Status Updates From This Gilded Abyss

Dang I think this might be my fav Rebecca Thorne book it’s intense and super interesting so far

The romance wasn’t convincing imo. Enemies to lovers AND second chance romance w hardly any transition or a mature conversation addressing how they’ve hurt each other & how they’ll repair/grow through it. Admittedly, they have emergencies going on, but still. Sex isn’t a magical solution to make their dynamic work! I wasn’t fond of it. All in all, I didn’t hate this book, but it didn’t amaze me either

Overall, this was ok. A bleak ending in preparation for book 2, which I don’t think I’ll pick up. I was more interested in the progression of the story towards the end, but not invested in the characters enough to continue the series. Not to mention, all the characters are dead except the main 2 love interests, although I wouldn’t be surprised if somehow, Leon returned (à la Palpatine).

—with how to stop the zombie-esque infected & finding the cause! The romance is lacking in investment for me. I also feel like this is Bioshock fanfiction with the focus on the impacts of wealth/greed/expansion, futuristic tech that people can get addicted to, underwater city stuff. That’s ok with me though. Just feel like the tension, intrigue, & suspense could’ve been better. not bored reading it though 👍

—each other & Kess is often times just cruel? Then they hook up? While injured? I don’t feel invested in their relationship, although I like Nix’s character. Kess is ok. I didn’t expect the Leon plot twist. I think the writing style as far as language is good. The pacing could’ve been faster/with more of the dramatic stuff towards the beginning imo. The interesting stuff is the freaky possession disease—

—the outbreak. The outbreak & mystery behind that, as well as the horror/action elements, are interesting. I wish there was more of that earlier in the story. The romantic tension between Nix & Kess wasn’t enough to captivate me before the plot took off. I don’t think they have much chemistry, honestly; I’ll admit I’m a bit biased bc I don’t prefer enemies to lovers, but still. They’re just rude to—

The last third of this book has interested me significantly more than the first 2/3. The action ramped up rather suddenly. I understand that the author planned this to be the first in a series; to my knowledge, 3 years will have passed between the publication of books 1 & 2. That’s a long time, & I feel like the payoff isn’t worth it as of now; there wasn’t much intrigue for the first 2/3 of the book before—

I feel like the buildup could’ve been paced a little faster :P just personal preference

Yuri is definitely still in the toxic stage bc why didn’t Kess immediately help Nix when she showed up stabbed??? She just wanted to finish her shower rq. Girl… 🧑🏻‍🦲