Kit Reed (1932–2017)

DNF at 62%!

This is it. I tried, I really, really tried to like the book, but in hindsight, I should have stopped earlier. The book just doesn't work for me, the characters are annoying, all the changing of POV is just a pain in the ass, and this is the first time EVER that the profanity in a book has bothered me. Seriously, that something that has never ever been an issue for me, but this book, it just got too much for me. Could be because as was already annoyed with the characters and everything thing they said and did just made me irritated.

This is a book that I thought would be just my kind of thing, but it wasn't.… (more)

I found this book at the top of one of the piles of young adult books that I own. I hate to dislike a book as I know the author places themselves out into the world with the hope their writing was worth reading. But, I really didn't enjoy, or even like this book. The plot of a huge, mega mall placed in what was a rural, poor area, that is run by a father/daughter team started as an interesting concept, quickly spun into a tunnel of no where.

There are children plucked from the crowds, or lost when they walked away from a parent's control.

These children roam the huge mall and all the expensive stuff they cannot resist!

Gangs form within groups and there is a challenge regarding which group will successfully be in charge of the many night children some of whom like living in the mall.

The book simply imploded mid way. The ending was quite trite. Sadly, this is not a good representation of quality to adult people who like young adult books.… (more)

I found this book to be deeply unsatisfying. I suspect other people will love it - but for me, the mystery was just an idea- never fully explained, left unanswered.

As for the characters - they were well written, although, at times, over the top and unbelievable. Rawson Steele was damned annoying. He obviously knew things - but didn't explain how he knew them. An unreliable character would have been a lot more interesting than this whiny, angry character.

As for the setting - that is where this book shined. The island of Kraven, South Carolina is beautifully written. For example, one of the main characters, Davy - finds a dog. When it is described as a red setter- it seemed perfect for the story. The town set in the other place could have used some work - it seemed a bit lazy - maybe that was the intent, but it is hard to say.

As for the ending - It was unsatisfying, and really came from no where. Luckily it was short - I kept reading hoping for a more explanation than was given.

So - I think this is one of those books you either don't like (but will agree that it is well written) or you love.… (more)