kae

Listen, all I am saying is that there are some serious consent issues in this book. From both parties - male against female and female against male. That being said, and not taking it lightly–

I actually liked this book a lot more than I wanted to. I love the Bridgerton series on Netflix and I feared that reading the book may be not as good as the series. I actually liked the liberties that the show took different from the book and also enjoyed the original path that the book went aside from the series. For a cheesy romance novel, I will be definitely pursuing the rest of the vast series.

I also love that Daphne is such a woman who has her own mind and really states her own thoughts. And I think that the Bridgerton family is refreshing in personality for a historical romance novel. More reviews of Julia Quinn to come........

This book was really interesting because it views the very familiar story of Twilight from Edward's perspective.

A couple things I loved about this format:

1. You get to actually hear what he is thinking about Bella (more on this later). This (at first) was great. Because Edward is such a stoic character whose face does not give away much, it was hard to discern what exactly he was thinking about any particular subject at any time. HOWEVER, BY THE END OF THE BOOK I WAS SO TIRED OF HEARING HIM TALK SHT ABOUT BELLA'S WANT TO BE A VAMPIRE. Like he was the “bad guy” and that she didn't know what she was doing or how he is always putting her in danger. For those who have read the normal books from Bella's perspective, you know that Edward straight up just leaves Bella in ‘New Moon' because he is “saving” her from himself. This possibility that he was going to do this actually started early on in the novel and he grappled with it up until the end. Obviously we all know what happens, but in New Moon from Bella's perspective, this is quite a shock (I cried hard for a whole day when I read this in my teens... heartbreak...) BUT you know where New Moon is going from Edward's perspective in this novel. The foresight is real. SO, I am very excited for how Stephanie Meyers alternate to New Moon is going to be. I mean she has to keep going now that she opened this can of worms. And actually that book has the opportunity to go even deeper in an explanation into the vampire world, Edward's life and also give intro to the other covens that just show up in Breaking Dawn (because I believe Edward goes and visits a lot of other covens), because New Moon is so primarily focused on building up Bella and Jacob's relationship.2. You get more clarity on hoe everything actually goes down because you are hearing Edward's thoughts and also the thoughts of others because he can read minds. This gives so much more depth to the story, especially because for a large portion of the end drama you are hearing Edward read Alice's thoughts of the future. This is basically like having two narrators. And the fact that Alice and her beginnings are more explained is phenomenal because I love her.3. For whatever reason I like Bella a lot better in this book than I remember?? Idk she just sounded smarter that what I remember but this could be fake news because I read Twilight a LONG time ago.It took me a long time to finish this book solely because I was tired of hearing martyr Edward's pity rants about ‘loving Bella' but having to leave her because he is a monster, etc. etc. (you can obvi tell I was always Team Jacob but alas...) Also something to note is that there is a lot more explanation in this book as a preface to the things Bella learns in New Moon about the treaty, because Edward was actually there for it. Also, you can start to see the relationship between Jacob and Edward form as well that was only ever highlighted in Eclipse. Because Edward can read Jake's mind he can see that he is pure and wholesome and his intentions for Bella are only that of love (cue the AWKKKKK love triangle early.)Anyways, loved this book. 3.75/5 stars. The only reason I didn't round to 4 in the review above is because I'm still mad about how much time was wasted and how much harder it was to get through bc of Edwards inner monologues about morality. *sigh how many times can you say the same thing ,my dude? (But also love/hate to Steph for actually coming up with 75 different ways to say the same thing and still keep it the tiniest bit fresh to capture enough intrigue to drag yourself as the reader through yet another pit of despair.

Side note: I would have much preferred if she formatted this book to be like 1500 pages and literally merged Twilight and Midnight Sun so you could start reading a chapter from Bella's perspective then jump to Edward's or do some co-mingling in the chapters. I have seen this done in other romance novels and really enjoyed it. If she could pull this off succinctly it would make the monologues worth it.

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk!!

