Allie > Recent Status Updates

I really want to skip ahead to the end just to see how it finishes, but patience is truly a virtue with this read.

Now everyone seems like the unreliable narrator. It’s like there’s micro and macro narratives going on. The Reader is in the middle, walking the halls of the asylum through the casebooks, but someone else is watching her? Who is telling the truth? Unclear.

Unreliable narrator? Are Lucia and the Reader talking at the same time? Unclear, but it feels like the Reader is exploring the asylum deeper and deeper with every page. I love seeing the photos - it really brings things to life, but at the same time the narrative forces you to really look at them and see them in a way that’s slightly creepy.

I’m loving how vivid the narrative is of the women from the casebooks. What a completely bleak time to be a woman though.

Following Lucia’s perspective feels like a much more coherent experience. Intriguing. I shall venture on!

It almost reads as a stream of consciousness, but at the same time it’s some of the most vivid reading I’ve ever had. Honestly cannot put this down. You feel like you’re right there with the Reader and Lucia. The jumps from present to past are all interwoven so it’s making this just such an intriguing experience.

I’m trying to ensure I read this slowly so I take the time to properly absorb everything. It’s very discordant in its style, but that feels totally appropriate for this story. I was also pleasantly surprised with the photos included.

I’m really excited for this book. Already the author writes like poetry. Very descriptive, and you’re immediately thrown into the narrative - absolutely no warm up at all. I appreciate that in an author. I’ll simply catch up when I’m meant to.

This already feels unsettling. I like it.

I saw the Netflix trailer for this and felt immediately compelled to read this before watching.

Wow Freya. Interesting.

Ok I’m feeling frustrated, in the same way as I did at Normal People. Just properly communicate you complete reprobates? I like Robin though. He seems kind and thoughtful and stable.

Not sure I trust Bren and his motives. He seems flighty. Destabilising.
Freya also seems to be the only person with balls big enough to speak her mind (so far). Love that for her.

Honestly we spent about 300 pages of her wafting about the woods playing with magic, another 100 of her stalking the city and then what felt like 3 paragraphs of actual action. Get it together.
Also, if I ever see the phrase “hauling ass” in this series again I’m going to throw my kindle at the wall.

Omg he’s back baby!

Being so real right now? Chaol is the most vitriolic, annoying, arrogant arsehole. Shut your bitch ass up for once in your life.