Nicole Young
Book/Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TRIGGER WARNING(S): PHYSICAL ABUSE (CHILD/TEENAGE) SEXUAL ASSUALT (CHILD)(OFF PAGE)RAPE (MENTIONED)PARENTAL NEGLECTVIOLENCEMURDER (IMPLIED)MENTAL HEALTH
POV: Single, First PersonSeries/Standalone: SeriesFirst in series: YesSafe or Dark: Darkish (see trigger warnings)
DISCLAIMER: I'm a 35-year-old woman writing a review for a young adult book. Do with that information what you will.
“We're all gonna die because I waited for the bacon donuts”
“Book/Reading Notes”
golf clap
BANG
“There is no normal. There is just a bunch of people pretending there is. There's just different levels of pain. Different stages of safe. The biggest con of all is that there's a normal.”
“You know, you hit enough girls, eventually you'll find one who hits back.”
“You don't have to just be taught to trust, you have to grow up in a life full of people who are worthy of it.”
“the best con has a seed of truth”
Book/Story: ⭐️⭐️.5
Book Cover: ⭐️
TRIGGER WARNING: MENTAL ILLNESS, HOUSE FIRE (flashback), DEATH OF SIBLINGS AND PARENTS
POV: Quadruple, First PersonSeries/Standalone: StandalonePart of a series: NoSafe or Dark: Dark
DISCLAIMER: I'm a 35-year-old woman writing a review for a young adult book. Do with that information what you will.This story was so unhinged, and not in a good way!
I should have known it was going to be a flop when the synopsis on the back cover misspelled the character's name, Miles, as “Milas.” That right there should have told me everything I needed to know.
This book opens with some of the greatest poetic lyrics of our time:
“Look, if you had one shot or one opportunityTo seize everything you ever wanted in one momentWould you capture it or just let it slip?”
I'm not making that up. This book opens with this masterpiece and closes with it as well. That's a pretty big opening promise for a book that (mainly) takes place in a demented escape room over the span of a few hours.
The name Milas was a screw-up in the synopsis (as mentioned above), and I was hoping the name “Mint” was a misspelling as well. It was not. One of the main characters's names was Mint. We get no explanation as to why this is her name, either. Was it perhaps a nickname for Mintalie or Mintlizbeth? Did someone mispronounce her name once as a young child, and the error was cute, so it stuck? Did her parents just love this particular herb so much that they named their firstborn child after it? Did she think she was some edgy badass and wanted to give herself a wicked cool name? We never find out. We just have to sit there and accept the fact that this teenage girl's name is Mint. That is by far the worst character name I have ever come across in a book.
Shall we go through the four teenagers in this book?
Alissa - She was by far the most insufferable. She was so full of herself. Alissa must have been the earth because she really acted like the sun and moon revolved around her. Her dad was a firefighter who suffered from horrible PTSD after he was unable to save a family from their burning home. I'm not at all downplaying the importance of his plight, but this girl acted like she was the only person in the history of the world to have had something tragic happen to her. Earthissa thought about herself first and foremost. I don't think she was ever concerned about any of the things her friends were going through. Mint and Sky have been her best friends for years (the Gods only know why), and when they tried to warn her about Miles, a boy she met and started dating only a week prior to this escape room debacle, she took his word over theirs! She even thinks that Mint is lying about Milas/Miles because she is jealous that Alissa has a boyfriend and she doesn't! Both Mint and Sky are better than me because I would have left Alissa's dusty self in the escape room to fend for herself. She was just plain awful. Throughout the story, we hear about how beautiful she is, but at the end of the day, that shouldn't even matter because her personality was about as appealing as shit on a stick.
Miles/Milas - Honestly, I sort of liked the guy. He had gone through a horrible event in his life and was pretty messed up from it. But in some weird, twisted way, I think deep down he was trying to be a good person. He let himself get caught up in his twisted sister, Cloe's, game of revenge on Alissa and got a lot more than he bargained for. For what it's worth, he did try to protect Alissa from Cloe's rath and was upset when he realized both Sky and Mint were in danger as well. Miles was way in over his head. Not to mention, he was like totally just the hottest! weird teenage swoon We aren't allowed to forget that for a second.
