I haven't read in a long bit, so this is my first book to actually finish in a while. I really loved the writing style and, especially, the setting. The marsh felt alive, and the detailed descriptions made it easy to vividly imagine both the place and the people. The atmosphere is easily the strongest part of the book. Plot-wise, the novel starts off strong. A young girl left alone to survive, very interesting. The back-and-forth timeline works well and feels almost cinematic. However, the second half doesn't flow as smoothly. Some chapters feel unnecessary, like filler episodes that don't move the story forward. Certain events, such as the return of Kya's brother, Jodie, don't have much impact on the overall plot beyond reminding us that she has family. And the plot twist, for it to be revealed in the last few pages- very underwhelming. Kya actually killed Chase. I admit I was shocked, but it seems to exist mainly to answer the question of who was responsible, rather than to add emotional weight or change how the story is understood. I think it would have been more interesting if this revelation had come earlier, especially if Tate had discovered the truth before Kya's death. Overall, the book is beautifully written and atmospheric, but the weaker pacing and choices in the second half keeps it from being a 5 stars book (imo).