C.J. Simone

The Manic Mission

The Manic Mission was an engaging and suspenseful read. While the story started off a bit slowly—the reasons behind Lester and his men chasing Gabe weren't revealed until more than 40% into the book—it eventually picked up and kept me hooked.

<spoiler > Let's beginning with the ending. I genuinely thought, and hoped, that Gabe and Savannah would remain friends or even cut ties altogether. The two didn't seem good for each other, and Gabe shared more chemistry with a staircase railing than with Savannah. I was disappointed when they ended up together, because their relationship felt forced, and it made me question Savannah's decision-making. </spoiler>

While its multifaceted main characters (Gabe and Kallie) breathed life into the story, Claire Noel was one I struggled to establish a genuine connection with. And while we're here, I feel like the Giordanos were using Claire Noel as their little pet. Cause how did you just meet and now you're taking this girl on a shopping spree for Christmas and her birthday, when they can barely take care of each other? Like Mea said

 “Did you enjoy being their little doll? Getting all their attention?

So, my least favourite character... Idk what more to say except that she fell short in terms of character development and authenticity. Her dialogue often felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with her on a deeper level. Let me be blunt, I can't stand her. So, I'll sit down. 

Kallie was a baddie. I felt like, in comparison to Claire Noel, I knew and understood her past, goals and therefore her behaviour and actions. I just loved every time she made a cameo and her povs.

On the other hand, Gabe was a pretty adorable character. I'm not entirely sure if his being written the way he was and having ADHD was a good representation for neurodivergent characters. I'm not diagnosed as neurodivergent, so I can't vouch for something I'm unaware of. But I think the way he behaved (when he wasn't annoying and reckless) added a refreshing and endearing perspective to the narrative. It set him apart from other main male characters I've read about. 

Despite its flaws, this mafia novel proves to be an exciting read, perfect for fans of gritty, character-driven narratives. Oh, and that cover is so pretty!!

Tali ⋆.˚🦋༘⋆

Rating: 3.25 stars

The Manic Mission was an engaging and suspenseful read. While the story started off a bit slowly—the reasons behind Lester and his men chasing Gabe weren't revealed until more than 40% into the book—it eventually picked up and kept me hooked.

The Ending (Spoilers)

<spoiler > Let's beginning with the ending. I genuinely thought, and hoped, that Gabe and Savannah would remain friends or even cut ties altogether. The two didn't seem good for each other, and Gabe shared more chemistry with a staircase railing than with Savannah. I was disappointed when they ended up together, because their relationship felt forced, and it made me question Savannah's decision-making. </spoiler>

Characters Analysis

While its multifaceted main characters (Gabe and Kallie) breathed life into the story, Claire Noel was one I struggled to establish a genuine connection with. And while we're here, I feel like the Giordanos were using Claire Noel as their little pet. Cause how did you just meet and now you're taking this girl on a shopping spree for Christmas and her birthday, when they can barely take care of each other? Like Mea said “Did you enjoy being their little doll? Getting all their attention?

Claire Noel Brooks

So, my least favourite character... Idk what more to say except that she fell short in terms of character development and authenticity. Her dialogue often felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with her on a deeper level. Let me be blunt, I can't stand her. So, I'll sit down. 

Kallie Giordano

Kallie was a baddie. I felt like, in comparison to Claire Noel, I knew and understood her past, goals and therefore her behaviour and actions. I just loved every time she made a cameo and her povs.

Gabe Giordano aka Gabo Boy 

On the other hand, Gabe was a pretty adorable character. I'm not entirely sure if his being written the way he was and having ADHD was a good representation for neurodivergent characters. I'm not diagnosed as neurodivergent, so I can't vouch for something I'm unaware of. But I think the way he behaved (when he wasn't annoying and reckless) added a refreshing and endearing perspective to the narrative. It set him apart from other main male characters I've read about. 

Despite its flaws, this mafia novel proves to be an exciting read, perfect for fans of gritty, character-driven narratives. Oh, and that cover is so pretty!!

The Manic Mission

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