the end than the rest of the book, I don't think it really took away from the rest of the story. The main reason I'm dropping it down to 4 stars is the amount of smut or times that the characters thought about smut in this book. I feel like it was probably about 40% of the book, so if you love a kinky, erotic read, this would definitely be up your ally. For me, though, it got a bit exhausting, and it would have been nice to see more examples of the development of the relationship and subsequent manipulation beyond just sex.
The plot was enjoyable, and I really loved all of the creative references to the original story. I certainly wouldn't say that this is a modern retelling of the original story, but the inspiration from the original story is definitely there, and it was interesting that the story is set in our normal world. The ending was definitely unexpected, and even though I had to suspend my disbelief a bit more during the end than the rest of the book, I don't think it really took away from the rest of the story. The main reason I'm dropping it down to 4 stars is the amount of smut or times that the characters thought about smut in this book. I feel like it was probably about 40% of the book, so if you love a kinky, erotic read, this would definitely be up your ally. For me, though, it got a bit exhausting, and it would have been nice to see more examples of the development of the relationship and subsequent manipulation beyond just sex.
Honestly, I really should have DNFed this book, but I was stubborn since I own it. I listened to the audiobook which might be part of the reason I didn't enjoy this one so much, but I've also seen reviews saying that they only way they enjoyed the book was with the audiobook, so who knows. I just really struggled to pay attention since there was so much description but very little actual plot, so all of the flowery language kept letting me get distracted. Also, I think one reason the audiobook probably wasn't the way to go was that the book jumps around in time which I didn't realize until about 3/4 of the way through. If I'd had the physical copy, maybe I would have paid more attention to the dates listed in the chapter titles. I can definitely see how some people would enjoy this book, but if you need something with a bit more substance, I don't think this book is for you.
Honestly, I really should have DNFed this book, but I was stubborn since I own it. I listened to the audiobook which might be part of the reason I didn't enjoy this one so much, but I've also seen reviews saying that they only way they enjoyed the book was with the audiobook, so who knows. I just really struggled to pay attention since there was so much description but very little actual plot, so all of the flowery language kept letting me get distracted. Also, I think one reason the audiobook probably wasn't the way to go was that the book jumps around in time which I didn't realize until about 3/4 of the way through. If I'd had the physical copy, maybe I would have paid more attention to the dates listed in the chapter titles. I can definitely see how some people would enjoy this book, but if you need something with a bit more substance, I don't think this book is for you.
This book was absolutely *chef's kiss*. I loved the development of Nesta's character, and of course Maas did a wonderful job of weaving seemingly inconsequential details into the plot that made for such an incredible climax to the book. I also thought that the balance between smut and plot was perfect. I have read other books that are super smutty and have very few other scenes that contribute to the plot which tend to leave me bored. Not this book, though! Plenty of spicy scenes with lots of variety but still lots of actual plot to keep me interested. I definitely thought ACOMAF was my favorite book in the series, but now I'm having trouble deciding between the two!
This book was absolutely *chef's kiss*. I loved the development of Nesta's character, and of course Maas did a wonderful job of weaving seemingly inconsequential details into the plot that made for such an incredible climax to the book. I also thought that the balance between smut and plot was perfect. I have read other books that are super smutty and have very few other scenes that contribute to the plot which tend to leave me bored. Not this book, though! Plenty of spicy scenes with lots of variety but still lots of actual plot to keep me interested. I definitely thought ACOMAF was my favorite book in the series, but now I'm having trouble deciding between the two!