I liked this book but honestly it was a lot of things that I already knew through my yoga/meditation journey. In my opinion, also just being interested in this and doing a quick google search, you could get the gist of what this 182 page book is about per reading a generic article about the same thing in cosmo mag. There was a lot of good into like what poses to do and also I loved that at times the author really offered words of down-to-earth encouragement. This books started out strong by packing in a lot of info like having you ID your sleep type, personified by different animal types. This was useful because along the way, there were ‘case studies' for this so you could apply your animal type to the new information she threw at you. It was a quick read, but it really didn't need to get 182 pages. It could have been 150 and it would have been better. Soft ball and intro people interested in this topic: this book is for you. People who are looking for some in-depth knowledge about the direct effect of psychological and biological influences on yoga and vice versa for improved sleep: please look elsewhere for advanced info. 3 stars/5

You know, I really wanted this book to be different. I had high expectations, and it just didn't hit the mark for me. I thought when it came down to it:

1. there were too many characters
2. relationships were not explicitly called out all the time
3. the story would have been totally different if Bug didn't decide to pay his mom's burden when she didn't deserve it

Perhaps unpopular opinion, but it really would have been the same old life for them if that didn't change. What did I like about this novel? It was very raw, there was nothing alluded to. The author was very black and white about the way things were (which was why some character relationships ended up being confusing because they were much murkier than the storyline). I kind of wish it ended differently. I wish that men weren't always like “oh it's just the way men are in my family so that's now I am”. BOY STOP YOUR TOXIC MASCULINITY and literally think through your choices!!!! There was quite a bit of sexism in this book. Meaning the women were just supposed to sit there and take whatever decisions that the men made. I was glad for what happened at the end with Kia, but it was still too soft for all the shit this dude did. In the end, just disappointed in such a highly talked up novel.

This was one of those books where, in my opinion, not a whole lot happened. Perhaps I am used to the ‘murder most foul' genre, where brutal attacks are my forte, so this was mild. However, I really enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed the fact that, even though nothing happened, it was a true study in the human personality. I was fascinated by the author's explanation of the powerful women in the Owens' family and the personalities that were true magic. I am really looking forward to reading the other 2 (prequels?) I am still trying to get down what order they should be in. Anyways, the movie used to scare me when I was younger (ask Trish), but I believe that was on account of the brutal beating scene with Gillian and maybe the death? Oh how I've grown from that lol. Anyways, ramble aside, this was a good story about women who stick together through the thick of it all.

I Loveddd this book. I thought it was extremely well done and totally captivating throughout the entirety of the story. It has something for everyone here: action, an underdog, betrayal, quest, love, friendship, hardship, etc. This book was unlike anything I have ever read. Set in a futuristic world, there was also some alarm as it did a really good job of potentially predicting what the world may look like in the 2040s. I do think we are progressing that way technologically. I don't want to dive in too much, but if you are looking for a sci-fi quest novel with the above themes that is equal parts endearing and entertaining, then look no further! Highly recommend for al geeks/nerds, and lovers of all things 1980s.

3.7s stars/5. This was a good book that was a little rushed at the end. The potential kidnapping of a kid and the author's tke on the process to wihich that kid is either 1. found dead, or 2. found, seemed very rushed. However, this beginning and middle sent chills down my spine and kept me up at night. A man coming to your house and whispering to you through your window in the middle of the night?? No, I'm real good, thanks. This was a really well done storyline that hit some bumps at the end because I feel like it just wasn't completely thought through. The climax was at 80% through the book and that 20% left was not enough pages to resolve the conflict and climax. I also feel like the rising to the climax had a lot more focus on things that did not so much matter to the plot than actual things that directly influenced the main plot.

I liked this book. Liked not loved. There was a lot going on with this book. I read Taylor Jenkin Reid's ‘Daisy Jones & the Six' last year and absolutely loved it. I knew this book was not going to be as good (saw some lackluster reviews on here before I started it), but it had a lot of the same themes. High profile band, sex, drugs, abuse, anxiety, betrayal, pride, you know, the usual. But I am still wracking my brain for why the hell this book had to be over 400 pages when the ending literally didn't start until page 400. Yup, the total count was 419 and the end started at 400. It was really trash. It was like all of this background was given just for you to not finish the story. Like when someone tells you this really elaborate joke with all this preamble and then the punchline isn't even a punchline its just a statement so then you wonder why you wasted minutes of you life getting caught up in the details and listening to some schmuck who doesn't know what they are talking about. Yeah, that was this book.

