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sarahakins's review against another edition
4.0
What...did I...just read?
I should first note that I listened to this on audio. It was intriguing and odd from the beginning, which one would expect from this beautifully creepy cover, am I right?!
Jude or Kat - Kat or Jude? I was a bit baffled and confused from the start, which was most certainly Kahler's intent with this book. Summarizing this as "disturbing twin cult vibes" doesn't do this story justice, truly - but what more do you need to know?
As an audio read, I did actually lose some track here and there as to whose perspective I was reading. I think this would probably be a bit easier to avoid if reading this with your eyeballs, but I cannot be for certain. Regardless, I devoured this book and am so glad I grabbed it from my local library. I will definitely not forget this story anytime soon!
As a fair warning, the book does touch on some difficult topics; this did not bother me personally, but it could potentially bother some.
I should first note that I listened to this on audio. It was intriguing and odd from the beginning, which one would expect from this beautifully creepy cover, am I right?!
Jude or Kat - Kat or Jude? I was a bit baffled and confused from the start, which was most certainly Kahler's intent with this book. Summarizing this as "disturbing twin cult vibes" doesn't do this story justice, truly - but what more do you need to know?
As an audio read, I did actually lose some track here and there as to whose perspective I was reading. I think this would probably be a bit easier to avoid if reading this with your eyeballs, but I cannot be for certain. Regardless, I devoured this book and am so glad I grabbed it from my local library. I will definitely not forget this story anytime soon!
As a fair warning, the book does touch on some difficult topics; this did not bother me personally, but it could potentially bother some.
wreadaptation's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co.
I rate "Where You End" by Abbott Kahler 3 out of 5 stars. Despite my desire to love it, the book fell short of fully capturing my interest.
Kahler's narrative had potential, but I found myself struggling to connect with the story. While the unexpected twist added intrigue, it wasn't enough to compensate for the overall challenge in sustaining my engagement. The book, unfortunately, left me wanting more depth and connection to the characters or plot.
In essence, "Where You End" offers moments of intrigue, but it lacked the sustained allure that would have elevated it to a higher rating.
Looking forward to other books from this author.
I rate "Where You End" by Abbott Kahler 3 out of 5 stars. Despite my desire to love it, the book fell short of fully capturing my interest.
Kahler's narrative had potential, but I found myself struggling to connect with the story. While the unexpected twist added intrigue, it wasn't enough to compensate for the overall challenge in sustaining my engagement. The book, unfortunately, left me wanting more depth and connection to the characters or plot.
In essence, "Where You End" offers moments of intrigue, but it lacked the sustained allure that would have elevated it to a higher rating.
Looking forward to other books from this author.
ttaaayylloorr's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
yangelareads's review against another edition
3.0
When 22-year-old Kat Bird wakes up from a coma, she sees her mirror image: Jude, her twin sister. Jude’s face and name are the only memories Kat has from before her accident. As Kat tries to relearn her history and identity, she trusts Jude will provide all the answers. But as the months progress, Kat begins to fear that, maybe, Jude has been lying to her.
Recruit. Hunt. Perform or Perish. Growing up in a sophisticated New Age cult, isolated from society, the girls studied poetry and literature—but also played dangerous games of cunning and savagery, games with dark lessons that followed them into adulthood. Now, with Kat’s mind as a blank slate, Jude invents an idyllic childhood in the hope of erasing this history, and all the threats it still holds.
As Kat pulls at the threads of Jude’s elaborate tapestry, those threats draw closer. When the past and present finally converge, the twins must risk everything to save both their unique bond, and each other’s lives.
Where You End is an unforgettable tale of intrigue, revenge, and moral ambiguities in the quest for redemption. This was a very unique read. The premise, atmosphere, and characters should have made this a win, but I found myself genuinely so confused for a third of the book. This is probably one of the reasons why I could not rate this book higher. The slow pacing and lack of emotional depth did not help. It just felt like a lot of moving from point to point where there was no emotional context or depth I would like to see in a book. I was really excited to read a book about a sister waking up from a coma and not knowing what have happened, but it quickly turned into a cult plot which felt undeveloped. However, if you enjoy character-driven thrillers with a unique twist to them, you will probably like this one.
