Maria

So, when I saw that this book was available on Scribd, I jumped at the chance to read it, mostly because I loved the TV show so much and binged it in a matter of days. I was certain that I wouldn't like the book nearly as much as I love the show but I was wrong (as is very often the case) and ended up loving the book as much as I love the show. I do wish I would have read the book first, before watching the show, but either way I love both for their own unique aspects and traits.

To begin with, the characterization of this book was probably not like anything I have ever encountered in a book before. The main character, Joe, he just takes you on a rollercoaster ride inside his psyche and it's fascinating and absolutely dreadful at the same time. I found myself trying to understand him throughout the whole book but then I realized that he's definitely a different breed of psychopath and we're probably not meant to understand him completely. That didn't make the journey any less exhilarating though and I inhaled this book! Second person point-of-view is definitely my favorite thing and boy does this book deliver that!

The plot itself was not what I would call the typical stalker tale and there were twists and turns at every corner. Even though I watched the show before, I found myself taken aback by things that happened as if I was only reading it for the first time and didn't have any kind of idea what it was even about. The story just had so much juiciness to it, so much good stuff that it was beyond masterful in that aspect, no wonder they went ahead and made a show about it. In the show they did take out and add some stuff that was or wasn't in the book but that works well for the screen adaptation in my opinion.

The writing style was also very direct, and didn't beat around the bush. Since we were in Joe's head the whole time, this type of writing style would be the only one that would have made sense. And man, was it done beautifully! I gasped so many times all throughout the novel and couldn't put the book down because even though I was a bit nervous as to what would happen next, I also HAD to find out what that exactly was.

All in all, this book is going down as one of my favorite books of all time and I'm not saying that lightly. I would recommend it to anyone who likes psychological thrillers or even any reader who likes books that keep them on the edge of their seats. Especially in our modern age, this novel is in one word-invaluable.

There is only one word I can come up with to describe this book- mesmerizing! It grabbed me by the heart and enchanted me in every way possible! I thought this read was going to be mainly romance but it had everything- romance, mystery, suspense....you name it! I have literally never read a book that had everything I have ever wanted in one single novel and this book did just that! Safe to say I will be reading Reid's other books, sooner rather than later because this one was by far one of the best I have ever read and I don't say that lightly!

To begin with, truthfully I wasn't completely in love with this book until closer to the very end of the novel. The reason for this was because I wanted to dislike the main character Evelyn so much, I really did, but after going on her whole life journey I couldn't deny the fact that she was clearly and very plainly relatable to anyone. All of her life trials, seeing how they changed her into the person she became as a result, they made you hate and love her at the same time. Nothing was simple about this heroine and she's as complicated as they come and yet I don't think I've related to a character more in a very long time. All the characterization, for both of the main heroines was superb and I found myself sad when the story ended because it was like having to leave two close friends after you find out everything about them and what made they who they are in the first place.

Further on, I loved how the book was written with Evelyn, at the very end of her life, telling her life story to Monique, even the bad parts, I think that made for the most exciting read because it revealed a little bit at a time and kept me interested to find out what really makes her tick and how she got to be where she did in life. Also, this is where the suspense came in, something I did not expect from this novel whatsoever, because there were countless mysteries tied into the plot and we got some answers with almost each chapter, which made it hard to put the book down and lose interest. I think this book would make for a very good movie or even a show.

Also, the writing style was top-notch, precise and to the point without being too over simplified, where important details are sacrificed. The chapters were the perfect length and the content in each chapter was just what it should be, what a masterpiece. I really can't say enough good things about this book because it was exceptional.

All in all, this book was something otherworldly, in the best way. It has something for everyone, that you can be certain off and even all the key themes and messages about life are masterfully interwoven to make a tale that will undoubtedly remain for a long time to mesmerize future readers and make massive impressions on them!

Let me start of by saying, I enjoyed this book, I really did but I think because I've been reading so many similar books lately, I almost didn't give this book a fair review. I guess I'm getting to the point where I have a greater appreciation for what I find makes the book the most compelling in my eyes and it's not as easy to give a stellar review anymore. However, even though I have more books to compare from, this book really was well written and a good story in its entirety.

First of, the plot was good. It wasn't the most exciting plot in the world but it definitely was nowhere near bad and was very complete with just enough in the beginning, the middle and the end. Some books don't give enough time for the reader to work through everything that happened and cut the ending very abruptly but this novel did a good job at tying everything in and just bringing it all to a good place. I am more of a fan of plots where the villain isn't so obvious and takes me by surprise but because this story was so well written and orchestrated, I almost didn't mind that here.

Further on, the style of the writing is not my favorite but it works for this book and it got the story across in a satisfactory way. I usually prefer writing that takes us directly into the person's psyche and is more personal from each character's point of view but nevertheless this style was adequate for me and I didn't have much issues with finding the drive to finish the novel all the way through.

In addition, the characterization was also good but not great. I feel like I got a good sense of the characters but I would have liked to get to know them better, I feel like the book just scratched the surface of everything those people are. I think it goes back to the style of writing, first person point of view would have improved this book tremendously in my eyes. With that said, as far as second person point of views go, it was on the higher side.

All in all, this was not a bad book but it didn't wow me either. It was just, “eh”. I would recommend it to someone who wants a lighter, not really mystery novel that will be easy to read but also easy to forget. Definitely not one of the best I have read but also not the worst either. Just mediocre.

This was an interesting read, very deep and thoughtful and it definitely filled me with raw emotion. I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book but the cover drew me in and I gave it a chance and I am definitely very glad I did. Even though I disagree that this book should be labeled under the genre of mystery, it nonetheless delivered a fast-paced, detailed look into what it's like being a girl in a male-dominated society.

To start of, the plot was amazing, delving into many aspects of today's society that is not really talked about. As a woman who can relate to some of the things that the main character has had to go through, this made it a bit more difficult for me to read because it brought back a lot of emotions and reminders about the truths of being a woman in today's modern world. However, it was the good kind of hard and I strongly believe that this book should be read by all, regardless of gender or individual experiences because it's very eye-opening in a lot of ways. Not the typical mystery novel but fantastic in its own way.

The story itself moved at a very comfortable pace and I liked the way the author started with where Ani was at a later time in her life and how she remembered what happened back in the past and how it changed her life forever. I enjoyed seeing the story through her eyes because she isn't your average, cookie-cutter heroine and there are many intricacies to her, many of which we only discover later, as the story progresses and more things are revealed. It was obvious from the beginning that she was far from perfect and yet as we progressed through her story it started to be revealed why she was the way that she was. This really was the strongest aspect for me because as human beings we have many, many layers and I always ponder why someone is the way that they are and how life made them that way.

