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mehsi's review against another edition
3.0
I don't know... something was just missing in this one. Throughout the book I just never really truly connected with it. The parts in the past were good and that is what kept me going, just like some of the twists and turns, but the now parts just weren't that interesting to me. I did love that the cast was bi and lesbian. There were some time things that didn't feel like they made sense to me. But I do love the magical elements, I loved the family and seeing how it all came together. I love the cover. I love the ending.
I will write a longer review after my vacation.
I will write a longer review after my vacation.
allahatarmig's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
babytaytayx's review against another edition
4.0
TW: Abortion, child abuse, child death, death, homophobia, rape, sexual assault
Deena goes to search for her sister who she is convinced is not dead and to break the curse of the bad apples.
I really enjoyed the different personalities and people in this book
Deena goes to search for her sister who she is convinced is not dead and to break the curse of the bad apples.
I really enjoyed the different personalities and people in this book
enter_creative_username's review against another edition
I really wanted to love this book but I just didn’t feel the tension. The vibes are great though.
harleyrae's review against another edition
DNF at 20%
This was not at all what I thought it was going to be. I think I had this confused with something else since I went in expecting an adult thriller, not a YA magical realism. I personally am not a massive fan of magical realism. While there is always an exception, this was not one. I also could not get into the writing style.
This just unfortunately was not for me.
This was not at all what I thought it was going to be. I think I had this confused with something else since I went in expecting an adult thriller, not a YA magical realism. I personally am not a massive fan of magical realism. While there is always an exception, this was not one. I also could not get into the writing style.
This just unfortunately was not for me.
ifollowedthatrabbit's review against another edition
5.0
"Bad things happen to the bad apples in our family. You know the kind [...] You'd know them a mile away. The ones who don't look like the others, don't act like the others. The ones who don't conform, don't follow the rules, don't go to church on Sunday [...] The ones who love differently, think differently."
This book... [sigh] I can't find the words to describe how I feel after reading it. I want to say so many things, to try to explain how deep this story is, but I think I won't be able to do it properly, so I'll just say it simple: please, read it.
Why? You may be wondering. Here I'll give some reasons. The story is based on true events. Tragic, horrendous, grievous events lived by women and children throughout the years. Their stories must be told. They deserve we all know their truth.
The author weaves those stories in the lives of the characters, so we learn about the sad secret history of Deena's family. How their lives experiences shaped them all. How she, her sisters, and ancestors have been considered to be "the bad apples" of the family, therefore they've become cursed.
Deena is considered a bad apple because she's lesbian, in other words "she's not a nice, normal girl". Her sister Mandy is considered a bad apple because she's different to the rest of the Rys family; she's a free spirit.
One day, Deena's world started to collapse. She comes out unwillingly. Her father is disappointed, her classmates bully her, and one of her sister suddenly disappears. Everyone believes Mandy is dead, but Deena is sured she's alive, because she's gone to brake the curse. Now, she must find her.
"You tell your story and the story of your family. You speak your truth. You shatter the stigma. You hold your head up to the world and speak so that everyone else who was ever like you can recognize themselves. Can see that they aren't alone."
This book... [sigh] I can't find the words to describe how I feel after reading it. I want to say so many things, to try to explain how deep this story is, but I think I won't be able to do it properly, so I'll just say it simple: please, read it.
Why? You may be wondering. Here I'll give some reasons. The story is based on true events. Tragic, horrendous, grievous events lived by women and children throughout the years. Their stories must be told. They deserve we all know their truth.
The author weaves those stories in the lives of the characters, so we learn about the sad secret history of Deena's family. How their lives experiences shaped them all. How she, her sisters, and ancestors have been considered to be "the bad apples" of the family, therefore they've become cursed.
Deena is considered a bad apple because she's lesbian, in other words "she's not a nice, normal girl". Her sister Mandy is considered a bad apple because she's different to the rest of the Rys family; she's a free spirit.
One day, Deena's world started to collapse. She comes out unwillingly. Her father is disappointed, her classmates bully her, and one of her sister suddenly disappears. Everyone believes Mandy is dead, but Deena is sured she's alive, because she's gone to brake the curse. Now, she must find her.
"You tell your story and the story of your family. You speak your truth. You shatter the stigma. You hold your head up to the world and speak so that everyone else who was ever like you can recognize themselves. Can see that they aren't alone."
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
2.0
2/5
The book was alright. There were some parts, when I say some I mean some, parts that were good but overall I just read it. I wasn’t as interested in it once I opened the book. Don’t get me wrong I’m all for a mystery thriller but for me this one was just.. not the best.
The book was alright. There were some parts, when I say some I mean some, parts that were good but overall I just read it. I wasn’t as interested in it once I opened the book. Don’t get me wrong I’m all for a mystery thriller but for me this one was just.. not the best.
janathebookdragon's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.75
mcgovnhm's review against another edition
3.0
I did enjoy this book, with it's combination of historical flashbacks and modern-day story line as well as strong and well-executed feminist themes. I think this could be a really great book for young adults, specifically for young women/queer youth. That being said, as an adult, I think I wanted it to be a little (or a lot..) spicier, and for the plot "twists" to be not quite so predictable.
Maybe it is perfect for young adults, as that is who it was meant for, but it just wasn't everything I wanted. That is probably partially my fault as a reader for going for the YA genre though, so I will still give it the 3-star "liked it" rating. Fowley-Doyle is also a great storyteller, and I think that showed through in the flashbacks or "letters" better than it did during the actual present day story telling.
Maybe it is perfect for young adults, as that is who it was meant for, but it just wasn't everything I wanted. That is probably partially my fault as a reader for going for the YA genre though, so I will still give it the 3-star "liked it" rating. Fowley-Doyle is also a great storyteller, and I think that showed through in the flashbacks or "letters" better than it did during the actual present day story telling.