When Ellory arrives at Law School she is prepared for everything except an academic rival in that of Hudson Graves. As theI’m a bit torn on this one.
When Ellory arrives at Law School she is prepared for everything except an academic rival in that of Hudson Graves. As they bicker their way through the syllabus she finds herself having weird flashes of a different reality and tattoos appearing out of nowhere begging her to remember, problem is what has she forgotten?
There’s a lot here that works and some pieces I think feel through the cracks a bit. On the surface I love the idea of this split reality and without giving away too much, the question of an unreliable narrator is some of my favorite because you cannot trust the only person who is taking this journey with you. Ellory questioning what is happening to her, and wondering if such a thing like magic exists while the only person acting as her anchor has secrets of his own.
My issues comes with the pacing. We get a lot of build up and moments that creep you out which is perfect but when it comes to the end I felt like it was rushed. I have no idea how she was able to challenge the confines she was in and make it to the conclusion. Im not sure if I breezed past it or if it was written in such a way that it’s more implied that she got there but I was underwhelmed. I expected there to be a sequel at one point because of how it was playing out with so few pages left but then it just ends? I am not even sure anyone faced consequences which given the gravity of the situation there should have been serious consequences.
I’m not sure in this I’m left feeling like I had to get off of the roller coaster just before the big hill and that’s never fun.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review** ...more
As long as I live if there’s a Marissa Meyer book I’m going to love it.
“House Saphir” welcomes all who wish to go on a ghost tour learning of the horAs long as I live if there’s a Marissa Meyer book I’m going to love it.
“House Saphir” welcomes all who wish to go on a ghost tour learning of the horrid murders committed by the elusive Count with his dearly departed wives a special guests during your visit and with a host who can see and talk to spirits Mallory has made a good living off tourists but when the long lost relative buys a ticket she may have bitten off more than she can chew with her cons and finds herself face to face with something much darker than she could have ever expected.
Bluebeard is such a fun and scary classic and I could not wait to see how Meyer made it her own and she did not disappoint! The main theme of the original is curiosity and the question of what’s behind the door gnawing away at you but with this book we get to enjoy a main character who knows there’s something there and decides it’s none of her business locking it again for good measure.
Mallory was hilarious and each minute with her became a new favorite as she works her schemes to provide for her and her sister all the while managing a tricky relationship with a ghost bride. She is over it before she begins but just as theatrical as she can be to make sure the grand finale covers her tracks and I absolutely respect that mindset. Despite her willingness to con strangers she has such a big heart for those she holds most dear and I loved watching her circle grow with an odd collection of friends and colleagues.
This is such a great read for the Halloween season with tastes of true crime and haunting a with a few moments being genuinely creepy as Mallory, Armand and co try and exercise this monster of a man and I enjoyed every second of it. You feel for the wives who have made the best out of their purgatory, there’s a collection of new monsters causing mayhem and what feels like a tease for a larger universe and potential sequels and to that I say cheers!
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review** ...more
Juice Newton said it best as “the joker ain’t the only fool who’ll do anything for you…”
“House of Hearts” welcomes Violet as she looks to uncover the Juice Newton said it best as “the joker ain’t the only fool who’ll do anything for you…”
“House of Hearts” welcomes Violet as she looks to uncover the truth behind her best friends death at an exclusive boarding school where the rich can afford to keep their secrets , and potential involvement in murder buried. Trying to get into Percy’s Club she finds herself face to face with the Lockwell siblings who have more than a fair share of skeletons in their closet and if Violet isn’t careful she may soon join them.
This is a very fast very fun read that I think would make a killer, no pun intended , tv show or even video game. The moments of horror and haunting were so vivid I couldn’t stop reading it trying to figure out where the story would take me next. There’s frightening nursery rhymes whispered in the halls, doomed lovers and a vengeful spirit hellbent on ripping apart anything that stands in her way.
Violet was perfect she is damaged and petty and only interested in solving the mystery of her friend’s final days at the academy and her snark is perfect armor against Calvin the rich spare to the family fortune who is happy to lean into his playboy antics until suddenly he finds himself next in line for the responsibilities that come with his last name. These two have great moments of banter and I think they pair well together as two people both searching for the answer to what happened to those they love most and sure they fall into familiar tropes and there’s not as much longing as I typically like but they still managed to make it work for me with their push and pull between want and fear that comes with finally getting it.
The whole set up of the story is great with this history repeating itself narrative and the resignation of those who have already lost and the horror of those still waiting to see if it’s their turn. The background between the original triangle and how that kind of grief can manifest into something bigger is always going to hook me in for a ghost story and I would read an entire book on Ana if it was offered.
Such a fun spooky book before Halloween season and I can’t wait for you all to read it!
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review** ...more
A fictional book but a very real reminder of a history of girls who had pieces of themselves ripped away to benefit men.
When her sister returns from A fictional book but a very real reminder of a history of girls who had pieces of themselves ripped away to benefit men.