Further, the writing style was great too and the sentences flowed seamlessly from chapter to chapter. I was able to picture everything as it was happening and there was just enough detail without being too much and taking away from the main storyline. Definitely will be checking out Jessica Knoll's other books in the future.

All in all, even though this book was definitely not what I expected it to be and seemed like a totally different genre all together, it was a phenomenal read and opened my eyes to many of the sad/hard truths in today's modern world. The way that it approaches difficult topics and ties them into an exciting plot, full of twists and turns, makes it a truly one-of-a-kind book. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to grow as a human being and is not afraid to open their minds to hard topics and painful truths, regardless of that person's gender. This book was one of those instances where I was expecting one thing and got a lot more of something even better.

Ah, I wanted to love this book, I really did but I had too many issues with it to overlook them. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad at all, it's just not the best in my opinion. I love psychological thrillers and got this book from The Book of the Month Club a long time ago but it fell short at delivering a fascinating story.

To begin with, I could absolutely NOT get over the style that this book is written in. I find that it completely takes away from the experience and the whole plot since it prevents the book from flowing effortlessly and I found myself going back and rereading some parts to clarify, for example, what was happening to the character at the present moment and what the character was remembering from what happened to them before. I have never had such a hard time deciphering what was in the past and what was in the now.

In continuation, it took a good chunk of the book to get all the characters straight and the fact that the novel jumps around between perspectives quite a bit, I just couldn't get the different characters to stick. This is also probably partially due to the problematic characterization I found because even though the characters all had different lives and backgrounds, there wasn't anything that made them stand out to me and see them as potentially real people.

Furthermore, the plot is decent, perhaps the stronger aspect of the book and I found that I had no idea who the bad guy was and it really did take me by surprise at the end. However, because of the lack of the other aspects, the plot was overshadowed by them and still made it difficult for me to get through this book, even though it is on the rather shorter side.

However, even though the plot makes up for some of the other negatives, the way that the plot was executed is not ideal and whereas the first seventy percent of the book moved extremely slow, the ending was abrupt and too short, not giving us much. It's really a shame because the plot was really a rather good one, just not written in the best way, in my opinion.

All in all, this book was mediocre at best and even though the plot is somewhat decent, there were too many negatives to cancel or even balance it out. I would also be okay with trying another book by Aimee Molloy, however if all the other books are written in the same style I would not be able to get through them, it just irritates me too much. I would not recommend this book, there were just too many problems with the execution even though the plot is a pretty good one.

This book definitely took the breath right out of me and had me grasping the edge of my seat the entire time, so there was no shortage of excitement in this novel. Fast paced, with twists and turns at every corner, I was sucked into its plot until the very end and my head is still spinning even though I am officially done with it. This has been my first Ruth Ware novel and it was definitely a terrific one, I will be picking up more novels by her without a doubt.

The thing I liked the most about this novel was the outstanding plot, not many books can give me high blood pressure like this one did, I literally had to catch my breath a few times. From the very beginning, it captivated my attention and I couldn't put the book down because the pacing of the plot was flawless and there was not a moment where I felt bored or like I couldn't keep reading any further. On the contrary, I felt like I had to keep going, had to keep finding out more and getting more answers to all the questions I had. The plot was unlike any I've ever encountered before and that is saying a lot.

The writing style was also very well done and it was quite an effortless read, the story flowing easily and coming alive right before my eyes. The sentences themselves weren't overly simplistic and yet not redundantly stretched out either, just how I like them to be. It was easy to imagine what was going on to the point that I was able to see the story as it unraveled from the heroines eyes.

Since my previous books were mostly from different characters' perspectives, this book was different in that regard and yet I was totally okay with that. The heroine was someone that I felt I could definitely relate to in many ways and she had many flaws as well, which made her even more real and concrete in my eyes. Many times I felt as though I was feeling what she was feeling, her pain and dread and whatever other emotions she was feeling, were my own. Hence, why I am pretty sure this book gave me high blood pressure a few times. In a good, exhilarating way of course.

In conclusion, this book is a terrific mystery thriller and I would recommend it to anyone who loves that genre. I would advise that you clear up some time to read it in a few sittings at the most though, because it will swallow you up from the very first page and not let you relax until you have finished it to the very end. The only thing is, I wish the ending was a little longer and a bit more extended but overall it was an exhilarating and very fast paced read!

I assumed this book wasn't my cup of tea. I assumed I would have a hard time getting through it. I assumed it was going to be too out there and unrelatable for me. Well, I'll be the first to admit I was WRONG! This book was so much more than I could have ever imagined and Stephen King challenges, once again, everything I have ever thought I knew about humans and how we do life. It's his extraordinary skill to convey meaningful truths about life and the human psyche through his works which really makes him one of my all time favorite authors, because not many authors can pull it off in such a fantasy-based genre.

I will be honest, when I first picked this book up, I didn't know what to expect. I have chosen it years ago from The Book of the Month club because I liked the cover and the author was so famous and highly regarded. I usually prefer reading more realistic fiction but I decided to give this nightmare-like novel a try because I was curious and wanted to expand my horizons when it came to books. Plus, I was slightly intimidated by the length of this book, unsure if I'd ever be able to get through it.

Well, the fact that I got through it in ten days and had a hard time putting it down should tell you everything you need to know! I was literally reading it late into the night and during the kids' naptime, guess I just really needed to know what was going to happen. And I mean, what a unique and masterfully done plot! Not many people can take something out of their nightmares and construct it into a meaningful story with a beginning, middle and an end but Kind did it perfectly. No detail was overlooked and the plot moved with such effortless speed, not too rushed, not too slow. Things were revealed in their right times and everything was perfectly woven together to deliver a powerful novel about the human race.

I also really liked the different perspectives of all the characters in the story and how we got a little blurb for each of them in all the various situations and their perceptions of the events as they transpired. I found myself being able to relate even to the worst characters, the ones with the seemingly worst souls and least regard for other human beings. It made me realize that all human beings are flawed, each in their own way, it just comes out differently in every individual.

Further, I think Stephen King is the only writer I know that can expand on seemingly pointless details but make them into something that conveys something so significant about the different characters and to the plot as a whole. The writing flowed smoothly and it was easy to get lost in the world that Stephen King had created from his imagination.

I am really not one for fantasy based fiction but for Stephen King I can make an exception. Not only will I continue reading all his other work, but I have no doubt that his books will continue to move me and change me for the better, reminding me of important truths and life lessons I might have forgotten or withdrawn from. The way that he writes, it's easy to imagine his seemingly unbelievable world and even be transported into them. I would, without any hesitation, recommend this book to anyone who wants to be moved beyond anything they could even fathom, from a single book. Even if you think that fantasy is not your cup of tea, give this book a chance, you won't be disappointed!

