Across the Room: Coming from someone who doesn't generally enjoy 1st person narrative: this book was so much fun.
Vitals:
Temperature: Normothermic. I loved the balance between gritty, dark, and whimsical.
Heart Rate: Normal rate and Regular Rhythm. The balance between fast and slow was great. The only moments I felt like rolling my eyes were when the main character would stop and think about some little things and dwell in the midst of a fight.
Blood Pressure: Normotensive. The plot, since it's all wrapped around one character, was very easy to follow.
Respirations: Surprisingly normal rate. I was very pleased with how well-rounded and believable all the characters were, despite the story being in first person. Well done, Armentrout.
Oxygenation: Well-oxygenated. All five of my senses were utilised throughout the setting. I could smell the sulphur and "death" of the Craven, feel the warmth of Hawke's hands, etc.
Work of Breathing: None. No difficulty staying immersed in this story.
Histories:
Family: Fantasy Romance.
Medical: There were little things here and there that pulled me out of the story, as far as grammar is concerned, but nothing to complain about.
Psychiatric: The relationships in this story were chaotic, but believable. I felt each twinge of pain and betrayal/fear with Poppy's interactions with everyone.
Socio-economic: Marketed as Young Adult. Definitely reads adult, however.
Head to Toe Assessment:
Head and face: This is what got me to read the blurb. I love it. The contrast of the metal blades, with the black bark, and bright red leaves...so beautiful.
Neck: (No fault of the author), the first several pages of my book fell out! The binding wasn't on, or something. However! I just read and read and read. I think the missing pages are still on top of my nightstand. The hook got me quick.
Chest: I sat on the edge of my seat, and couldn't stop from there.
Abdomen and Flanks: I didn't realise how long this book was. I couldn't put it down. The way the stakes kept ramping up with each pulse of the story was incredible.
Perineum: (it's okay, Poppy, I would've tried to kill him, too). Oh, whoops. Yeah, the heartbreak of Poppy's low point brought me to tears. I may have stained the pages.
Extremities: the big reveal: I only saw part of it coming. What I didn't realise was that Armentrout would twist the plot up so much, that I had found myself questioning my sanity, alongside Poppy.
Backside: The ending was way too sudden. I'm definitely going to need to read the next one. (That's the point of a sequel, right?)
Prognosis: Very good. 4.5 (rounded up to 5 on Goodreads). This book was steamy, emotional, and as twisty as a Disneyland Churro.
Once again, here is my formula of the "Triage" review process, for those who are unfamiliar/new to this blog:
https://www.khnelson.com/post/coming-soon-to-a-blog-near-you
As always,
Stay safe. Stay sane. Keep healthy. Keep smiling. Much love!
Comments