Overall I felt that the things that were supposed to be big scandalous plot points were just not intense enough, and the things that were subtle points had too much focus on them in the scheme of things. I really think if you are going to write a book that opens up with someone's funeral, you better spend the rest of the book hitting that “Unraveling” home. Maybe I have just built up a tolerance to violence, mistreatment and abuse though my usual psychological thriller/murder mystery books, but I don't know, this kind of seemed a little lackluster. What I think should have happened was everything that did, but shortened to like 300 pages, shit should hit the fan from 300-350, then the ending could be 20 for a total of 370 pages (50 less than actual).

YOOOOO I've been on a roll this month with good books!!! This one was a bit different from my usual go-to's (those who have been peeping my reviews know I love murder), but this was literally a book about reality TV.

Bea, a plus-sized fashion blogger and feminist icon, gets approached as being the contestant as basically a fictional version of the Bachelorette (aka the Main Squeeze). Sounds like fun right? Well, yeah of course, but having every move criticized, publicized, and judged as a plus-sized women makes everything 10000x harder because everyone thinks they know what's best for you in terms of your health.

i FELT this book in my core. The fat shaming, comparison, diet culture, mansplaining and overall awful behavior from the male population. Yeah, it struck a chord. I was really invested in the main character because of this connection, and the fact that she and I have similar personalities. For this, I felt like this book was made for me. I could not put it down. It was exactly what I needed for a change of pace. Normally, with romances, l feel like after the time I spent reading was kind of wasted. Romances to be lack substance and are altogether really simple and are very easy to guess the ending to or what is going to happen. There is no real plot twists because every romcom movie has already covered everything. BUT this was SO different!! I was really impressed at what happened. I could somewhat guess the ending because of Bea's personality, but that was literally only happening as the ending was happening. You guys, I was obsessed with this book. I remember sitting in my car literally thinking to myself “what the hell is she gonna do?? Bea what is happening??”

All in all would highly recommend for any and all, but especially those who associate and can relate with feminism and the plus-sized community. I hope the author continues to write from this point of view, because it really is a sub portion of the Romance genre that is severely lacking. Hell, it's a subportion of ALL genres that is severely lacking!!

This was a phenomenal book. Let's say you're at a buffet. You take a large slice of murder mystery for your protein, add some medieval fantasy as your homey carbohydrate of choice, then portion out a hearty helping of mythology. To top it off you sauce up your plate with a juicy portion of love-story to tie everything together. Yum.

Forreal tho this story was amazing. It follows a family of cursed sisters, all dying of mysterious causes on an Island kingdom in a map not unlike Game of Thrones. One by one. They are against time to try to stop it and as the novel progresses, it is hard to tell what is reality and what is imaginary. The author's focus on plot and leaving little clues for you along the way to try to figure out what is happening was pure gold. Although I kind of guessed the end as it was happening (drats to the years of murder-mystery experience), it was a real whirlwind of emotions. Everything was woven together so vividly and colorfully. I was very impressed with this debut novel. I would highly recommend as one of the best books I read in 2020.

This was probably one of the best books I read of 2020. It reminded me of Harry Potter meets Percy Jackson. The story follows Elle, an outsider who has had to work hard for everything in life, through her “high school” academic years. Sounds potentially problematic, right? What with the social anxiety, no friends, bullies, etc..... well add in trying not to die. That's right, in this ‘Hogwarts' the castle school is literally trying to kill you so it can have energy to function. Not everyone who starts makes it out.

