Book Review: They Never Learn by Layne Fargo

Oh but how I LOVED this one!! I read Temper when it came out, and was thoroughly entertained. I expected the same this time around, but was blown away by how much she’s improved as a writer/storyteller – and that’s after an exceptional first offering in Temper… This was a marvelous revenge fantasy, but it was so much more than that. The characterization, the plotting, the pacing, the revelations – everything about this one was spot-on. I was captivated by the darkness, horrified (but not surprised, sadly) by the bad behavior, tickled and saddened by the naivete and its attendant consequences… But mostly I was entertained by it all!

Sign me up for the next Layne Fargo novel now – I don’t care what the topic, I can guarantee I will enjoy it. Her writing style is marvelous and she has an ability to craft characters, settings, and situations that resonate even when they bear no relationship to anything I’ve actually experienced (and thank goodness for that, since her women find themselves in horrific situations much of the time). It’s a gift to be able to pull readers in so completely, and one she returns to her readers by delivering top-notch storytelling that is current, compelling, and completely enthralling!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.