Recruit. Hunt. Perform or Perish. Growing up in a sophisticated New Age cult, isolated from society, the girls studied poetry and literature—but also played dangerous games of cunning and savagery, games with dark lessons that followed them into adulthood. Now, with Kat’s mind as a blank slate, Jude invents an idyllic childhood in the hope of erasing this history, and all the threats it still holds.
As Kat pulls at the threads of Jude’s elaborate tapestry, those threats draw closer. When the past and present finally converge, the twins must risk everything to save both their unique bond, and each other’s lives.
Where You End is an unforgettable tale of intrigue, revenge, and moral ambiguities in the quest for redemption. This was a very unique read. The premise, atmosphere, and characters should have made this a win, but I found myself genuinely so confused for a third of the book. This is probably one of the reasons why I could not rate this book higher. The slow pacing and lack of emotional depth did not help. It just felt like a lot of moving from point to point where there was no emotional context or depth I would like to see in a book. I was really excited to read a book about a sister waking up from a coma and not knowing what have happened, but it quickly turned into a cult plot which felt undeveloped. However, if you enjoy character-driven thrillers with a unique twist to them, you will probably like this one.
bebocarrick's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this audiobook for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I ADORED this book! Not only was the audiobook narration stellar, I was also completely sucked into the story. I loved puzzling together all the little details of the twins' lives just as Kat was doing the same. I also really enjoyed hearing both Kat and Jude's perspectives and seeing how they came together in certain moments.
Also, I've read few books with pacing as good as this one. It felt slower when it needed to, and sped up when that made more sense, and I absolutely loved the pacing ebb and flow that felt so deliberately created.
As a big fan of cult documentaries, The Plan felt very well thought out and so many of the details reminded me of pieces I'd seen from various documentaries. I'm so intrigued by the story this book claims to have been based on, and if I had any critiques, it would be not being able to find that info! Otherwise, I am completely sold on both this story itself and this wonderful audiobook version.
So excited to get a physical copy when it comes out! Publishing date: Jan 16, 2024.
I ADORED this book! Not only was the audiobook narration stellar, I was also completely sucked into the story. I loved puzzling together all the little details of the twins' lives just as Kat was doing the same. I also really enjoyed hearing both Kat and Jude's perspectives and seeing how they came together in certain moments.
Also, I've read few books with pacing as good as this one. It felt slower when it needed to, and sped up when that made more sense, and I absolutely loved the pacing ebb and flow that felt so deliberately created.
As a big fan of cult documentaries, The Plan felt very well thought out and so many of the details reminded me of pieces I'd seen from various documentaries. I'm so intrigued by the story this book claims to have been based on, and if I had any critiques, it would be not being able to find that info! Otherwise, I am completely sold on both this story itself and this wonderful audiobook version.
So excited to get a physical copy when it comes out! Publishing date: Jan 16, 2024.
platymikey's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
camy007's review against another edition
4.5
Rating: 4.5/5 ★
This book was heavy, heavier than expected. There was a slow start, but once we reached the 20% mark it ramped up quick. I usually don't love amnesia plots, but the tension was done so well I let it pass. When it came to the past I could already guess where it was heading just from the first interaction with Bash. With every "then" chapter of Jude's it felt like watching a train wreck in slow motion. I couldn't believe the amount of people who let this happen for so long and to so many. The final confrontation between the twins and Verona was so good, to see Jude speak in their language. A mother who betrayed them for years....crazy.
This book was heavy, heavier than expected. There was a slow start, but once we reached the 20% mark it ramped up quick. I usually don't love amnesia plots, but the tension was done so well I let it pass. When it came to the past I could already guess where it was heading just from the first interaction with Bash. With every "then" chapter of Jude's it felt like watching a train wreck in slow motion. I couldn't believe the amount of people who let this happen for so long and to so many. The final confrontation between the twins and Verona was so good, to see Jude speak in their language. A mother who betrayed them for years....crazy.
coleridgegirl's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe 2.5? This felt like the outline of an interesting book, and the story itself was certainly intriguing. It’s also a fast read. The problem is I didn’t care at all about the characters. It just felt like a lot of moving from point to point where there was no emotional context. I get some of it was meant to be vague but it never really hit the emotional depth I would expect with this kind of story.
I’ve had this ARC forever and apologize for taking so long.
I’ve had this ARC forever and apologize for taking so long.
marsbarz0903's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0