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nolasgem's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, and Kidnapping
kesnit's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Child abuse and Torture
Minor: Rape
crispy89's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Death, Sexual violence, and Torture
Moderate: Hate crime, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
pkayerich's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Rape and Violence
yvo_about_books's review against another edition
4.0
“In order to catch the monster, she would have to drag those pieces - and the pain that came with them - out from where she had carefully stowed them and into the light.”
I still can't believe I've only just recently discovered her work, but I loved my first experience with Isabella Maldonado's writing and I've been looking forward to read more. My TBR jar thought I shouldn't wait and decided I had to pick up The Cipher ASAP. Not that I'm complaining, because I ended up having a great time reading this first book of the Nina Guerrera series! True, I don't exacty think it's credible that the FBI let's Nina actively investigate a case that is so personal to her, and especially after certain events in the plot and things escalate further and further. BUT. If you are able to suspend your belief and just enjoy the ride you will be in for a bucketload of action and suspense. The Cipher isn't afraid to go VERY dark and disturbing indeed, and this story isn't for those with a weak stomach. There is constant danger lurking around every corner, but then again the team IS hunting a twisted serial killer... Most of the story is told from Nina's POV, but I could really appreciate that some chapters were from the serial killer's POV. It definitely took the story to the next level for me! The plot isn't all that original with the cat and mouse game and the serial killer taunting the police, but it does make for a very entertaining ride and the ciphers added a nice touch. Was the final confrontation exactly credible? Maybe not, but it did make sure that the story went out with a bang. I do wish there would have been more character development in Nina beyond the basics and stereotypes, but there was enough there to make me look forward to read the next book.
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
larkken's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Torture, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Rape
isobelo's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, and Violence
jillgoober's review against another edition
4.0
This was like reading a really long Criminal Minds episode (not that that's a bad thing). If you like the show, you'll probably love this book. The most interesting part of this book was the team finding more and more information about the unsub. However, the plot itself was relatively predictable. One thing that got on my nerves was the fact that the team would EVER leave Nina alone when they know this guy is out there hunting her?? It makes no sense to me that she wouldn't have another agent with her at all times for safety. That seemed like a plot hole used to make sure the Cipher was able to find her.
Graphic: Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Vomit, Kidnapping, Stalking, and Murder
jencanread's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
justaghostie's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Rape