I didn't know it was possible but I can say with all honesty that this book was a little too much for me. I wanted to give it the full five stars but there were some things and some parts of the book that just didn't do it for me, although in all this book is fantastic and a very intense, dark read.

It took me finishing the whole book to understand what made me feel that the book was too much for me, it was the lack of different perspectives and seeing things from different character's eyes. At first, I took the main character's truth as the actual truth but soon realized that he was very biased and deluded in his love for the heroine, V. This not being able to trust him and his words anymore really made me feel uneasy and didn't give me any real sense of closure, since his obsessiveness with V didn't let go for even a moment and we never really found out the actual truth, just what we could construct from his overly false sense of it.

The plot was also not the most exciting one, although it did have some more exciting moments towards the end, after starting off very slowly. I prefer books with a real mystery in it but this was just a simple crime, followed by everyone's different versions and reconstructions of the events that led up to the main crime. I hate that even after the book has been read, I have no concrete knowledge of who is lying and who is telling the truth, just my own opinions. I came out of this book with more questions than I started with and that is something I am not used to when it comes to reading novels.

The main character, Mike, he is very well developed and because we are always in his head, we get a very complete sense of who he is, although we can't be sure that what he is saying and also thinking is completely accurate to the events as they transpire. I have not come across such a complicated, conflicted and wonderfully intricate character in a novel in a very long time and that really pushed me to keep reading, even when the plot was mediocre at best.

The writing style was pretty good too, although it didn't flow as effortlessly as I would have preferred and the sentences themselves could have been cut down and made just a tiny bit more simple. Although now that I am writing this, I realize that the style of the writing makes more sense when I think about who's head all these thoughts are happening in and in that case, the writing fits very well in this individual situation.

All in all, this book had a lot of things I loved and also some that I didn't really care for. Maybe because I am already quite an intense and emotional person myself, the point of view of the main character was a bit too overwhelming for me, especially since it extended for the whole book. Maybe it just feels unnerving to me because as crazy as the main character is, I can also understand and see his perspective, even if I don't quite agree with it. I would recommend this book for someone who is looking for an INTENSE reading experience and wants to be completely immersed into the mind of someone obsessed with another person, not really someone looking for the most unique and exciting plot. I quite enjoyed it but it was definitely not a personal favorite.

This book CHILLED me to the bone, that's how shocking and deep and monumental it was for me! When I started reading this book, I almost stopped due to the mere topic that this book centers around: abduction, but I literally for the life of me could NOT PUT THE DANG THING DOWN! This book will probably give me nightmares for some months to come because as a young mom of two, I love my children more then anything and the whole storyline was heartbreaking but what I got out of this book is irreplaceable, a fresh perspective on life and just how short and unpredictable it is and how everything could change at any moment so we have to embrace the now.

First of, the storyline was gripping and very well thought out and developed. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested and the chapters were short at to the point, my favorite kinds. Also, in most instances the change in perspective between characters every chapter would annoy the crap out of me but in this book it made sense and fit very well with every other aspect of it. The book was divided into five terrifying parts and I felt as though I inhaled it reading it in a matter of days.

Further on, the characters were all very complicated and came alive within the story itself. And since the story jumped between perspectives of different characters, we got to see into the mind of most of them and got to experience their psyche, even the most terrifying one.

The writing style was impeccable, literally can't think of anything I would want to change. All the jumping around from perspective to perspective and from first person to second person didn't take away from the story at all, it only made it that much more exciting and memorable. This is something that in my opinion doesn't work in majority of books this book is an exception to the rule.

In conclusion, there is nothing about this book that I didn't like. It grabbed my heart from the moment I first started reading it and will not let go for as long as I live. From the storyline to the gripping characters, this book is beyond extraordinary and even though it was hard to read due to the topic, it was also impossible not to read it and feel as though it has impacted my life in every aspect of it. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a mystery with a lot of twists and turns but also wants something deeper from their reads, something that can seep into their very soul and stay there.

I have one word- WOW. There is nothing else that can adequately illustrate what I am feeling right now. When I picked this book up at my local supermarket, I didn't think much of it and haven't even been able to get into the show whatsoever. However, upon having finally finished reading it, I am moved beyond anything I could have imagined from this book. It has opened my eyes in more ways than one and will forever be one of my favorite books of all time.

To begin with, the book follows a rather unique writing pattern. We go from the peak of the climax to the very beginning of when things first started to slowly transpire and started building up to the main event. Every chapter draws us closer to the truth and a little is revealed, or seemingly little things anyways. Those little things really end up being a very big part of the complete and whole picture. What a unique look into the psyche of human beings and the way that our minds perceive events and then the whole process that our minds undergo transforming those events into thoughts, twisting and totally changing them as we go. I also really liked how after every chapter and being given one more important part of the story, there was the dialogue that the detective was having with the people involved in the crime and who were on the scene at the time of the crime. I have never seen this being done in books before and it definitely stood out to me.

In addition, the writing style was by far my favorite type. It was precise and to the point without being too drawn out or too short. It was a joy to read because the chapters were also not too long and too short and because of that the story moved at a very nice pace, without being too rushed or being stretched out too long. I am not one to reread books ever but I might just have to reread this one in the future because it was that good.

Further on, the characters were my favorite part of the whole book because they all had their little intricacies and I loved how far inside their minds we were able to go. We really found out what made them tick and it really made for memorable characters that jumped out at me as I read through the story.

All in all, this book is one of a kind. I am not one for “momma drama” type stories but this was so much more than that. There were really complicated issues addressed in this book as well but in a very slightly dark humor kind of way. And the crime at the center of the story just really kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't stop reading until I got all the answers and they all took me by surprise.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good crime mystery and not to get discouraged by the seemingly useless momma drama in the very beginning because it all ties in perfectly at the end and makes sense. What a fantastic read!

I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book, I really didn't. I was hoping for a mystery and ended up getting a whole lot more. This book is so far out of anything I have ever read or usually ever read and yet I found out I really enjoyed it. I'm not one for horror or terror genre but in this case it was very thoroughly explained and shown, the need for said terror and horror. All in all, I was more then pleasantly surprised, I was elated.

To begin with, the story itself, it was one of those ‘I've never seen anything like it' plots and I loved it. I didn't have much to go off on, considering I don't usually read genres like this, but regardless it was a rollercoaster that I didn't want to get off of. I am definitely very grateful that I picked this book up off of the ‘Book of the Month Club'.

