A review by bookboxbabe
The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick

challenging dark hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

*thank you netgalley and the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review*

UMMMMM HELLO??? Wow!! That’s all I can conjure up to describe this book right now: Wow.

First of all, this book was written beautifully. I’ve never been so impressed with the prose in a book and I think the book warrants a read just based on that. It’s atmospheric without being too wordy, and the author get’s their point across without needing a million pages.

Second, I love the characters.
Millie and Callum are the best couple I’ve ever read and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way, and begging for them through every twist and reveal.


Third, I didn’t guess any twist. I read a lot of mystery books and pride myself on discovering twists and turns, but I didn’t see ANYTHING coming. I audibly gasped and threw my kindle down in shock. That’s how good the reveals were.

Finally, this was a quick read that didn’t feel like a quick read. I was worried that because of the shorter page count I wouldn’t feel connected or drawn in as tightly as I wanted. But I was. You can fly through this book and not even realize it. I read 60% of it in one sitting before realizing I should probably get out of bed. It’s fantastic.

Read this book. Do it. Thank me later.

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