Complementary Colors

For the longest time I avoided reading this because of all the reviews saying how this is a really sad and disturbing read and what a fool was I. I instantly loved it—hardly a surprise considering this is an Adrienne Wilder novel.

While I do agree that the plot of Complementary Colors is quite dark, there's always a streak of light too, and Adrienne Wilder did an amazing job at showing that. I love the way she manages to pull me into each and every story, how she seemingly effortlessly paints a vivid picture of the plot and the characters. All that is valid here too, on this journey along with Paris.

And speaking of Paris, he is such a vibrant character. I liked how observant he is and I definitely liked seeing everything through his eyes. I felt bad for him too and at some point while reading, I started hoping and imagining all kinds of scenarios on how someone could break him free. Of course none of my hopes were accurate, not even close, but that is why I like Adrienne Wilder so much. Among other things.

Then there is Roy. Roy is much more quiet, he seems to be thinking a lot, he's calmer and calculated and he is exactly what Paris needs. He is also, underneath a good layer of toughness, adorable. I've had just as much fun as Paris observing his reactions to Paris' teasing.

There is an actual villain in here, in the character of Julia, and there's also Alice. While Julia is greedy and evil and you know she deserves all the cussing and hoping she's going to be miserable, I have to say a big fuck you to Alice.

Like I already said, the plot is pretty dark, there is (warning!!) use of drugs, non-consensual sex, mental disabilities, and talk of suicide, so I wouldn't be quick to recommend this novel, but if you are okay with reading all of that, you are in for a gripping story. It is actually more exciting than some of the supposedly thrilling mystery books I read.