Next, the characters jumped up off the page and by the middle of the book, you felt like you'd really enjoy having a drink or two with them, that's how well we really got to know them. I appreciated that the characters were flawed in more ways then one, which made them so much more relatable, and therefore human. Sometimes characters get on my nerves a little when they try to be too much of a hero and spend too much time being perfect, well not this group of people. Raw and unfiltered, I really grew to like them a lot.

Further, the writing style was done really well and I didn't have many complaints about that either. It was precise and to the point without being too short and not giving us enough of a picture of what was going on. I was able to picture what was happening in the moment and the action was masterfully woven into the story, as were the slower parts. I could definitely see this being turned into a movie because it was playing in my head like a movie as I was reading it.

All in all, this story couldn't have been further from my usual cup of tea and yet I liked every single thing about it. I was afraid that it would be too gory for me (and it was gory), but the gore was done in a tasteful way and the mystery was explained, so the gore wasn't useless as in a lot of horror genre works. So it was definitely a mystery, mixed with a lot more action than I'm used to and adventure. I think anyone who likes any of those genres will really like this book and I definitely will be reading the second book in the series and more books by this author, after I recover from this book and the lasting impact it made on me. Sometimes it pays off to venture outside of your usual route and in this case, I hit the jackpot.

Oh man, I had high expectations for this book, I really did. It didn't help that the last book I read was so extraordinary in my eyes and I was really hoping for another book afterwards to blow me away. Oh well, guess we can't always get what we want. The book itself wasn't too bad, it was just....mediocre.

The plot wasn't anything too creative but it was interesting enough to keep me reading because I was curious to see how it unfold and ends. I liked that the chapters were short but even with the short chapters, the story stretched on and was unnecessarily dragged out. I would have liked to see more excitement and action in equal amounts all throughout the book and I would have liked to be given more in terms of trying to figure out who killed Rosalind, so I could solve it for myself. I am very clueless and usually can't figure out who the killer is in most cases but in this case, I don't think we were given anything for a long time to lead us in the right direction of who the actual killer is.

In addition, the style of the writing would have been much better in my eyes if it wasn't written in “present” tense. It made the book a little more confusing for me and it took me a little bit to get used to it. It's very possible that it just wasn't my cup of tea but this alone might deter me from reading the rest of the books in the series and by the same author. I guess it also depends what you're used to but this tense made me feel uncomfortable and affected how the story flowed for me and unfolded. In my opinion it was the biggest negative aspect of this book.

Further on, the characterization is also lacking in my eyes. The characters have potential to transcend beyond the book and into the real world but they don't quite make it there. It's almost like they are only partially completed and I would have liked to see more of their soul peak through. There was some depth there and I got to know the main heroine of the story to an extent but she didn't quite become real in my eyes.

I actually think that the book for me is closer to three stars then four but it definitely has potential and the raw material that could have been turned into something exceptional. I will try to give more of Bailey's books a chance in the future but for now, I am going to need a break. All in all, the book wasn't bad, it jut wasn't particularly great. I would recommend it to people who are not bothered by the “present” tense and who like books with less action and less on the crazy and twisted side. It could potentially be an enjoyable read if you aren't expecting the book to be life changing in any way.

I really wasn't sure what to expect with this one. I saw it on one of the choices for The Book of the Month club and after reading the synopsis I decided to give it a chance. It's fascinating to me how becoming a reader has truly broadened my horizons because in the past I would never have read much of anything that wasn't strictly romance based. And even though I still love to read epic romances and all that, I can appreciate other genres, especially if they are written well.

From the moment I opened this book, I was NOT able to put it down. Who would have thought that a book that centers around the friendship of a group of boys would be so enjoyable to read? I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and the whole plot was so unpredictable that I seriously had no idea what really happened and who did it until it was revealed to me.

To start of, the layout of this book makes for a very intriguing read that doesn't bore at all. It bounces between the main character, Eddie, as an adult and back when he was a kid, growing up with his circle of friends and how they come about to discovering a murder. I love that little bit is revealed here and there, important stuff that doesn't seem all that important at the moment but in the grand scheme of things really helps build the book up into something extraordinary. The author was really phenomenal at using small details to make the story that much more thrilling and to just help it all come alive. Honestly, I think they should make this book into a movie because that would be one awesome movie I'd love to see.

In addition, the writing style of this book was really top notch in my opinion. Not too complicated and yet not overly simplistic, the sentences flowed very smoothly and didn't take away from the very well thought out plot. Sometimes, with certain books, I find I have to re-read certain sentences in order to get the very essence of what they are trying to convey but with this book, I had to do no such thing. On the contrary, I found myself reading at a pace I am not used to reading with, all because everything was precise and well written and directly to the point.

Further more, the characters definitely left their marks on me. They came alive right before my eyes and there was something about each and every one of them that I could relate to, even though they seemingly had nothing to do with me whatsoever. It's just that all of them had little interesting insights all throughout the book and the main character, Eddie, he was really good at pondering and thinking all those very deep thoughts. You could see how mature and observant he was, even from a young age and it was also evident that the events of the book transformed him, shaped him into a very unique adult.

All in all, this book is one of a kind. If someone like me, who usually needs a good amount of romance in her books loved it this much and had a hard time putting it down, lots more will definitely enjoy it just as much. From the plot, writing style, characterization and everything else, this book is really top notch and masterfully created. I'd recommend it to anyone!

On the surface this books has it all: suspense, a great/captivating plot, developed characters....etc. But even with that, something was missing a little bit for me. I can't quite put my finger on it but that's the only reason I decided to give this book four stars instead of five. It might also have something to do with this being my first book in quite a while since having my second child over a year ago. I have finally started doing things I enjoy again and even though I can't give all my time to reading novels (even though I would love to be able to do that), I have managed to find at least half and hour each day.

To begin with, I decided to restart this book again since I was not able to finish it last time because I gave birth and then life got really busy and chaotic. The plot was totally up my alley, a psychological thriller full of twists and turns that, for the most part, kept me on the edge of my seat and made me want to keep reading. However, it was a bit confusing at first because of the way the book was organized since it switches between the main heroine of the book and also to the book that she is writing since she herself is a fictional writer. It took a little bit to get the characters straight in my head but once I got the hang of that, everything else seemed to flow smoothly. Definite props for creativity.

Even though the plot was twisty and messed up (just how I like them), at times it seemed to drag when I felt it didn't need to. Sometimes it would slow down and then all of a sudden take off and pick up at a very quick pace. I think for that reason, I can't get myself to give this book five out of five stars, the flow was just not doing it for me.

The characters were also well thought out and written but I couldn't quite picture them out in the real world, among other human beings. I guess the overall sense of who they were was definitely in there but did not really penetrate further down, at least not for me. The main heroine had a lot going on in her psyche and I definitely felt for her but not enough to actually relate and feel extreme sympathy towards her and what she was going through. I guess I just prefer all the feelings, Every. Single. One. Of. Them.

