Dark and Shallow Lies is an excellent book. The story is unique, and the world building is executed superbly. The characters are complex, relatable, endearing, emotional and interesting.
I usually struggle with books written in first point of view but not with this book; it seems it is the only way it could be told. There were lulls and hiccups in pacing, and the writing style became too plain at times (more tell than show) but I wasn't bothered much by it.
As much as I loved almost all of the book, the ending was kind of a let down. It would have been better if more information was provided to make the culprit feel plausible. It felt rushed, impassionate, not powerful. It's hard to put my finger on exactly why the ending left me deeply unsatisfied, and my rating was 5 stars until then.
Regardless of the uncompelling and disappointing conclusion, Dark and Shallow Lies has earned a spot on my 2021 Favorites shelf on Goodreads (where it joins only 4 other books-- I'm very critical and picky). I will be on the lookout for more work by this author. Thank you to BookishFirst for offering this book to review.
I usually struggle with books written in first point of view but not with this book; it seems it is the only way it could be told. There were lulls and hiccups in pacing, and the writing style became too plain at times (more tell than show) but I wasn't bothered much by it.
As much as I loved almost all of the book, the ending was kind of a let down. It would have been better if more information was provided to make the culprit feel plausible. It felt rushed, impassionate, not powerful. It's hard to put my finger on exactly why the ending left me deeply unsatisfied, and my rating was 5 stars until then.
Regardless of the uncompelling and disappointing conclusion, Dark and Shallow Lies has earned a spot on my 2021 Favorites shelf on Goodreads (where it joins only 4 other books-- I'm very critical and picky). I will be on the lookout for more work by this author. Thank you to BookishFirst for offering this book to review.