Mint - Despite her atrocious name, Mint was one of my favorite characters. She was a “mousey” thing forever stuck in the shadow of her beautiful best friend (Alissa). She always looked out for her friends and often had their best interests in mind. Even when she knew Awfulissa would be upset with her, Mint warned her bestie about her new boy toy. Which, spoiler alert, didn't go well. Although she was quiet, Mint was a little badass. She could do so much more than she let on. She was the only one in the group to stay calm while trapped in the escape room. She kept a clear head and took charge. I enjoyed her character's development. It was rather fun seeing her go from a “nobody” to a leader. I was rooting for her the whole time. My only complaint about Mint was her ability to feel people's (physical) pain before it occurred. That added nothing to the story for me. I felt it was unnecessary.
Sky - Sky is a ride or die. I really liked him. Out of all four characters, I think he might have been the best. Mint was obviously a very close second. He believed Mint when she told him that Miles was dangerous, and he confronted Alissa about it. Sky was the only one who took the time to acknowledge everything Mint had done for the group while in the escape room and rightfully gassed her up. His “big reveal/twist” played out well and was honestly the best one out of all of them. Maren Stoffels did a wonderful job of making us believe that Sky was in love with Alissa throughout the book and was dating Caitlin (an innocent bystander) in order to get over that brick of a person. However, Sky was secretly gay and had, in fact, been in love with Miles the entire time. Much to Alissa's chagrin. Both Miles and Alissa have blue eyes, and the author played on that well when we were listening to Sky's inner monologue. I would have very much enjoyed reading an entire book solely based on Sky.
At the end of the day, I am not at all upset that I picked up this book because it did keep me entertained, even though it was only by its stupidity. If you're looking for a quick, unhinged read, I would suggest checking it out.
DID NOT FINISH — I will not rate a book that I shelf as “did not finish.” I don't believe it's fair to put a rating on books I didn't read from beginning to end.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A book that I loved, an absolute must read, and now a favorite of mine. It's a book that will live on my shelves forever and I would re-read in the future. I would pick up anything else by this author without question. This book is now one of my all-time favorites.
This is the second book I've read by Stephen King and I loved them book. I was invested in the characters from the very start. More so Paul than Annie. I rooted for him to come out of his downward spiral of insanity as he was held captive by Annie.
I even got invested in the story within the story. Misery's story.
I'm very happy that I finally picked this one up. I'm starting to see why King is my husband's favorite author.
⭐⭐⭐
This book is good and worth reading. I enjoyed it but it felt a little lacking. I may recommend it to a certain audience. It gave me mixed feelings, possibly with potential it didn't quite live up to. It's a good experience, not amazing, but not bad.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really like this book . It's a very enjoyable story, but just short of epic. Certain areas may not be as fulfilling as they could have been. I'm not quite as captivated or blown away, but still had a great experience. I'd recommend this book to others and continue reading from this author. I would probably re-read it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A book that I loved, an absolute must read, and now a favorite of mine. It's a book that will live on my shelves forever and I would re-read in the future. I would pick up anything else by this author without question. This book is now one of my all-time favorites.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really like this book . It's a very enjoyable story, but just short of epic. Certain areas may not be as fulfilling as they could have been. I'm not quite as captivated or blown away, but still had a great experience. I'd recommend this book to others and continue reading from this author. I would probably re-read it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A book that I loved, an absolute must read, and now a favorite of mine. It's a book that will live on my shelves forever and I would re-read in the future. I would pick up anything else by this author without question. This book is now one of my all-time favorites,
I watched the movie before reading the book because I didn't know it was one. I liked the movie but I LOVED this book. It had me hooked from page one. My only regret is that I didn't read it sooner. It's nothing like the movie. The character isn't even described as looking like Matt Damn but if you've seen the move that is who you will end up picturing the whole book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really like this book . It's a very enjoyable story, but just short of epic. Certain areas may not be as fulfilling as they could have been. I'm not quite as captivated or blown away, but still had a great experience. I'd recommend this book to others and continue reading from this author. I would probably re-read it.
⭐️⭐️
2.5 Stars= It was an okay read
0 peppers = No spice
Trope: Age gap (16 years), friends to lovers (mentioned late in book)POV: Third PersonSeries/Standalone: StandalonePart of an series: NoSafe or Dark: Safe
“If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”
⭐⭐
Not a book for me and not one I would recommend. It didn't hold my interest, and probably felt more of a chore to get through. Not completely terrible, but I didn't have a good experience. This book was an enjoyable read, but there are several things I wish were done differently.
DID NOT FINISH — I will not rate a book that I shelf as “did not finish.” I don't believe it's fair to put a rating on books I didn't read from beginning to end.