The style of the writing was precise and to the point, even though at times it got a little bit confusing trying to picture the exact action in the book that I was reading. In certain places I could have used a little more to paint the exact picture for me as it was happening. All in all, quite an easy and quick read.

In summary, although this book checks most of my boxes in terms of what I am looking for in a good, entertaining read, it doesn't go above and beyond and manages to deliver a pretty good read but not enough of a good read to have me obsess over it for months to come. All in all, not bad but not outstanding.

Wow, wow, wow, WOW! Finally, a book that gave me exactly what I wanted and needed- which is practically everything. This book packs a serious punch of all the ingredients that I personally need in order to make it impossible for me to put the book down. There were so many twists and turns, I literally had no idea what to even think or who to suspect whatsoever. In that sense, this book reminds me of Gone Girl, except in that one I was completely shocked somewhere closer to the middle of the book and in Final Girls it was more towards the very end.

This is my third book from Book of the Month Club and I think they finally got it right or maybe I just spent more time reading the plots before deciding which book to chose. I honestly don't even know how I'm going to put my love for this book into words but I know I have to try.

Let's begin with the way the chapters were laid out- I loved going between Quincy's present day life and then having a small chapter that focused on what actually happened at Pine Cottage all those years ago and the drama that led up to the murder rampage. Sure, not every chapter was action packed but even the Pine Cottage drama chapters were necessary to the book as a whole because they really gave us an in-depth look into the complex relationships between the unlucky characters who were at Pine Cottage when the murders happened. This gave me a chance to bond with all the characters, even the minor ones.

And don't get me started on the main characters- Quincy, Coop, Sam, Jeff- these characters grabbed at my quickly beating heart and refused to let go. I loved that all of them had memorable flaws that in reality all human beings undoubtedly possess. It also made them all so much more relatable, even the characters who were seemingly really “out there” and really peculiar human beings.

Moving on, the writing was done in a truly masterful way with the flow moving effortlessly and not lagging behind on something. I loved that the sentences were complex and yet didn't bore or go into too much unnecessary detail. The story itself kept up a good pace and the chapters were on the shorter side which I definitely prefer because it made me keep reading, not wanting to put the book down for the life of me. And quite frankly, that's saying a lot, considering the fact that I'm 7 months pregnant at the moment and have to keep up with a toddler who's turning two in less than a week. Reading has become a kind of me time, a quiet moment when I don't have to clean or change poopy diapers but just get to dive head first into someone else's life. This is seriously why I was so happy to get a book that was exactly my cup of tea.

Also, the term “final girls” was something very new to me and for this reason I am very impressed that this book was also able to teach me something new and to open my eyes to something I've never given much thought about before. Sager is truly innovative in that aspect as well.

As I've mentioned before, in previous reviews, I love me a twisted book- the more twisted the better and Final Girls by Riley Sager delivered big time. Overall, this book is for anyone who appreciates things that are outside the box, the types of books that don't come with a plot that's perfectly wrapped in a nice little bow with everything laid out neatly and in a logical way that you already see coming a mile away. If you want a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and give you surprise after surprise that you didn't see coming at all, then this book is for you. Definitely one of my favorite books of all time!

Okay, so before I begin writing about the reasons why I did or didn't like the book I just noticed that this book took me exactly three months to read. I honestly think that it's a combination of the book not being my cup of tea (again) and the fact that I'm pregnant and have a two year old to keep up with on a daily basis.

Alright, so first of- when will I learn my lesson? This is the second book I have received from Book of the Month club and again I am a bit disappointed. This book was not my cup of tea whatsoever and I should have spent more time going through the synopsis and ruling out which one would have worked the best for me. I enjoyed these kinds of books when I was younger but as I have grown up a lot in the past few years, they just don't hold the same excitement for me anymore. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy the book at all, there were times when I did enjoy it, it's just the book was in general not for me.

I do need to give credit where it's due though, this was my first book with the central romantic relationship being between two gay men and I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of it. However, with that said, some of the romance was a bit on the cheesy side along with the dialogue that accompanied it. Some but far from all.

The writing style of this book was more on the simpler side than I prefer. Even though it was written in a very concise and easy to understand manner, sometimes it seemed a little too simple. This contributed to the reason why this book took me so long to finish- the writing simply failed to keep me on the edge of my seat and in dire need to continue until the very end.

In addition, the topic itself wasn't one that I care to read a whole book about. Sure, romance is my favorite thing about books but in this case it was just too much and a lot of it ended up sounding forced and just not realistic.

Moving on, the characterization was probably my favorite thing about this whole book and it still lacked in this area for me. The characters were somewhere between two-dimensional and three-dimensional. This meaning that even though they weren't the most boring characters I've ever encountered in books, they failed to move me emotionally and I didn't feel worried or concerned for them in most instances.

Also, whilst the first three-fourths of the book dragged and made it very difficult to continue reading, the last fourth changed that significantly. At the climax I was finally able to get into the book a bit more and actually enjoyed myself somewhat.

All in all, this book failed to deliver to me in many ways, aside from not being a particularly liked genre of mine. I would recommend this book only to young teenagers that haven't yet experienced the more grown-up aspects of life.

Wow, I haven't written a book review in what seems like forever but that's because life has a funny way of getting out of control sometimes. It's unfortunate that because of having a kid I don't have as much time to read anymore but I'm making the most of it and trying to get in as much reading as I possibly can before the second baby comes in November.

Now, I got this book off of the Book of the Month site and I have to say, I'm liking it so far. I signed up for this book delivery service because I have a bad habit of judging books by their covers and not picking up the ones with covers that don't appeal to me. I thought this might help me expand my book reading horizons. I would recommend this service to people who are into books definitely, without a doubt.

Now with Startup, I really didn't know what to expect whatsoever. The synopsis seemed like something I could potentially like but not exactly my cup of tea. And even though I enjoyed this book immensely and liked countless things about it, I was right about it not being my cup of tea. It's just the whole topic of the book and even the plot itself wasn't something that I find all that exciting or interesting. I mean, I enjoy technology but purely for enjoyment purposes and nothing beyond that. The entrepreneurial aspect of it was definitely eye opening and taught me some things I didn't know but I still probably won't pick up another book on the same subject.

Now, with that being said, I have no more negative things to say about this book because from every other standpoint- this book was completely brilliant. For one, the writing style was very intelligent and not overly simplistic without also being too drawn out and just tedious. This contributed to the flow of the book and even though we were jumping from character to character with each chapter, it was an effortless transition and didn't make us confused. I mean, being a busy mom and all, it's quite a miracle that I finished this book in about a month considering the fact that I barely even have time to read. I simply had to make time for this book because I wanted to know what happened next and I also couldn't stop reading it once I started.

