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Caroline Builta's Reviews > The Haters
The Haters
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"The Haters" by Robyn Harding is a popcorn thriller that, while serviceable, tends to lean into the corny side. The plot centers around Camryn Lane, a debut author who finds herself targeted by an unknown assailant through disturbing messages and a barrage of one-star reviews. This online harassment quickly escalates, impacting her personal life and leading Camryn on a desperate quest to uncover the identity of her tormentor.
The book’s premise is intriguing, tapping into the fears many authors and public figures have about the power and reach of online criticism. Camryn's journey, from initial excitement over her novel's release to the dread and paranoia that follow, is a compelling setup. However, several aspects of the story fell flat for me. While Camryn's anguish and desperation are palpable, other characters lack depth and nuance. The relationships feel somewhat one-dimensional, and it's difficult to fully invest in their dynamics.
The narrative pacing is uneven. There are moments of intense suspense, but they are interspersed with slower, less engaging sections. This inconsistency detracts from the overall tension and thrill. The plot twists, while numerous, are somewhat predictable. The reveal of the antagonist and their motives felt underwhelming and didn't pack the punch I was hoping for. Some plot elements and dialogues veered into corny territory, reducing the impact of key scenes and making the story feel less serious and credible.
Despite these criticisms, "The Haters" is not without its merits. Harding's exploration of the dark side of social media and online harassment is timely and relevant. The book within a book, "Burnt Orchid," adds an interesting layer to the narrative, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.
In summary, "The Haters" is a decent thriller that offers a few moments of genuine suspense but ultimately falls short due to its predictability and lack of character depth. It’s a quick read for those who enjoy thrillers, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the ARC via NetGalley!
The book’s premise is intriguing, tapping into the fears many authors and public figures have about the power and reach of online criticism. Camryn's journey, from initial excitement over her novel's release to the dread and paranoia that follow, is a compelling setup. However, several aspects of the story fell flat for me. While Camryn's anguish and desperation are palpable, other characters lack depth and nuance. The relationships feel somewhat one-dimensional, and it's difficult to fully invest in their dynamics.
The narrative pacing is uneven. There are moments of intense suspense, but they are interspersed with slower, less engaging sections. This inconsistency detracts from the overall tension and thrill. The plot twists, while numerous, are somewhat predictable. The reveal of the antagonist and their motives felt underwhelming and didn't pack the punch I was hoping for. Some plot elements and dialogues veered into corny territory, reducing the impact of key scenes and making the story feel less serious and credible.
Despite these criticisms, "The Haters" is not without its merits. Harding's exploration of the dark side of social media and online harassment is timely and relevant. The book within a book, "Burnt Orchid," adds an interesting layer to the narrative, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.
In summary, "The Haters" is a decent thriller that offers a few moments of genuine suspense but ultimately falls short due to its predictability and lack of character depth. It’s a quick read for those who enjoy thrillers, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the ARC via NetGalley!
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Reading Progress
June 28, 2024
–
Started Reading
June 28, 2024
– Shelved
July 2, 2024
–
Finished Reading
