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rtrouwborst's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
sakurastarr's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kookie9200's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book!
This is a dark, dark little book. When Eliza and Millie take a chance and try to flee from the abusive orphanage where they live, things go from bad to worse. The girls discover fairies in the Louisiana swamplands surrounding the orphanage, but these aren't your storybook creatures. Instead, they are blood thirsty sprites that demand sacrifice.
There were times when the book was a bit confusing, as the voice of the narrator was thrown off kilter. Is Eliza good or evil? What is happening to MIllie? Is Millie possessed by the fairies? I didn't mind the twists and turns so much. I felt that it kept me on my toes. The ending was brutal, and twisted.
This is a dark, dark little book. When Eliza and Millie take a chance and try to flee from the abusive orphanage where they live, things go from bad to worse. The girls discover fairies in the Louisiana swamplands surrounding the orphanage, but these aren't your storybook creatures. Instead, they are blood thirsty sprites that demand sacrifice.
There were times when the book was a bit confusing, as the voice of the narrator was thrown off kilter. Is Eliza good or evil? What is happening to MIllie? Is Millie possessed by the fairies? I didn't mind the twists and turns so much. I felt that it kept me on my toes. The ending was brutal, and twisted.
chellecypress's review against another edition
4.0
If you want to be completely creeped out by the end of a book then this one’s for you. Elisa and Millie are orphans living in a brutally run facility and decide to attempt an escape. However, when they collide with fairies in the swap near the orphanage things go horribly wrong. As alway Caytlyn delivers a creepy and spine tingling end which will haunt my nightmares.
I gave this book 4 out of 5, the books was solid but some parts were a little slow.
I gave this book 4 out of 5, the books was solid but some parts were a little slow.
see_sadie_read's review against another edition
DNF ~50%
No rating, as I'm DNFing because of a problem with the ARC, not the story.
I won an audio ARC through Library thing. I found the writing and the narration stiff. I would have stuck with it though, but chapter five was 2.5 minutes long, while all the others are 20-40, and it cut off abruptly. It's obvious that something was missing. Not only something, but something important. (I think maybe a climactic scene.) I listened to several chapters past the gap and there was apparently an attack, a hospitalization, and characters were introduced. I can pick all of this up from references, but I have no idea what actually happened and it all left me confused and unhappy. So, It might have been a 3 star listen by the end (I can't imagine it being any more), but I'm going to stop now. The 20-30+ minutes of missing narration did me in. I understand it's an ARC, so those with finished copies shouldn't have this problem.
No rating, as I'm DNFing because of a problem with the ARC, not the story.
I won an audio ARC through Library thing. I found the writing and the narration stiff. I would have stuck with it though, but chapter five was 2.5 minutes long, while all the others are 20-40, and it cut off abruptly. It's obvious that something was missing. Not only something, but something important. (I think maybe a climactic scene.) I listened to several chapters past the gap and there was apparently an attack, a hospitalization, and characters were introduced. I can pick all of this up from references, but I have no idea what actually happened and it all left me confused and unhappy. So, It might have been a 3 star listen by the end (I can't imagine it being any more), but I'm going to stop now. The 20-30+ minutes of missing narration did me in. I understand it's an ARC, so those with finished copies shouldn't have this problem.
belladonna624's review against another edition
2.0
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my thoughts in any way.
This book was not what I was expecting. Based on the description and cover I thought it would be more of a young adult type book but this seemed to more middle grade. The main character Eliza is supposed to be 13 years old but she’s written much younger. You never find out what time period the story takes place in. It mentions modern things like airplanes and video cameras but has a very dated feel that made me think it would be more suited to the 1950’s. I really didn’t connect with any of the characters. It seemed like the author had a hard time deciding who the villain of the story was. I received the MP3 audio book from the publisher and it was missing a significant portion of at least one of the chapters. 2 ½ stars.