The plot in this book was absolutely outstanding. Everything about it was unique, so well thought through and thoroughly original. I hung on every word (I listened via audiobook), and was totally mesmerized by the ongoing twists and turns. The author painted such a vivid portrait with every scene and there was just so much to digest. I am SOOOO happy this is planned to be a trilogy!! I can hardly wait. If anyone is debating, PLEASE READ it was one of the best books I've ever read. And that is saying a lot, because ya girl HATES YA!!

Dear GOD, I am so glad that this book is FINALLY over. What an absolute waste of a good story and excellent characters!! I am so disappointed in this book. First, I gave it 2 stars: 1 for the awesome beginning (I listened to this book and I believe that it was 13 hours, so the first 3-4 hours were great). Another star was for the ending, because it wasn't awful (it could be because that meant the book was finally over and I didn't have to listen to it anymore, but we will give the benefit of the doubt.) The good ending was about 1-2 hours. That leaves 7-9 hours of absolute GARBAGE. I felt like I was listening to the same chapter over and over and over again. I don't know if it just me and my feminist disposition, or not having grown up in the south, but these women were SO afraid of their husbands and their husbands controlled their lives!! Like they had no opinion?? Like they didn't matter but were just baby machines who also conveniently cleaned the house and cooked and let them do whatever they wanted while they cheated and gave them STDs and didn't care?? SO INFURIATING. I hate this. I feel so bad for the women of this part of the country. That seems like actual hell. Anyways, I guess there was a dude who was a vampire but he was really just a sexual satist and rapist so what's worse? Id say the rape. Anyways. this was so bad. I was gonna read her other book but I'm not going to bother now. Game over dude. RIP.

This was a weird a** book my dudes. I've read a lot like it, but the ending just kinds of blurs with others if I am being honest. Psychopaths stealing kids and then using them to achieve the life they want? Ugh. This is a true testament to treating your kids with love and respect at every stage of their life, do not degrade them, or make them feel inadequate, because those who don't grow up to be obviously insecure will internalize it and end up as psychopaths. Cool and calm on the outside, maybe a little quirky, but an absolute shite show on the inside.

That aside, there was a good portion of this book that is completely far fetched. How do you make a girl pregnant in a basement with a donors sperm? You would have to take the sperm from the bank, keep it at a precise temp, drug the girl, twist her limp body into a crazy shape and then implant it into her??? What the fork???? I just didn't think this was really all that convincing. There was a lot that was weird about this book. The people in it weren't really convincing and it made for a boring read because I wasn't super invested in the characters (because of the author's development, etc.) All in all, this did not stack up to her other ‘The Family Upstairs' at all. This was just okay.

This was NOT my favorite book in the Witcher series. There was a lot of floating around in stuff that just didn't really appeal to me. The beginning was okay and I liked the end (not bc it was the end but because they ran into vampires and explained how vampires work in this universe). The beginning had things about Ciri and Yen but it was like whenever it was getting good they would switch to a new chapter with a new plot. It was very annoying. I am looking forward to how this is set up for the next book however.

This boom was so incredibly raw. The definition of nonfiction. These crimes were horrible, gruesome, chilling and 100% real. This made them absolutely terrifying for a woman to read about. The basis of the show ‘Mindhunter', which I am obsessed with, this book was NOT for the weary-hearted. Cases and themes explored in the show are only the beginning. John Douglas is one person and the narrator of this autobiography about his career building up the crime psychology lab in Quantico for the FBI. Although the show has 2 main detectives, they actually split real John in 2 to make Ford and Tench for the show. (Great watch, highly recommend). Anyways, this book is right up there with ones I normally read from a fiction standpoint: psych thriller, murder, mystery, etc. But this book was real. This is the difference between this book and the others. It was so incredibly graphic. The graphic nature of other books is still impactful, but because it is coming from a place of fiction, minimal truth for exact nature on a particular individual, it is easier to let it go once it is done. Douglas describes real families impacted by real, brutal murders of their family members. When he tells the stories, it is because he has seen them with his own two eyes. They have a weight to them that is more impactful and really makes it hard for the reader to progress in the kind of “detachment” that typical fiction novels possess. This book took me much much longer to get through than normal. It was not for lack of completely fascinating material (what makes a criminal psychologically do the things he/she does, nature vs nurture,etc.). It was because it was so damn heavy. I needed to take breaks to let the thing sink in. I learned a lot from this book though. I come from the standpoint that people who believe in fairytales and kindness and happy endings solely are doing themselves a disservice. The world is full of good, but it is also filled with extreme evil, seen in these pages. Being a woman in the world arguably could be one of the worst things. This book gets you thinking and picking up on things that creeps would do in real life. It makes you aware (as do reading all those fiction books too). It makes you cynical, but not to a fault. Rather to a caution. I believe that these things NEED to be talked about and remembered and made aware, so that we can all be safer together. Thank you John for an amazing encounter of your career, filled with stories that you probably already put far from your mind because of the impact. Your retelling of the gruesome crimes and reopening of emotional wounds is making the world better beyond just your cop work at Quantico. It is making the general public more aware of the kind of shit that's out there. I look forward to reading more of your books on the psychology of serial killers.

