The Good:
- Change of location. I was really glad to see the book leave Hotel Hart and take us to the hell that is "Elsewhere". And this place is bad. Yes, I know it was expected to be awful, but nope, Aimee Carter took it to a whole new level of evil. I did not see a lot of the twists surrounding Elsewhere coming, which was really great in itself. And reading about the history, the people, their lives... it was so worth it.
- The plot. Yes, the plot was very fast paced, very anticipatory. Lots of twists, and lots of trying to figure out who were the "good guys", trying to figure out who was even who (if you've read Pawn, you know that masking is very shady business, and Captive takes it to a new level). I had no idea. Maybe I still don't. Guess I have to wait to find out!
- The new characters. Not even the characters themselves, because Kitty is quite frustrating sometimes, but just all the new people that are introduced. It makes for a really strong book, because you'll find yourself in sincere empathy one minute, and abhorrence the next. There are a lot of characters to feel for, and a lot of characters to hate, and it makes for a book chock full of suspense.
- Kitty and Knox. I enjoy them, I do. Even though Kitty is mind numbingly frustrating at times, she really is caring and loyal and has a lot of good qualities. It is easy to root for her. As for Knox, I have just always enjoyed his character. I love his frustration with Kitty, especially in the beginning of the book when she is refusing to listen to him. They argue like an eighty year old couple, and I find it fun. Of course, Knox is all over the place in this book, and I was never sure if he was trustworthy after a certain point. I think I know where he stands now, but come on, there's another book, anything can happen!
The "Meh" (Because none of it was bad):
- Benjy. Oh Benjy, why you here? Seriously, Benjy is one of the most useless characters I have come across. I feel exactly nothing toward him. I almost wished I hated him, because at least there'd be some emotional stirrage. I get that Kitty has known him forever but there is no chemistry, just familiarity.
- Kitty earns her III. Seriously, I know why homegirl didn't get higher on her test now, because she does some really dumb stuff under pressure. Likely just as she did on her test, because wow. I mean, I know some people freeze up in the heat of the moment, can't make decisions, make the wrong ones, etc., but she has to get it together if she is going to save anyone, herself included.
Bottom Line: Very good as a book, great as a sequel. I absolutely can't wait for Queen based on the events of this book.
This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight