The reviewer had high hopes for the book but found it neither exceptional nor terrible. They acknowledge the book's merits while noting it didn't fully meet their expectations.
The reviewer approached this book with enthusiasm, hoping to be impressed by both the story and the author's talent. While they don't consider the book bad, they feel it falls short of being truly remarkable. The characters and conflicts are noted as real and relatable, but the overall experience left them wanting more. It's a middle-ground review, recognizing the book's potential without fully endorsing it.
Quick quotes
I really, really wanted to like this book and the author.
I don't think this novel is a bad book, I also don't think the author is bad.
There is nothing in this novel that seems tired or trite.