When her sister returns from the Delphi School for Girls, Gwen could not be more excited only to learn that she is very different than the wild girl she remembers and is excited to take her place as a respectable woman in society and marry a man she just met. Determined to uncover what could have changed her so much, Gwen acts out and gets herself a one-way ticket to the elusive school and finds that there is more walking the halls than just her classmates.
After reading this book its not lost on me that this begins with a wedding the very embodiment of what is expected of women and the signing away of autonomy as you enter a new stage of your life. Over the course of the book you see just how much of the horror is paralleled with real world examples of things that are still happening to further lock women away into little boxes from the expectation that they be respectable young ladies, with no mention of the boys and their behavior, to the fact that it is run by women who are aware of the abuses taking place but fall in line to benefit the men they hope pick them at the end.
All of the girls in this book deserve the world and I know some have their moments of betrayal but ultimately it is their unified effort and companionship that makes you root for them despite the odds of their success. Gwen is surrounded by girls from all walks of life who find themselves trapped on the island because they have too much power, a shared thing that makes them something to fear by the men outside and while they are not quite sure how to use their gifts they know that together they are stronger and that message alone is something we should all take from this book as the real world very much hopes to lock us away so we never realize how big of a difference we can make.
Such a good and very timely book that I could spend much more time speaking on if it wasn’t for spoilers but find me when it is released for all the ranting and praise!
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review!**...more
“In the Shadow of Spindrift House” gives a mystery inc like club who find that their time solving crimes as “those Random find but wow did I love it!
“In the Shadow of Spindrift House” gives a mystery inc like club who find that their time solving crimes as “those meddling kids” is running out as they reach adulthood but with one final case they quickly realize that not all monsters are men in masks.
So this is such a weird read and I’m starting to love how the author manages to make the sea this haunting and gothic entity that is eager to claim all that it can and in this case it’s whoever crosses the threshold into a house surrounded by the rising tides.
Basically everything I love is wrapped up into this book where we have interesting family histories, mythology, monsters and blurred reality that sets up a House on Haunted Hill like quest for this group looking to do anything it can to stay together as life tries to pull them apart but they are doomed from the second they cross the threshold and those moments where they know the game has changed but the cling to a false hope that the rules that guided them before would keep them safe inside the house was such a sad moment and I almost wish this was longer so we could really explore that desperation and deflection that came when they knew it was all over.
Give me all the ghost stories set by the sea and I’ll be happy until the last note of a sirens call.
Merged review:
Random find but wow did I love it!
“In the Shadow of Spindrift House” gives a mystery inc like club who find that their time solving crimes as “those meddling kids” is running out as they reach adulthood but with one final case they quickly realize that not all monsters are men in masks.
So this is such a weird read and I’m starting to love how the author manages to make the sea this haunting and gothic entity that is eager to claim all that it can and in this case it’s whoever crosses the threshold into a house surrounded by the rising tides.
Basically everything I love is wrapped up into this book where we have interesting family histories, mythology, monsters and blurred reality that sets up a House on Haunted Hill like quest for this group looking to do anything it can to stay together as life tries to pull them apart but they are doomed from the second they cross the threshold and those moments where they know the game has changed but the cling to a false hope that the rules that guided them before would keep them safe inside the house was such a sad moment and I almost wish this was longer so we could really explore that desperation and deflection that came when they knew it was all over.
Give me all the ghost stories set by the sea and I’ll be happy until the last note of a sirens call....more
An elemental Hogwarts with monsters and bad boys haunting the night…
Starting freshman year is scary for anybody but for Paisley its made worse by leaAn elemental Hogwarts with monsters and bad boys haunting the night…
Starting freshman year is scary for anybody but for Paisley its made worse by learning that her family’s archnemesis Logan is also attending. As a powerful spellcaster he is leagues ahead of her magic wise but perhaps he holds the key to unlocking the mysterious of the past as well as her untapped potential. With monsters hunting her every move she may not have a choice but to lean on Logan if it means keeping herself and those, she loves alive.
I am not quite sure where to begin with this one, it has all of the elements I enjoy but for some reason it felt like we were just skimming the surface on something that could have been better. The magic is fine though I feel like we don’t know a lot about how it all works which isn’t too terrible since Paisley is unfamiliar with her own talents so we too felt left out of the bigger picture. I feel like there is going to be more in future books with the necromancy element but like her family’s secrets there was quite a lot left hanging at the ending.
Paisley is fine she feels very two dimensional to me but then again, I feel as though they all do. Each character checks off a box and we aren’t given a lot to really flesh them out , we also are introduced to so many characters amongst her classmates and the elders so there is a lot of moving parts and not as much depth. I am all for smut but man this book felt like all it could talk about was how everyone wanted to have sex with a majority wanting Logan but apart from being described as pretty there was nothing else there, no charm or wit that you may see in a character like this instead he pops up when needed and broads and then disappears just as quickly. There was no heat in their scenes and for an enemies to lovers it felt like Paisley spent more time reminding us they hated each other than really building that tension which was disappointing.
This one took me longer to get through which is a shame and most likely not a series I will be returning to fully but I might google spoilers to see if I had anything right when it comes to the mystery.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review** ...more
“When Devil’s Sing” welcomes us the the Deep South where a missing boy threatens the secrets of the ultrBetter the Devil you know than one you don’t.
