Adam SP

The three intertwined timelines in the same physical space was well done, and the interlinked stories easy to follow. For the most part the characters were well written, and the authors intent for your trust, distrust, like, and dislike felt very balanced.

Unfortunately I found the ending unsatisfying, and the relationship between the two “now” characters a bit too 2 dimensional, and their relationship troubles a bit disheartening.

Overall, I'm glad to have read it, and would recommend it.

4.75 out of 5. Absolutely sensational!!

0.25 is only because occasionally the author would jump around perspective between paragraphs, which was confusing, but it was only a small bit, and you'd easily readjust.

For a debut novel, amazing. Well done Emma!

Also, the twist? Holy Mother, I was not ready, and could not predict it. Just wow!

The characters are compelling, the story swift and full of suspense, and I hadn't figured it all out until the author wanted me to.

Absolutely brilliant book. Great characters, believable premise, and wonderful suspense.

Iris is a talented writer, and this is an excellent sequel to the first of Leo.

Thanks for the laughs, the horror, and the borderline heart attacks

3.75, rounded up.

4.25 stars; excellent book.

Watch some of his YouTube sketches first, and you'll absolutely love this.

3.8, rounded up.

The first 50 pages or so were a 2.5, the next 100 were a 3, and then the rest ramped between a 3.5 and a 4.

3.8/5

There are some amazing twists and turns in this book, but a few holes/inconsistencies that stick like a thistle in your clothes.

At times the author comes across pretentious and insulting, which can let down the twist that's just occurred.

Still, overall, an enjoyable read.

Cons:

- The characters are quite wooden, with their development either rushed, or done “off screen”.

- Some parts of the story are too shallow/glossed over, and others way too detailed; as such, the reading can be stilted, and jarring.

Pros:

- Absolutely wicked fun.

- Overall a good story, with some great action.

- The writing is somewhat simplistic, it's easy to get into the groove and visualise, and so it can be a real page turner.

I enjoyed it, and will likely read it again someday. I'm keen for the sequels.

This was a good prequel!!

The writing was far more balanced, and the characters easy to comprehend (and in some cases, absolutely despise.)

I wish I could go back and rank the previous books as 4.5 stars, so that I could give this the full 5 stars, but alas.

This is my absolute favourite of the Sandman series. You would benefit from reading the preceding 11 books to provide the firm appreciation of The Dreaming, and the Dream King, but even alone it is a stunning read.

Yoshitaka Amano's art is simply breathtaking. It is so perfectly matched with the text, but completely stand alone in its own right.

Phenomenal resource for any carer of an adolescent that is gearing up for their first period, or has already started and needs help. This book is for both the carer, and adolescent, and you'll both benefit from reading it, and clear, open discussion together.

This was my first Heather Graham novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's quick, engaging, and the writing was fun.

Ian Rankin is quoted(1) as describing this book as “A gaslighting masterclass”, and I couldn't agree more!

Some reviewers have stated that the book starts slowly, and it can feel that way, but if you've ever had to deal with a family like Emma's, and the onset of insomnia, Sarah plays it out absolutely superb.

There are aspects of the story telling that frustrate me, but I'm unsure if it's my frustration with the characters (bloody hell men are the worst) or the way the lack of communication is written. I did find myself irritated at times, and not just at the characters.

All in all, a fantastic read, and highly recommended.

Footnotes

1. First edition paperback, rear cover

The negative reviews, I feel, stem from people who've never suffered the traumas that drive this story.

For anyone who has suffered the extreme side of bullying in school, and the punishment you receive when you are finally worn down to nothing, this book hits hard.

To those who've suffered at the hands of a family member abusing the love and trust that is instilled from infancy, and been abused, this book hits hard.

There is some closure I would have preferred, or some more stated justice spoken, but overall this book was sensational.

This is a brutal, hard, hard read. Extremely well written, and absolutely blood chilling.

I don't know how to explain it. Joyce's way of writing is fascinating, and haunting. This book is both utterly compelling, brilliant, yet simultaneously mediocre. Absolutely loved it, and I am chilled by each and every ending.

I loved 55, and this book exceeded all expectations (which were a lot.)

Thank you James for another phenomenal book!

I don't really have words. There is so much to ponder now that I'm done, and I don't regret a single page.

Thank you Louise for such a sensational book.

Now excuse me while I wipe away the tears. I've been chopping onions, I swear...

This is an incredibly fun read, that at times will have you sweating with anxiety, and wanting to drown out the cringe.

You will laugh, you will double take.

Great first book Iris!

4.5 stars, as there is always something that could be improved, but damn if this isn't a brilliant book! If you like crime and thriller, read this. So, so good.

You seriously don't know what's coming next. The twists in this book are frequent, and just brilliant. They come on so subtly sometimes, and other times BAM, whiplash.

There are aspects that almost make this non-fiction, in how genuinely [expletive] men are. I don't think it's a spoiler, but a fact of the world we live in.

But, this book is amazing, and the ending let's the imagination run wild, and, maybe, there is closure in your imagination...