This book was phenomenal. Translated from Swedish, this book follows an FBI equivalent in Copenhagen as they try to catch the culprits of many murders. The plot of the murder history was varying and did not make sense at times, while the reader was trying to figure out that story, the story of the main characters and their relationships kept evolving. Behaviors of both parties were incredibly intricate. Told from several ‘points-of-view' (not first person, but narrated as if telling a story about that person) from 5+ points of view. It was hard to keep it all straight but it was part of the development. I listened to this book, which was great. The narrator was awesome and played the part of several people perfectly. However, now that I know the ending, I am looking forward to reading my physical copy in the future so that I can observe how all the pieces fall into place and look for things i would not have noticed before. Highly recommend this book!!! One of the best books I've read this year. I loved the fact that the chapters were only 3-4 pages, which made the plot choppy and incredibly fast paced. The amount of information, false-leads, character involvement, and just overall character development made this book fantastic. It was so well-rounded and kept me guessing til the end. There is also prospect for another book in the series the way it ended. It doesn't beg for another book, but the potential is there!

Pretty standard Sarah Pinborough. She definitely has cornered the psych thriller market, but on some of her novels I just don't think the follow-through does the plot justice. A lot of this book was easy to guess, but it was better than Dead to Her (also by her). Not living up to ‘Behind Her Eyes', which was executed great. I listened to this and I am glad that I did. The narration was excellent and it made the novel easier to get through. I don't really have to much to say other than it was pretty solid. Wasnt the best thing i've ever read, wasnt the worst. Good start into the genre. 3.5 stars/5

This was a fantastic book. A really fascinating historical fiction novel that focuses on feminism and hardships associated with society's views of who you are versus who you know you are. Set in 1940-1950s India, the nation has just broken free from British rule and it has left the country divided on a lot of counts. There is a national identity crisis going on and it plays a large part in the novel. The main character struggles with her identity after fleeing an abusive marriage to make a life for herself undefined by no man - only to be defined secondhand by her ungrateful, naiive sister who escapes their village and finds her in a large city. The identity crisis also merges with class issues. Identity and entitlement of the rich versus the suffering and injustice done to the poor. Double standards of men and women, especially in a country such as India where the family roots run deep. Shame can easily be brough upon families for silly things that stain the reputation for decades to come. This book touches upon these and teeters the delicate balance of all.


Honestly this book was STRESSFUL (because of above reasonings). I loved it though. I thought it was a beautiful work that handled all topics very skillfully. I have not read any books set in this historical setting and I enjoyed it 110%. I can also see why it made Reese's Bookclub, because the main character is a feminist icon who has to deal with all of the societal bullshit of the patriarchy and “traditions” that favor only men. It was a hard read though, there were several elements that I really wish didn't happen. For examples, although I think it is important that the book ended the way it did to really hit home the plot of inequality and hardship but I really would have loved if this book was like 800 pages long and you could “chose your own adventure”. I loved learning about the main character but I honestly hated her sister, who played such a big part. I wanted to know and read more about the royal ladies that she served and their lives and how she rose to be such a skilled Henna Artist. I mean the author does give a good amount of background so you are not guessing. But in the 13 years that she fleed her abusive marriage and her sister found her in the city is a lot of time to make up for. I just really wish the sister wasn't part of it. For someone who grew up with so little and was given so much when she found her sister, she was so mouthy, entitled and honestly ungrateful. Everytime she talked I was like “dude please shut up”. There were also a few parts where I was like ‘just leave your sister you barely know her', but I understand the sister was the main character's cultural karma for disgracing her family. Again, a lot of things happening and lots to consider. It was such a fast read. I would NOT be mad about it if the author decided to write more about this time period and setting (just sayin').

