Zhi’s Reviews > The Hallmarked Man > Status Update
Zhi
is 49% done
this is shaping up to be my least favourite entry in the series because of the constant useless pining, convenient plot contrivances and character butchering that have prevented cormoran and robin from having an even remotely straightforward conversation with each other. oh gosh this has been SO FRUSTRATING to read. this ridiculous development has gotten in the way of my enjoyment of the plot even.
— Sep 10, 2025 07:39AM
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Zhi’s Previous Updates
Zhi
is 81% done
the mystery’s defo become less messy and way more compelling by this point, but a part of the problem is simply that C & R themselves don’t have the heart for this investigation, and it’s spilling over to the actual narrative. the writing is as compulsively readable ever, but the moments of levity and connection can’t elevate the miserable will-they-won’t-they shtick that’s long stayed past its welcome.
— Sep 11, 2025 08:36AM
Zhi
is 29% done
a long time ago this was my go-to for the “came for the crime / stayed for the tale as old as time” trope but it’s been 8 books and cormoran strike and robin ellacott are clearly headed for a trainwreck ending AGAIN. similar plot points similar behavioural patterns just dressed in different robes - it’s as though we sat through 7 books of character / rs development for naught.
— Sep 07, 2025 09:13AM