Further on, I really enjoyed all the different characters and felt like I got a good sense of who they were on the inside most importantly. I was even able to picture them as concrete people in my head and that rarely happens because my imagination isn't all that good- you can probably attribute that to mom brain. Going off that, I loved the way that the characters intertwined in each other's lives, even if their connections didn't start off that close at all. They did, however, progress, grow and change as the story developed further and further on.

In summary, I would recommend this book especially to people who's interest in tech stuff goes beyond mere enjoyment of it or perhaps those who want to expand their knowledge base of it a little and maybe even learn something in the process. Masterfully written and laid out, this book serves as an excellent example of writing done right- in every which way.

As I delved into Dare Me by Megan Abbott, it was almost like I was transformed back to my highschool days, one of the worst times of my entire life. I had a very hard time in high school and got bullied and picked on alot. So, right of the bat, this book was about a topic that hit really close to home for me. It was almost like a nightmare but at the same time I couldn't stop reading it because it was exhilirating and had many twists and turns I really didn't see coming at all.

One of the things that drew me in most about this book, was that it approached the high school topic from a different angle, a different perspective. Instead of being from the side of the “good girl”, who gets picked on and made fun of, we get a glimpse into the world of the “bad girl”, or the one who does the making fun. I got a very good look into the downside of being the popular girl and all the negatives that come with that. Nice to know that everybody has their challenges in high school and that I was not alone.

Megan Abbott writes in a very unique style, that is a little harder to get used to but is very addictive once you get used to it. For a little while, I actually thought that I would be giving this book four stars and not five, for this exact reason. However, after a few chapters, the writing style didn't bother me at all and the rest of the book flowed smoothly and effortlessly. I also loved the shortness of the chapters, because this kept the book moving and prevented it from dragging. I think most of the action actually happens towards the end of the book, but because the chapters were so short and the topic was one I was really interested in getting a better understanding of, I didn't mind this one bit.

Characterization speaks for itself here because any author that manages to get the reader to sympathize with a “bad” character is a master in that area. I didn't want to like Addy, or even Beth, but I couldn't help but feel for them or even with them. And Coach, I could never forget Coach, a prime example of money not being able to buy happiness. I understood all of them, even when I didn't want to admit it and this made them all the more realistic.

Another amazing thing is how this book had a little bit of everything. It had romance, mystery, crime, drama and many other genre categories, all packed into one terrific book. For this reason, I think anybody would enjoy this book, because they would never get bored.

All in all, even though I originally expected to be disappointed in this book because it seemed to me like something that you would read in a Middle School literature class, I was highly impressed. Not only does this book have a very intense and exhilirating plot, but it is also packed with larger-than-life characters, all of whom are flowed in many ways. For this reason, I recommend this book to anyone who can appreciate a good novel.

Wow. Just WOW. I don't know why I've never read a Stephen King novel before because I've really been missing out. I think it's mostly because I thought all of his novels were horror stories, like It and Carrie and that's really not my cup of tea. I am glad that I was wrong because not only have I discovered a new favorite author and book, but I can't wait to read all his other works. Even the super scary and gory ones.

Bag of Bones was so intense, that there were moments when I had to take a break from reading and go outside to smoke a cigarette. If that's not an indication of an amazing book, I don't know what is. For the whole time that I was reading this book, I often found that it was on my mind, even when I wasn't reading it. The story has seeped into my skin and kept me on edge, even in the real world. The reason for this is because it's just realistic enough where you can imagine something like it happening in the real world. After all, I am a believer of ghosts and the paranormal.

Another reason why this book resonated so deeply with me is because I am at a stage in my life where I can relate, especially to Mattie and her love for her daughter, Kyra. My daughter is ten months old and I know for a fact that if I wasn't a mother myself, I would not have been able to understand Mattie's emotions and her deep bond with her daughter. This also made it hard to read at certain times, because the pain and emotions I felt from her hit too close to home.

And what a terrific writer Stephen King is. I was afraid that the book would be too long for me and would drag on and on, but that was not the case. He is a master in storytelling and I don't think I've ever had the chance to see so deeply into a character's soul. Michael Noonan, the main character in the story, was me- we were one. That's how well I got to know him. He was far from just “a bag of bones”, he might as well have been my best friend in the real world.

Also, the writing flowed smoothly and challenged me as well. There was complexity in his sentences and style, and yet it didn't derail me from continuing to read this book. I actually think it added a kind of sophistication that I have never seen in another book before. It challenged me as a reader, something that not many books have done since I graduated from college. I realize now that I have been playing it safe when it comes to choosing what books I want to read on my own free time. Just because a book is a quick read doesn't make it the right book to read for when I want to relax. After this book, I am going to dive into other famous writers' books. I want to read everything, not just the easy/fun stuff.

Further on, I loved the fact that this book had a lot of mysteries going on the entire time but that at the heart of the book was an even different story line all together. I think this kept me even more interested because I never got bored of any one particular thing. Also, it had equal parts action and also what I would call as “personal reflection” from the protagonist of the story. I loved all of Mike Noonan's thought processes as the plot unfolded but I still got a bunch of action and stuff happening as well. It was a perfect balance between the two.

The only thing I have to complain about this book, is that it tied everything in the end perfectly. What's my problem, right? I mean it seems like I have complained time and time again in the past about books leaving us hanging with no idea how things actually ended or if they ended at all. But I guess, in this book, I almost wanted the mystery to continue- to get just enough but not everything. But who am I kidding, if that would have been the case I probably would have complained about not getting all the answers I wanted anyways. There's no winning with me in this situation and that's entirely on me.

All in all, this book was the first serious book I have read in a long time and it was much needed. It has opened my eyes to the possibility of reading more serious works from famous authors. I guess, I have thought in the past that these books would be too much for me but now I realize that's not a bad thing at all. I would recommend this book to everyone, and I know that no matter what I say about it, I would not be able to do this amazing story justice. Just read it and see for yourself.

Can't believe it took me so long to finish another book and write a review for it but life is crazy with a nine month old and on top of that I've been working really hard on my fitness so bare with me.

I actually picked up this book because I thought it would be a light read with a mystery to solve in the middle of it but I was somewhat wrong. Yes, the book itself is pretty light and reads very fast but there's no real mystery in the foundation of this book. I guess it's my fault for not reading the synopsis too carefully. What I got instead was a murder/action book. Don't get me wrong, this book wasn't bad by any means but it failed to blow me away nevertheless.