3.75 stairs/5

I am of 2 schools of thought on this book. 1. I wish, for once, that someone would give a rape victim a happy goddamn ending, because NO ONE BELIEVES THE VICTIM IN REAL LIFE. 2. I am not surprised this did not end in appropriate justice because the American legal system fails women on a regular basis. I'm sorry, but it is true. This book brought up so many points and harsh realities of what it is like to live as a woman in this country. A sixteen year old girl, forced to chose between the decision to relive her rape over and over again through examination in the hospital, and questioning and cross questioning in the court room. The trial depends on her testimony. Meaning, that unless she tells it from her end, there will be no resolve. But even if she does tell it, the change of resolve in her favor could not be impacted. Tell me how this is justice when the rapist gets to sit in the room and is not required to undergo the same humiliating and traumatizing treatment?? Why in this era do we think it is okay to say “well his life will be ruined”... SHE WAS GD RAPED DUDE WHAT THE HELL. Not to mention the side plot of a rape/murder covered up by the chief of police for his son bc he didn't want to smear the family name, etc. Violence breeds violence, hate breeds hate. TEACH YOUR CHILD BETTER BC EVEN WHEN YOU ARE NOT TEACHING YOU ARE SHOWING.

Anyways, there were several areas that this book could have segwayed into having a sequel and the author missed the opportunity to do. She should have made it so Dan Moore didn't commit suicide but rather Rachel was literally in the courtroom (like she had been for the podcast) but on the other side, in the testimony spot. Then she could have had a potential new podcast from another angle.. anyways the rest of the book was wrapped up but like not all nice and neat. It was wrapped up like a present you get from you niece on Christmas who is 5. Like she tried so hard to wrap that up and used a whole thing of tape... the idea and the thing is technically wrapped up, but is that an insta influencer shot? No. its not.

5 stars for SURE. This was a fantastic book about something that I have no knowledge of. My extent of Japanese history does not extend past an art history class that I took when I was a senior in college. A refreshing change to my usual historical novels, this book was incredibly tragic but summed up in a tone of ‘this is just how life is'. The cultural differences and the absolute resiliency of women in Japan in both the past and present cease to amaze me. The telling of this story was truly a look inside some of the deepest roots. The impacts of actions and how all things are intertwined in this culture, as well as the setting taking place during World War II just magnified the tragedy. It was really heavy to hear the author basically say that her life is not her own. Duty over love, and hiding of emotions. Very raw and intimate. I would highly recommend this book and will continue to seek out the subject matter to learn more in additional research and novels.

3.5 ⭐️/5. Intriguing book that was very fast paced and kept me interested through the end. The last 30 pages semi-dragged, but I feel as though that is because the ending wasn't as intense as I thought it should be. I did appreciate the sequencing of events the author did and the fact that the lucid dream theme tended to blurr the lines a little bit. The ending with the solider and the slit wrists returning to the shadows was a good Easter egg, I just wish that there was a better pattern. 2 incidences is just a coincidence, but 3+ is a sequence. Pretty good though and with a nod to the authors debut, the whisper man, I'll move onto that one next.