This book was not what I was expecting. Based on the description and cover I thought it would be more of a young adult type book but this seemed to more middle grade. The main character Eliza is supposed to be 13 years old but she’s written much younger. You never find out what time period the story takes place in. It mentions modern things like airplanes and video cameras but has a very dated feel that made me think it would be more suited to the 1950’s. I really didn’t connect with any of the characters. It seemed like the author had a hard time deciding who the villain of the story was. I received the MP3 audio book from the publisher and it was missing a significant portion of at least one of the chapters. 2 ½ stars.
shelby_7664's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
*This audiobook was sent to me by BHC Press in exchange for my honest review.*
Eliza and Millie are both orphans living at St. Agatha’s Home for Girls, which is a less than ideal situation. When they grow tired of the cruel punishments at St. Agatha’s, they attempt to run away into the woods only to run into a group of evil fairies and are forced to return. Following their encounter with the fairies, Millie begins to act strangely and when she becomes violent, Eliza attempts to save her friend from herself.
This novel went in directions I didn’t expect and always kept me guessing. I am not entirely sure what time period this book is set in- some parts made me think it was somewhat historical, but then there were references to newer models of cars and Tic Tacs that made me question that assumption.
Overall, I thought this was a decent story, particularly if you like fairy stories and magical realism (which I do). I actually wish the fairies played a bigger role in the story! While at times the book felt a bit repetitive, this rarely impeded my enjoyment.
Unfortunately, I do not think that this book is best consumed in the audio format. The narrator had a pretty blank and monotone voice, and while this is ideal for some parts of the narrative, it took me out of the story in the more “action-y” scenes. I think this book is worth a read- however, I would not choose the audio edition.
*This audiobook was sent to me by BHC Press in exchange for my honest review.*
Eliza and Millie are both orphans living at St. Agatha’s Home for Girls, which is a less than ideal situation. When they grow tired of the cruel punishments at St. Agatha’s, they attempt to run away into the woods only to run into a group of evil fairies and are forced to return. Following their encounter with the fairies, Millie begins to act strangely and when she becomes violent, Eliza attempts to save her friend from herself.
This novel went in directions I didn’t expect and always kept me guessing. I am not entirely sure what time period this book is set in- some parts made me think it was somewhat historical, but then there were references to newer models of cars and Tic Tacs that made me question that assumption.
Overall, I thought this was a decent story, particularly if you like fairy stories and magical realism (which I do). I actually wish the fairies played a bigger role in the story! While at times the book felt a bit repetitive, this rarely impeded my enjoyment.
Unfortunately, I do not think that this book is best consumed in the audio format. The narrator had a pretty blank and monotone voice, and while this is ideal for some parts of the narrative, it took me out of the story in the more “action-y” scenes. I think this book is worth a read- however, I would not choose the audio edition.
harrieteverend's review against another edition
4.0
One of the first indie books I bought and merely because of the synopsis. This story did not disappoint me at all. First off...it has children who turned out to be unsettling (for reasons you'll come to understand) but that's already a scary point for me. I feel so much for Eliza, the MC of the story. She is a thirteen year old residing at St. Agatha's after several unsuccessful stints in foster homes. She befriends a sweet younger girl named Millie, and they make plans to run away from the horrid orphanage for good...until something strange happens one fateful day that changes the course of their lives. Now, I won't give any spoilers to this story, but there were things that happened that I didn't see coming and it was an incredible read. Creepy, disturbing and rather gruesome at times, it's definitely one to check out, especially if creepy kids and fairies are your jam.
kaylrei's review against another edition
4.0
Not for the faint hearted!
Several times while reading this book I thought about what rating I would give it. Flipping many times from 4 stars to 5, and back again. Every time I questioned why a character acted a certain way or made certain decisions, I was provided with an acceptable reason. I thought for a time that the big reveal had happened too soon, only to have another big reveal jump out at me.
I will admit, I did find certain parts very difficult to read; I'm a parent and my overactive imagination had me wondering how I would feel if it was my child having to face these horrors. It was heartbreaking, and all I wanted was to pluck these poor children out of the pages, hug them and give them a safe home.
I can't explain my decision to award this book 4 stars instead of 5, but I do still highly recommend it.
Several times while reading this book I thought about what rating I would give it. Flipping many times from 4 stars to 5, and back again. Every time I questioned why a character acted a certain way or made certain decisions, I was provided with an acceptable reason. I thought for a time that the big reveal had happened too soon, only to have another big reveal jump out at me.
I will admit, I did find certain parts very difficult to read; I'm a parent and my overactive imagination had me wondering how I would feel if it was my child having to face these horrors. It was heartbreaking, and all I wanted was to pluck these poor children out of the pages, hug them and give them a safe home.
I can't explain my decision to award this book 4 stars instead of 5, but I do still highly recommend it.