The mediocrity of this book begins with the way that it's laid out. Point of view goes from the main “hero” character to the main bad guy and switches with every chapter. At first, this annoyed me immensely but after a while I got used to it especially after getting acquainted with the characters. While this is a unique way to keep the reader on their toes, I prefer not knowing who the bad guy is until the very end. I guess it's my fault for picking a book that wasn't completely the genre I was looking for at the moment. I did, however, enjoy getting into the mind of a crazy, deranged serial killer.

In addition, the plot itself was good. I haven't read many books with the same direction but then again I haven't read many books at all. However, good is all it was. Nothing more, nothing less. I was curious to know what would happen next but not curious enough to keep reading all night long. Also, the chapters overlapped here and there and we often read the same scene twice from two different perspectives. Although in certain other instances this adds something special to a book, in this instance it seems unnecessary and rather redundant.

Another thing to point out is that the characterization of the book was on the higher level of the mediocrity scale. I enjoyed getting to know the characters but they are not going to stay with me long after I finish this book. I don't even know if I'm all that eager to read the second book in this series. I might read it one day, but probably not in the near future.

In conclusion, NYPD Red is a letdown for a book, especially one that has been so widely publicized and spread throughout the media channels. I was expecting more from such a renowned author. With that said, it's not a bad book by far and is perfect for anyone looking for a fast paced and easy read that has a lot of action in it.

I wanted to give this book four stars, I really did but after struggling to finish the already short story I just couldn't lie to myself. I would actually rate this book on the higher spectrum of my three-star shelf but that doesn't erase the fact that it failed to move me in any way whatsoever.

Now, before getting into the details of why this book failed to deliver, I would just like to point out the fact that the synopsis is misleading. Deanna Beaufort, the main heroine of this novel is not that hard to manage as a wife, regardless of what the synopsis would have you believe. They make her out to be this spitfire when she is absolutely not. Mitchell is more true to the summary but even he is a little too quickly seduced and swayed by his deep feelings for Deanna.

I have to admit, it is partially my fault for jumping into this book because of the pretty cover and for buying it for free also for the same reason. I thought it would be a light, fun, easy romance to read but it was rather on the long, old fashioned/boring side. What I mean is that the book seemed rather long and I had a very hard time getting through it, even though the book itself wasn't long at all. The story was kind of stretched out even when it didn't need to be. I think this book could have achieved what it did in half of its actual length. And even though the main heroine was a huge traditionalist and very old fashioned in terms of her values and beliefs, I would still have liked to see a little more life and vivaciousness from her. I mean, she's supposed to be repressed by her grandma's wishes, isn't she? So why isn't she acting out against it?

I will say that even though the characters were not quite as full as I would have liked them to be, her writing was pretty solid. Even a little on the easy side, the story itself was written beautifully and showcased well in that aspect. It flowed smoothly and made getting through it a little easier.

Now, my main issue with the book was the overload of romance that was a bit on the cheesy side. I mean, I get that these two characters fall in love with each other quickly but not this quickly. I would have liked to see a little more resistance, at least from Deanna. It would have showed her as being more real and less cookie-cutter like. Also, the dialogue was a bit unrealistic at some places and this made the romance seem even more pretentious and cheesy.

The smut was, as everything else with this book, mediocre. It was not by any means the worst smut I have ever read but it also wasn't the best. It was, by lack of a better word, average. There wasn't much variation in the vocabulary or imagination in the sex scenes themselves. Not a book that will be engraved in my mind forever. Not even close.

I guess, what it comes down to is that the story seemed like merely a tiny portion of what it could truly be. I would recommend this only to people who like mediocre love stories, that have nothing else to offer. Simply put, there is nothing special about this book and it shows. And for this reason, I am in no hurry to read the next book in the series, even though I might give another one of Noelle's books a chance in the future. Just not the near future.

I am happy to say that even though the previous book in this series hugely disappointed me, this one was another touchdown! Rarely does the final book in a series leave me satisfied and content and this one did just that. I am extremely happy that I kept reading, even though the second book in the Unearthly series was so extremely disappointing.

For one, the finale had a satisfying amount of action and adventure which in turn catapulted the plot into something extraordinary. From beginning to end, this book was a non-stop roller coaster of emotions and it had me addicted to all the highs and lows that came with it. Amazing. I loved and at the same time hated not being able to predict what was going to happen next. Usually, I can guess slightly what will occur in the book that I am reading but that was not the case here. I was kept guessing and this made for a much more refreshing read than usual.

And again, the extraordinary heroine, Clara, with whom I fell in love with in the first book is back and once again true to herself. I love that she doesn't do what is expected of her, even though her purpose on earth is supposedly preordained. It's great to see a heroine who doesn't apologize for being who she is. And a bad ass one at that! She also makes a huge transformation in this book, from a questioning/curious girl to an adult comfortable in her own skin, who knows what she wants and is done denying herself that.

In addition, the rest of the characterization was also great, although I would have liked to see Tucker more throughout the book, instead of just in the end. And I feel bad saying this, but I actually got a little sick of Christian. I mean, I get that he's an important part of the story but at times he was just a lovesick puppy in my eyes and nothing more. I think I would have liked to see a possible romantic interest for him besides Clara because it seemed that his whole existence was Clara and nothing/no one else. For this reason, he seemed like the least three-dimensional character of the book.

The writing was flawless as it had been in the previous books. I just love her simple yet elegant style, which gets everything necessary across and even more at that.

I recommend this book to everyone, even if you have read the previous books in the series and have given up after the second one was such a let down. I think it was the perfect ending to a great trilogy and did not disappoint. Packed with adventure and romance, Boundless is a story worth venturing into.

The second book of the Unearthly series was a bit of a let down for me, not going to lie. And don't get me wrong, it was still a great book and I had no problem getting through it, it just didn't mesmerize me like the first one did. With that being said, I would still recommend this book and I enjoyed reading the continuation of Clara Gardner's life. And what a life it is.

I actually think it would have been close to impossible to make a more compelling book then the first one was. In the first one, there was just so much defiance and surprises from Clara and the book didn't end at all how I was expecting. As I've mentioned in my previous review, it went from zero to one hundred in a matter of seconds. Now, this one was much more predictable and there weren't a lot of moments that stood out to me. It's almost as though the book slowed down a bit, again. It actually reminds me of the pace that the first one started off with before picking up.

I guess, what I'm really trying to say is that the plot didn't keep me on the edge of my seat and even though it wasn't bad, it also wasn't particularly good and unique. And on top of that, nothing that exciting really happened. I was yearning for more excitement and was a bit disappointed that it didn't really feel as though there was a real climax in this one. The book just steadily progressed and focused more on the character's relationships with each other than on any huge events. For me, there needs to be a good mix of the two in order to make it into my favorites list and this book failed to do that.

