Kevin’s Comments (group member since Jan 28, 2025)

Kevin’s comments from the NetGalley Buddy Readers group.

Just been approved for Idol by Louise O'Neill

Looks fantastic

Okay I am now finished. My thoughts (view spoiler)[ I have to say I was quite disappointed by this. Whilst the initial premise and first half of the book held my attention, I think the ending just fizzed out with no great excitement or suspense. My issue was, as mentioned before, the lack of characters apart from the family meant that it was only Alex that held any interest or could have been the key to the story. Whilst I wouldn't tell people to avoid it, its a two-three star for me and wouldn't encourage anyone to seek it out.

I'm also not sure I bought Cecily as this power mad dictator in waiting simply biding her time before the empire was hers *insert evil laugh* Just didn't feel real to me (hide spoiler)]

Looking forward to seeing what you all think

Now through chapter 17 (view spoiler)[ Totally agree with you regarding the investor, well dodgy. I think the author has the character of Ruth written perfectly, you can see her desperation jumping off the page as she is struggling to keep the school afloat. Its funny the parallels between Isobel being unable to ask her mum for help and now Ruth is struggling she is unwilling to ask her daughters for help. With a bit of openness and honesty between them, they could be (and could have been) a really strong support for each other (says me who is the worlds worst for asking for help).

I did warm a little to Ruth over her protectiveness towards Isaac after the accident/assault however she is clearly now in a position where she wants to keep up the appearances of an accident so as not to damage the reputation of the school. I can see how Isobel will become increasingly frustrated with this as Ruth is prioritising the one place she hates over the child she loves.

On another note, there are very few characters in the book so far. Almost half way through and I am really struggling to see where this story will go (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

I never have more than one book on the go at the same time, I have always finished one book before starting another but I am breaking that rule just once for TCOMC. I have so many ARCs to get through that I am reading them and then reading a few chapters of TCOMC each night to get through it. One of my favourite ever books but haven't read it in so long.

Lol the joys of buddy reading across continents!

I will slow down a bit to let everyone catch up so I am not too far ahead. I am also re-reading The Count of Monte Cristo at the moment so will focus on that too.

I think you will enjoy it when you start

Started this book this morning before work and read the first six chapters. I realise that we are in different countries/time zones so not sure if I have started this a bit earlier than the rest of you will.

Here's my initial thoughts: I think this will be a quick read, not in terms of length as such but it just seems like an easy read and I raced through the first six chapters and could have read more if I didn't want.

In terms of the story (view spoiler)[ I really disliked Ruth right away. She is so caught up in the school, it seems to blind her to everything else which is important. She even says herself at one point she doesn't know where she ends and the school begins.

Also, I am keen to find out what Cecily's deal is. Isobel seems so surprised that she is now Deputy Head and she clearly wanted a life away from the Square. It seems Ruth's stroke brought her back, but what made her stay? Did Ruth guilt her into staying or did she feel some sort of duty to her mother? (hide spoiler)]

Nice one

Are we still on for the 17th for this one? I know some of you are still reading The Maid so if we need to delay its not an issue for me

Welcome Annie

Just out of curiosity, what percentage of books that you read are from Netgalley?

I am relatively new to Netgalley, only joined this year and have just gotten my 50th review badge. As such, I am trying to build my profile and am reading probably 2 Netgalley books to every 'normal' book I have on Overdrive/Libby.

However, I am now building up a TBR list on Libby which I really want to get to.

What percentage of your reads are from Netgalley?

Currently have

Haven't read any but agree some look really good

I really enjoyed 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World so will be interested to hear your final rating/review

Just been approved for

Really looking forward to it

I have just finished which I really enjoyed. It was the first wish I had been granted on Netgalley.

Not sure what to read next, I want to read however I have others on my shelf which publish sooner than this one so I really should read some of them first....whether I do or not is another matter

Looking forward to it, my first read by this author

That's fine for me

Just been approved for Why She Left so just let me know what suits

I really enjoyed The New Wife Elyse, hope you do too

Been approved for and

I have also requested so if I get approved for that I will join you if you get a Buddy Read organised if that's okay?