Praiseworthy Pages

Reader Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (5/5 stars)

This book ended up being nothing like I expected it to be, but I mean that in the best way possible. I devoured this book. The creative plot, the intricately-woven personalities of individual characters, the absolutely out-of-left-field plot twists…I couldn’t stop thinking about this book for ages after I finished it.

I will say, this book might not be for everyone. I loved it so, so much, but my mum couldn’t get into it. It’s a wild, genre-bending rollercoaster of a novel, which is partly what captured my adoration and attention. It’s science fiction, but don’t expect science fiction. It’s a murder mystery, but don’t go thinking you know what the mystery will look like. It’s a dystopian, but unlike any dystopian you’ve ever read. Overall, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to branch out to new genres, because this one bridges many!

Language: 9/10 (Mild/rare swearing).
Sex: 10/10 (No sexual content).
Violence and gore: 6.5/10 (Not detailed or extensive).

Plot: 9/10 (The last surviving island on earth. The murder of a beloved authority figure. A night–many nights–that no one can remember. I mean, come on. Who doesn’t want to read that story?)
Characters: 9/10 (I loved that each character in this book was unique. They all had different voices, different avenues of thought, different personalities. Each character impressed me and endeared themselves to me because of how utterly human they were).
Writing style: 10/10 (I enjoyed every minute of this book. I couldn’t put it down, and when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. The word choice is stunning, the structure dynamic…I can’t sing its praises enough!)

Genre: Post-apocalyptic science fiction, dystopian fiction, adult literature, new adult literature, women’s literature
Potential triggers: Murder, gang violence, loss of loved ones, violence, amnesia, etc.
Is this book part of a series? No.
I would recommend this book to readers aged 16+.