With that being said, the characterization remained superb and even progressed somewhat, with the characters changing right along with the circumstances surrounding them and the events as they unfolded in the story. However, while before I was mesmerized by Clara, in this book I simply wasn't. I understand that her relationship with Tucker has changed and just because he was her first love doesn't mean he is her true love, I still felt a little betrayed when Tucker was pushed to the back in this whole story. I would have liked to see a more gradual transition from their relationship at its peak to the way it was left at the end of this book.

However, the writing and grammar in this book were just as impressive and top-notch as in the previous one. I enjoy reading her writing style because it's direct and to the point without being too simplistic.

All in all, the sequel to Unearthly failed to live up to the first book's standards but it did stand up as a good book all on its own. I would still recommend it to anyone who read the first book, because even though it pails in comparison, it still has a lot to offer. I just hope the third book picks up a little because I need some more adventure from this series to end with a bang.

Wow. This book more than exceeded my expectations. I think it's by far the best book I've read this year and one of the best I've ever read in my life. I was actually debating between giving this book four and five stars but the last few chapters really brought it home for me. And this is why.....

Do you ever expect to be disappointed by something only to have that something go above and beyond all your wildest dreams? Well, this is exactly how I felt with this book. Actually, I was almost certain that this book would cement my belief that I am officially growing out of Young Adult novels and that I should start reading more “grown up” books. Well, boy was I wrong. I'm not stopping with this genre anytime soon because no other genre has as much imagination and individuality. It's as simple as that, and this book is a perfect example of that.

To begin with, this book is about angels, and let's be honest this is a subject that has been written about extensively over recent years and I myself have read a bunch of books centering on these magical beings. However, this book is different because it digs deeper into the whole angelic phenomena and introduces the concept of purpose. And right of the bat, you feel like you can relate, at least I did because I often ponder the meaning of life and why each of us was put on this planet in the first place. This book has reached me to the chore and made me question my existence all over again. Not many books have done this.

One thing that I didn't like was that the book started off a little slow for me and it took me a little while to really get into it. However, once everything began happening and we got into the swing of things- I couldn't put it down for the life of me! Talk about ending with a bang! I mean, once I finished this book, I had to take a deep breath because it literally blew me away and made me see things from a different perspective.

The writing was concise and perfectly to the point and yet it was able to describe things perfectly as they were happening and I could see the events unfolding right before my eyes. Nothing was drawn out or lingered on for too long and the chapters moved quickly, even the earlier ones that were a little on the boring side.

Further on, characterization was top-notch. I actually feel like I could be Clara, the main character in the book. Her soul was laid out right before me to dive into and she proved to be a very special heroine. By special, I don't mean because she wasn't entirely human or because of her powers, but because she dared to defy and go against everything that was expected of her. That huge twist at the end.....there really are no words to describe it. This huge plot twist really made the book go from good to phenomenal in a matter of seconds. It was another life changing moment that made me question my own life as a result. Really did not see that one coming, at all. When she had to make a decision between love and duty, she made the choice that stayed true to who she was and for this reason she is one of the greatest heroines of all time. I loved that who she was on the outside didn't change who she was truly on the inside- I applaud her for this.

I guess what I'm trying to say, is that this book is unlike anything I have ever read before. Yes, it has a great mix of romance and action in it but that's only a tiny part of what makes it truly special. At the core, is an astounding heroine, who has inspired me and has me in awe of her. No, she is not perfect but she dares to act in a way that is true to who she is. I will definitely be reading the rest of the trilogy and can't wait to begin. All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who wants something different, something that will astound them and make them ponder life's toughest questions.

Woah! This book was nothing like I imagined it would be. It was better! I downloaded it for free off of Amazon and am so glad I did. In this case I really ventured out of my comfort zone and even read a genre I haven't read before in my life and it was completely worth it. From beginning to end, this book captured my soul and wouldn't let go until I was done. I'm certain it won't be long before I continue and read the rest of the books from this beautifully written series.

I will begin by explaining why I didn't give this book the full five stars before I go into detail as to why this book captured my heart. The only reason this book fell short in my eyes is because I would have liked to see a more in-depth look into the characters themselves. The only first person perspective we see is the first chapter of every character's section of the book. It was a little confusing because the first chapter would be directly through the eyes of the character but after that, the rest of the chapters would jump suddenly to third person. It took me a little while to get used to it but after I did, it didn't take away anything else from the story.

Now that we have that out of the way, let me move on to explain all the reasons I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down even late into the night. I actually have a four-month old right now and I still found myself unable to stop reading, even knowing I would regret it the following day and be extremely exhausted. I mean, what an epic saga about a less then traditional family. I absolutely loved following this extraordinary family, and most specifically Harry Clifton, as he navigated through the journey that is life. I actually immediately took a liking to him because even through his humble beginnings, he was still able to persevere without letting obstacles stop him. Of course, he wouldn't have been able to do this without all the amazing human beings that guided him and propelled him forward through all the ups and downs in his life. With that being said, the character development in this work was phenomenal. So much so, that I was able to bond with all the characters, even the less likable ones, like Hugo Barrington. I was simply able to see the humanity in all of them, the reason they were the way that they were. I'm just glad there's more books left for me to read in this series.

Further on, the story moved at the perfect pace and I found myself getting enough from each character, in each of their sections of the book. I especially loved how each character's stories overlapped with the others and we often were able to fill in the gaps to the whole story just by reading further on. That was definitely a very creative technique that I thoroughly enjoyed. And let's not forget how following the lives of all the different, main characters prevented me from becoming bored and kept me interested, bordering on almost obsessive at times.

The writing itself was superb. It wasn't overly basic and yet it was still prompt and to the point. This book is definitely written in one of the more complex writing styles, at least in comparison to the latest books I've read. Jeffrey Archer definitely knows good writing and that's clearly displayed in this book.

Adding to the writing style, the plot was very interesting and unlike anything I have ever encountered before. So much so, that I can see an epic movie coming out of this book, easily. This book had so many highs and lows and yet- it worked all together, beautifully and seamlessly. Jefferey Archer has woven an epic saga, that has something for everyone. Every part of this book kept me on the edge of my seat and my heart pounding, waiting to know what will happen next. And that's saying a lot, considering this book's genre is not something I have enjoyed reading and thought I might ever enjoy. Well, now my opinion has changed and I will read more works from this author, definitely.

I have to warn future readers, however, that this first book ends in a major cliffhanger and even though I was disappointed, I didn't mind as much as I could have because I knew I would be reading the rest of the books. All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a saga about one family's struggles and triumphs and also enjoys a historical aspect as a background in their reading material. This book is definitely not to be missed!