Alice in Waterdeep

It was a good story, but I think I was expecting something more especially due to the hype around it. I understand this is a commentary on the publishing industry, but the story itself fell quite flat for me. I found the emotional journey of the protagonist to be somewhat interesting, the way the guilt was eating at her and how she became more and more unhinged (to the point of considering to commit murder, which to be fair had me surprised - I didn't think she was THAT far gone). However, while I enjoy exploring unlikable characters and usually appreciate their development even when they're just a "bad person", I did not care for June at all, not one bit. The story also had no payoff, which is likely intentional, but I personally found it disappointing.

I had a really hard time getting through this book. Part of it was my fault because I watched the movie first, so I knew what was going to happen. But another part of it was that this book is, in my opinion, too slow and dull. I feel like it's way longer than it needed to be.

I don't agree with the take that circumstances and people like Dr. Gaul are what caused Snow to go down a dark path. He is opportunistic, selfish and self-serving from the very beginning, and he simply indulges his worst instincts one convenient rationalization after another. The way he incriminates Sejanus is just pure manipulation. Snow is someone who's just patiently waiting to be given enough power to show his true colors with no repercussions.

I have to say I am extremely glad the author didn't try to write a story that makes you sympathize with him and justify his actions. Thank goodness that wasn't the case.

A little note: if I hear "Snow lands on top" one more time...