“When Devil’s Sing” welcomes us the the Deep South where a missing boy threatens the secrets of the ultra wealthy and when mysterious strangers start offering bargains to those down on their luck an unlikely group of teenagers have to work together to outsmart the Devil.
This feels like it would have been a fantastic episode of Supernatural during the early seasons. Checking all the boxes with small town legends and folktale like monsters who wouldn’t be tempted to make a deal at a crossroad?
All of the characters we spend time with have different motives when pulled into this world and their own desperations for being tempted by offers that seem too good to be true and while you want to scream at them not to do it you absolutely understand how one could be drawn into this world. Sam wants nothing more than to protect her brother from the violence at home, Neera wants to avoid her future becoming like her single mothers’ , Reid is ashamed of what his family has become and finally Isaiah wants to make a name for himself as an investigative journalist doing his best to solve a missing persons case and expose the corruption of those in high society. They all have something they want and a desperation to it that makes them easy victims to strike bargains with and I enjoyed every second.
The plot moves quickly and takes us on this journey of discovery and watching the group come together for this singular purpose was exciting as you never knew who or what could stand in their way or if it would matter at all when up against something far more powerful. I do wish we got a bit more on the lore surrounding the Devils as I believe we meet all three but the stark differences in their approach were striking enough to leave questions behind and I know I wouldn’t hate a sequel.
A very fun read and one that will sing to anyone who has spent time in a small town where whispers in the dark could change your fate, if you’re willing to pay of course.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review** ...more
Mazzy and Nora’s seemingly innocent attempt at a spell quickly spirals into a chilling and dangerous supernatural mysteBe careful what you wish for …
Mazzy and Nora’s seemingly innocent attempt at a spell quickly spirals into a chilling and dangerous supernatural mystery. While trying to uncover hidden things, the two girls stumble upon the body of a young woman, brutally murdered and missing her hands and teeth. As the investigation progresses, they are haunted by the restless spirit of the murdered woman, who is desperate to solve the mystery of her death. But as all clues point to a secretive, deadly society, the girls must navigate a treacherous path to avoid meeting the same grisly fate.
What truly surprised me about this book was how deeply it leans into its magical elements. Initially, I expected a more straightforward story where the magic was mostly mundane but the story quickly dove into darker territory, exploring cults, tarot, and rituals grounded into the reality of the world rather than this being abnormal. These elements raise the stakes and creates a sense of urgency and tension that builds as the mystery unfolds.
That said, while the eerie atmosphere and occult themes were compelling, the book falters in terms of character development and plot cohesion. Mazzy and Nora are likeable enough but ultimately feel a bit flat. Their personalities don’t seem to leave a lasting impression, especially given the high stakes they’re facing. The rapid pace of the story doesn’t allow for much emotional depth, which results in characters who remain more plot devices than fully realized individuals. This is especially apparent in the book's climax, where a twist involving a character we’ve met earlier felt more confusing than shocking—largely because I hadn’t had enough time to become truly invested in who these people were.
In terms of plot, while the twists and creepy moments are certainly memorable, the overall narrative feels a bit rushed. The supernatural elements are intriguing, but the plot doesn’t offer enough room for the kind of character development that would have made the story truly resonate. By the time the shocking revelations arrive, I found myself more focused on the supernatural elements than the characters’ fates, which is disappointing considering the book’s emotional potential.
Ultimately this is a fast-paced read, especially for those who enjoy supernatural mysteries with dark magic and occult themes. However, if you’re looking for something with a bit more substance this one may leave you wanting more. It’s a fun ride, but its surface-level emotional impact keeps it from being a truly memorable read.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review** ...more
Following a tragedy Teresa has locked herself away in her room with her streaming being the only connection to the outside world anQuick nobody move!
Following a tragedy Teresa has locked herself away in her room with her streaming being the only connection to the outside world and when one of the most popular creators stages an elaborate stunt with an invisible door and a grinning ghost the views don’t stop pouring in but is it really all for show or is something more sinister at play?
This was an interesting read. For starters I was a big fan of The Ring growing up so a book that takes some of that and brings it into a world where we all have access to a screen was very exciting but the overall execution of this left a lot to be desired.
I think the characters were ok we have our typical group of popular streamers and some not so familiar all vying for the same attention and going to great lengths to get it which couldn’t be more accurate to what we see every day with Teresa on the cusp of something great but burdened by her anxiety and PTSD following an accident. I think the portrayal of that struggle was very authentic and helped further isolate a character that was at the same time reaching out in the only way they knew how for support and real human connection.
My biggest struggle was the plot , while the mental health aspect worked the actual conflict and villain so to speak was rather flat. I think the scare of it was lost a bit when you have something be so stationary and once we get through to this bigger reveal the solution is something I will leave out for spoilers sake but has always been , at least in my experience with social media, a giant joke which sort of made it more comical than impactful which I don’t know was the overall intent.
This is a tricky one because the idea is perfect and one I think would make for a great new backdrop for horror if done right and this just missed the mark.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review** ...more
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