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A review by shivani_n
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
this book is EXCELLENT. truly one of the easiest 5 stars i've ever given.
i remember reading the blurb hoping that it would make me feel something similar to how if we were villains by ML rio made me feel, since the dark academia vibes and plot are similar. it totally lived up to my expectations!! while nothing will ever compare to the masterpiece that is if we were villains, in my dreams i hold a knife is still fantastic.
i loved that it was so character focused, but that it still had a really interesting plot that made you want to never put the book down, it was that addicting. i also loved the writing style and how the author chose to let all the events unfold; i'm a big fan of dual timelines. the author would hit you with the most gut punching shocks in such a subtle fashion, which made the plot twists all the more insane. all the character dynamics were exposed more and more every chapter and were so deeply layered. even though most of the characters were not particularly "likeable" by any standard (they are very, VERY flawed), almost every one of them had something unique that made me really see them, feel for them, and connect with them. though, there was a heavier focus on jessica, coop and caro, and i would've loved to see more of jack, frankie, and heather. btw coop is my favourite.
the subjects in this book are also important and relevant-it's about so much more than just the murder mystery. there are several times where readers can observe how family dynamics, parental expectations, drugs, pride, and competition all irrevocably impact the characters and change their lives in different ways. goes to show how even the most seemingly perfect people on the outside still have shit they are dealing with. it's important to not put people on a pedestal because that's how you end up devaluing yourself and wasting your life away trying to be someone you're not. i also think the author was trying to convey that chasing false ideals of "perfection" and "prestige" won't actually get you anywhere in life and you'll just end up wishing you'd made choices that made you happier. all in all, it definitely leaves you with something to think about!
i loved this book and would definitely recommend it!!
i remember reading the blurb hoping that it would make me feel something similar to how if we were villains by ML rio made me feel, since the dark academia vibes and plot are similar. it totally lived up to my expectations!! while nothing will ever compare to the masterpiece that is if we were villains, in my dreams i hold a knife is still fantastic.
i loved that it was so character focused, but that it still had a really interesting plot that made you want to never put the book down, it was that addicting. i also loved the writing style and how the author chose to let all the events unfold; i'm a big fan of dual timelines. the author would hit you with the most gut punching shocks in such a subtle fashion, which made the plot twists all the more insane. all the character dynamics were exposed more and more every chapter and were so deeply layered. even though most of the characters were not particularly "likeable" by any standard (they are very, VERY flawed), almost every one of them had something unique that made me really see them, feel for them, and connect with them. though, there was a heavier focus on jessica, coop and caro, and i would've loved to see more of jack, frankie, and heather. btw coop is my favourite.
the subjects in this book are also important and relevant-it's about so much more than just the murder mystery. there are several times where readers can observe how family dynamics, parental expectations, drugs, pride, and competition all irrevocably impact the characters and change their lives in different ways. goes to show how even the most seemingly perfect people on the outside still have shit they are dealing with. it's important to not put people on a pedestal because that's how you end up devaluing yourself and wasting your life away trying to be someone you're not. i also think the author was trying to convey that chasing false ideals of "perfection" and "prestige" won't actually get you anywhere in life and you'll just end up wishing you'd made choices that made you happier. all in all, it definitely leaves you with something to think about!
i loved this book and would definitely recommend it!!