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A review by miss_anizceta
Gemini Divided by Lauren Kristen Roberts
3.0
As the usual goes, I ended up picking a book because of the cover. The moment I saw Gemini Divided, I expected it'll be a banger, having this spy-esque style with a crime, action-packed vibe with a dash of romance. Sadly, I set the bar too high and I ended up being disappointed. I'm gonna say this now, if you're expecting it'll be a comedy romance read as it was endorsed, it's not. Gemini Divided is a bit of mystery and suspense, with a lot of soapy drama.
** there may be minor spoilers below **
Told in a third person POV, the writing style in the first few chapters weren't easy for me to get into, but it somehow changed and felt different in the mid to end part; hence why I finished. But we also saw glimpses of Jen's voice as an internal thought which she often did in between conversations all throughout the novel. I like that we're given a background, the feel of Jen's capabilities as an assassin before taking on "the assignment".
There's a transition at the start from present time when Jen's at the coffee shop, when we're suddenly thrust into Gemini Divided. I honestly paused to reread the plot because I got so confused! I got to admit however, that I got more invested in the "Gemini Divided" TV show than the actual story happening in the book. It really has its charm and I understand why Jen is a fan-girl.
Since about 80% of the book happened in a span of two days, with Jen trying to figure out Will Bryant and co, I found the story dragging and didn't like the pacing during these chapters—a lot of dull moments. I think it was the delivery that didn't appeal much to me. There were cringey lines that didn't hit home, and the "romance" I was looking forward to between our MCs was nothing but missed. I can see that it's probably leaning toward a slow-burn romance, just with less of the usual flirting we see in the same genre. I would say the connection between Jen and Will was introduced but not established well, and I see more of them as friends/coworkers. Maybe it got something to do with Jen distancing herself from Will (due to the circumstances) so the moments it felt flat can be understandable.
How the story concludes was okay even though I suspected who the real villain in here is. I think if you watch too much action movie/tv drama you'll figure it out too. So not much of a surprise. But, I didn't expect to actually enjoy that final fight scene with Jen, Will, and a certain ally vs the enemies. I like it way better than the warehouse scene.
As for Will and Jen? **SPOILER** Even though they didn't become romantically involved with each other in the end, I like how they restarted their relationship. I admire Will's genuine heart and Jen's courage to fight. They're on to something good here.
Given that this book is a debut, it was still an entertaining read overall. Gemini Divided is a TV action drama in a form of a book. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading women's fiction, crime drama, and suspense.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
** there may be minor spoilers below **
Told in a third person POV, the writing style in the first few chapters weren't easy for me to get into, but it somehow changed and felt different in the mid to end part; hence why I finished. But we also saw glimpses of Jen's voice as an internal thought which she often did in between conversations all throughout the novel. I like that we're given a background, the feel of Jen's capabilities as an assassin before taking on "the assignment".
There's a transition at the start from present time when Jen's at the coffee shop, when we're suddenly thrust into Gemini Divided. I honestly paused to reread the plot because I got so confused! I got to admit however, that I got more invested in the "Gemini Divided" TV show than the actual story happening in the book. It really has its charm and I understand why Jen is a fan-girl.
Since about 80% of the book happened in a span of two days, with Jen trying to figure out Will Bryant and co, I found the story dragging and didn't like the pacing during these chapters—a lot of dull moments. I think it was the delivery that didn't appeal much to me. There were cringey lines that didn't hit home, and the "romance" I was looking forward to between our MCs was nothing but missed. I can see that it's probably leaning toward a slow-burn romance, just with less of the usual flirting we see in the same genre. I would say the connection between Jen and Will was introduced but not established well, and I see more of them as friends/coworkers. Maybe it got something to do with Jen distancing herself from Will (due to the circumstances) so the moments it felt flat can be understandable.
How the story concludes was okay even though I suspected who the real villain in here is. I think if you watch too much action movie/tv drama you'll figure it out too. So not much of a surprise. But, I didn't expect to actually enjoy that final fight scene with Jen, Will, and a certain ally vs the enemies. I like it way better than the warehouse scene.
As for Will and Jen? **SPOILER** Even though they didn't become romantically involved with each other in the end, I like how they restarted their relationship. I admire Will's genuine heart and Jen's courage to fight. They're on to something good here.
Given that this book is a debut, it was still an entertaining read overall. Gemini Divided is a TV action drama in a form of a book. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading women's fiction, crime drama, and suspense.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.