⭐⭐⭐
This book was good. The book is worth reading. I didn't love it and I didn't dislike it. There maybe have been a few things that bothered me while reading this book and it may have been slow in parts. I would still recommend this book; it just wasn't a favorite of mine.
I can't even put into words what I just read. Gave it three stars for originality.
This book was seriously messed up. I don't suggest reading it if you have a weak stomach.
This was the most unhinged 94 pages I have ever read.
DID NOT FINISH — I will not rate a book that I shelf as “did not finish.” I don't believe it's fair to put a rating on books I didn't read from beginning to end.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really like this book . It's a very enjoyable story, but just short of epic. Certain areas may not be as fulfilling as they could have been. I'm not quite as captivated or blown away, but still had a great experience. I'd recommend this book to others and continue reading from this author. I would probably re-read it.
2.5 stars.
⭐⭐.5
Not a book for me and not one I would recommend. It didn't hold my interest, and probably felt more of a chore to get through. Not completely terrible, but I didn't have a good experience. This book was an enjoyable read, but there are several things I wish were done differently.
Overall the story wasn't bad and started off strong. As the book continued it got a little bland. The ending felt somewhat rushed. You find out who the killer is and bam all of the sudden everything is over.
The “paranormal” aspect of the story just wasn't doing it for me. I couldn't get into that part of the story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really like this book . It's a very enjoyable story, but just short of epic. Certain areas may not be as fulfilling as they could have been. I'm not quite as captivated or blown away, but still had a great experience. I'd recommend this book to others and continue reading from this author. I would probably re-read it.
The world does not deserve George R.R. Martin and the tales he tells.
This book left me shook to my core. I am completely and utterly shooketh.
I said before that the first book in the series was the most immaculate novel I've ever read but I was wrong. THIS ONE IS! I am sure I will continue to be wrong in the future.
I don't know how GRRM does it but he followed up GOT with a phenomenal continuation of the story. The characters, the plot, the treachery, the drama, OH THE DRAMA! He makes you fall in love with the Starks, Tyrells, Baratheon's (some) even more, and if you prefer the villain's like myself, you will fall deeply in love with the Greyjoy's, Lannister's, Bolton's, and the Hound. Oh, the Hound has won my cold, dead, heart. So has Theon Greyjoy, my heart bleeds for his BDE.
I seriously thought GRRM was done dishing out the surprises with the ending of the first book but boy was I wrong. I was wrong in every way. The surprises just keep coming and they get better and better each time. This book has nearly left me speechless. I say nearly because I will clearly continue to rave about how amazing it is.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was absolutely breathtaking. I LOVED it. The characters were memorable and had distinct voices. The plot line of this book held my attention and was unique, and the pacing was fantastic. These books often stay with me for a long time. After finishing, I can't stop thinking about it. An absolute must read, and now a favorite of mine. Highly Recommended!
⭐⭐⭐
This book is good and worth reading. I enjoyed it but it felt a little lacking. I may recommend it to a certain audience. It gave me mixed feelings, possibly with potential it didn't quite live up to. It's a good experience, not amazing, but not bad.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 Stars= It was an enjoyable read
TRIGGERS: ANIMAL(PET) DEATH, CHILD ABUSE, CHILD NEGLECT, MURDER
POV: Dual, Third PersonSeries/Standalone: StandalonePart of a series: NoSafe or Dark: Dark (see trigger warnings above)
The main character's name is Prudence. Every single time I read it, it made me cringe. I apologize if your name is Prudence. (I don't mean to personally insult anyone.).
Pru meets these different people for the first time, and they all almost instantly start divulging information about their personal lives to her. Pretty heavy stuff. Like, hello, you don't know this woman from Mary.
Zoe got her mom drunk on Cognac laced with painkillers and got her into the car to go to the store. She made sure the car was turned on and her mom would pass out. She made sure the doors were closed so her mom would die from carbon monoxide poisoning. It easily could have been seen as an accidental death. A drunk woman passed out behind the wheel in the garage and perished from the fumes. So why was Zoe arrested for murder? Why not play it off? It was never explained.
The pace of the story was good. It held my attention from start to finish.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really like this book . It's a very enjoyable story, but just short of epic. Certain areas may not be as fulfilling as they could have been. I'm not quite as captivated or blown away, but still had a great experience. I'd recommend this book to others and continue reading from this author. I would probably re-read it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really like this book . It's a very enjoyable story, but just short of epic. Certain areas may not be as fulfilling as they could have been. I'm not quite as captivated or blown away, but still had a great experience. I'd recommend this book to others and continue reading from this author. I would probably re-read it.
