A review by kaylo88
The Cassandra Complex by Holly Smale

emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book because it's not really my usual style. Some parts felt a bit cheesy and over the top, and at times it leaned into stereotypes.

However, I'm thrilled to see more stories from diverse voices, and having a neurodiverse main character was both refreshing and insightful.

Cassy was wonderfully complex and well-rounded. Despite her communication struggles, she was incredibly likable. Her quirks and vulnerabilities made her all the more relatable, and I found myself really rooting for her, even when she made mistakes.

The story, however, left me with some unanswered questions that added to my confusion. 

For instance, where did the sudden ability to time travel come from, and why was it limited to such a specific period? I assumed there would be an explanation tied to ancient Greek mythology or some other backstory, but it never materialised. This lack of explanation left a significant gap in the narrative.

Additionally, I didn’t enjoy the ending—not because it was poorly written, but because it made the whole story feel somewhat redundant, as if all the events had been for nothing.

That said, the book was an easy and pleasant read, and I'm glad to have gotten to know Cassandra and her sister. Their relationship added depth and warmth to the story, making it a worthwhile journey despite its flaws.