I found the first half of the book to be the better half. It was interesting to read and I found myself gripped to every page. However the second half of my book I found myself getting a little bored. The last quarter of the book I skim read just to get it finished.
I had such high hopes after starting this book, I just wished that the second half was just as good.

I keep coming back to try this book, as have been asked multiple times to review it. However I’ve really struggled with it. I really really wanted to enjoy and get lost in the emotional turmoil, but I just couldn’t. I found I couldn’t associate with any of the characters, in fact I really didn’t like any of them. I felt like it could be too much, but not in a good way and that means i struggle to get through it.

Ofcourse I’m disappointed because I’ve heard great things about this book. It’s entirely possible i’m just not in the right kind of mood for it, so as I do with all my books I will retry sometime in the future. In the meantime I’m going to put it back up on my shelf.

I’m going to give it 2 out of 5 stars.

mentioned in my Jan wrap up

I really wanted to like this book. A teenage weekend away that doesn't go to plan. This weekend is an opportunity to become closer as friends and find out who they truly are. Instead we end up with a bunch of self-pitying, selfish and unlikable people.

Each character takes turns telling a chapter. Each moaning about something. And each refusing to have any morals and just going for what they want. Also everything is in the third person, there is no direct speech or speech marks. Making for a confusing time every page. Which to be honest really frustrated me. I just felt that I couldn't get into this book and really get to know the characters.

And it felt like reading a script. Impossible to know who was talking and using up too much concentration. And after a while I felt that I really didn't care who it was. Pathetic and whiny. These teenagers don't know what they want in life and who they want to be. None of them really face up to their problems or accept that there they have issues. Lucy, the alcoholic in this story, keeps drinking despite being told multiple times to stop. Merc hates being humiliated and seeks revenge in a brutal fashion. Only JJ seems keen to change and he has no personality.

I just couldn't care less. And waiting for something to happen was horrendously slow. And when things, finally happened it was such a let down, that I don't know why I bothered to read Rockadoon Shore.

This may appeal to many people, but if you are looking for a bit of escapism and an intriguing story then this certainty is not the book for you.

It was quite a good book. Learning on how others treat friends. It wasnt the most exciting of books and felt it lacked something to give it that extra omf

Cath is worried about her friends. DanDan's struggling with the death of his ex, Lucy's drinking and Steph has become closed off. A weekend away is just what they need so off to Rockadoon Lodge they go. The weekend does not go to plan. Their elderly neighbour Malachy arrives on their doorstep in the middle of the night with a gun. Nothing will be the same again for any of them.

A tale of friendship, missed opportunities and lost love. Of growing old in modern-day Ireland.

I would like to thank NetGalley, John Murray Press and the author Rory Gleeson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.