Theresa Brown

Probably gave this one more star than it deserved, but I found this novel seriously lacking. Very little substance to each of the main characters, with minimal character development. The tone of Lily’s ‘voice’ throughout her diary and flashback POV didn’t match up - level of diction as a 15 year old girl was questionable and absolutely no progression 10 years into her future; resulting in a very flat character, so to say. Portrayal of Ryle and Atlas incredibly cliche and overtly girlish with a tired nod towards the overused hero complex. Obviously an attempt to explore some very deep themes and a dark subject, but the way in which this was done could have been drastically improved by a more mature style of writing, however, I do get why this is lauded across BookTok given the much younger audience. In short, was relieved when I came to the end (with the frustrating and seemingly last minute attempt at a ‘happy ending’), and will most likely not be picking up another Coho anytime soon.