octo

a slow climb, but it felt worth it. I didn't find myself itching to read more, but I did find that when I was reading, the atmosphere was very spooky. 
The main character lacks some dimension, but it was easy  to imagine yourself in her shoes. most of the book felt inescapably helpless, the author is excellent at creating a setting. 
The story seemed set out of time. Later we get some information on the time, but the story is actually timeless. I do recommend it for those who like a creeping scare that sinks into your bones without actual direct action until the end. 

Mixed feelings. An AMAZING concept that just wasn't executed as well as it could've been.
The setting was cool! I loved the isle and I loved the places this book put me in. The characters and their actions, on the other hand, are.... hm.
If you are just looking to not think too hard about what you're reading and just look at a nice place, this is a great book.
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Julian and Scarlett's relationship forms VERY suddenly and it came out of nowhere. Scarlett was supposed to be very interested in the Count but this random sailor she catches making out with her sister is the one she falls for? Uh????
Their dad is super shallow. His only trait is “hurts children” lol. He reminds me of the teacher in One Of Us Is Lying. This man exists to be like “oh I'm... bad. I'm a bad guy, so! My personality is this bad thing I do!!!” Which... is kinda boring. I like more substance in my villians.
Legend was... cheesy. Super fucking cheesy. He was so cheesy and he was alsmost as much of a strawman as their dad was.
The other players barely existed. I feel like there wasn't enough conflict involving Scarlett vs. other players. The ones she did interact with were actors.

I really loved the background characters. Aiko seems really sweet. Julian could've been really cool. I think this book had amazing potential and it was an enjoyable read. You really gotta take off the thinking cap for this one, but it'd be amazing to pass the time between a real meaty, intense novel.

8Pretty Okay

This book was cool, providing you're looking to shut off your brain for a while.
Some things happen that arent exactly realistic, like how he just had a knife on the field. Where was it hidden? Does he have a thigh holster?
I dont understand Exy. Which is okay, I guess. Maybe I'm just not... sporty.
The Colombia Bits. Yikes. No one is gonna talk about how that was sexual assault, huh?
It was a great book to pass time, but dont think too hard about it and you'll be cool.

This book was good. Nothing deep, yeah, but entertaining. It's what it says on the tin.

I see a lot of people having issues with some of the content in this book, which is fair, to a degree.
I don't agree, though. With the first twist that happens, those things happen. We see growth from one of the characters people are bringing up and they become comfortable in themselves. I think that it was well executed.
As for the big twist at the end: I do have an issue with it, but it was a surprise nonetheless. It was done well, imo.

This next bit may be spoiler-y, so be warned. If you have issues with LGBT characters being outed or suicide, don't read the book.

I found the ending to be unsatisfactory, but I adored the spooky vibes and tense relationships.