Pretty Standard, non-earth shattering book. I read this because Netflix is doing a spin off of Nurse Ratchet's life before she came to the hospital and all the shit went down that took place in this book. Overall, I think that this was good. There was a lot of substance here and I can see why in the '60s this was a big deal. We have come leaps and strides in the mental health sector of knowledge, however, we have so far to go. What is really interesting is the “total domination” factor of not wanting to ever address an issue (mental health) but rather asserting of total dominance over the subject through medication and a “we know best attitude”. The overtones and total Trump administration era, although this was written over a half century ago. If anything, the critics are right: this novel is a commentary on the inadequate treatment of mental health in this country, stemming from the fact that proper healthcare is not affordable and is essentially a privilege - not a right. The trickle down affect is that because of mistreatment, more violent tragedy is senselessly still present in this country today and no one is doing anything about it. Oh, is this what is meant by “keeping America great??” Do better America.

This was a pretty good, pretty fast read. I did not see it taking such a culty turn. Basically, without giving too much away I would say this was ‘The Silent Patient' meets anything having to do with the Manson cult minus the blatantly obvious killing and writing “piggy” on the wall in blood. I really appreciated all of the perspectives of the story as it juggles 3 totally different people's lives. Starting, the narrators have nothing in common, ending, they having everything in common. I don't really think this was the best name for the book. Very intriguing, but the family upstairs didn't really happen for very long. But this was a good book, worth the hype. I would recommend. All the characters were believable, and I believe that the audiobook's choice in narrators was what really made the book and plot believable. Especially the guy who played Henry and woman who played Lucy. Very raw and emotional performance on both their parts. I liked them both very much. The ending? Maybe could have wrapped up better. Personally I prefer more tragedy in my psychological fiction, but this was good. If anyone wants a lighthearted ending (perhaps?) this is for you. Would recommend and would probably read again.

3.85/5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. Not only is this a book about books but its also a book about architecture (a win-win for this girl). I loved the character development, ingenuity and overall depth that this book reached. Because the storyline was so precise and very intricate, us as the reader were able to explore many worlds, themes, and time periods, which is not something that happens in many books. Usually the author choses one time for the book to happen. However, this can be a slippery slope because if the writing isn't concise and the sequencing of events is not clear, it can be a hot mess. I am honestly surprised that this book was so good, because it is considered YA. For those of you who have read my other reviews, you know that ya girl is not a huge fan of YA because it always leaves for something to be desired. Brilliant ideas are not usually explored to their full potential, which makes me sad. Harrow, however, did NOT disappoint. This was beautifully written and the characters were amazing. In the end I think that my only criticism was that I wanted more, and not of the main character. The people who were in her life, whether good or bad, were much more interesting to me throughout the story. I found that when the author went into sub-stories explaining the history of some of these people, like January's mother in particular, I was enthralled and I couldn't put the book down. At times January came across as very naive and spoiled. I don't think that her judgement in situations reflected maturity (this was the YA coming across), but she was not an unlikeable protaganist. I will come back to this book in the future to revisit these characters and their stories because there was just so much detail and love put into this book that you could not have possibly caught it all in the first round. I am very curious about this author and look forward to reading their other books!

Solid 3/5 stars. Seriously though, idk why everyone is so upset about this book. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't great (especially coming off of Behind Her Eyes). The reason why this book scored lower than the original 3.5 that I wanted to give it was because honestly, it was just gross. The level of detail the scenes went into sexually or otherwise made me uncomfortable. Not because I am uncomfortable with addressing and talking about the act of sex/sexual preferences, etc. but because this just didn't seem like the right place to do it. There was also an element of Voodoo in this book that had some pretty graphic parts that honestly were gross as well. Between the excessive descriptive sex scenes and that, there were parts where I literally wanted to skip forward or actually felt queasy (and I have a very strong stomach). Anyways, overall the book combined classic psychological thriller with a who-dun-it, set in high modern society in the southern United States. There were many layers to this books and there was a lot going on in character development, plot details, etc. that I did not actually guess the ending. I wasn't wowed by my inability to guess the ending, but I still have to hand it to the author that I did not guess one of the main people to be involved. Looking back was it a cliche ending? I mean maybe, but not entirely. I thought it wrapped up pretty nicely. 3.5 stars - .5 stars as mentioned above to bring it to a nice 3 stars. Pretty easy read once you get past the middle.