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everybodyh8krys's review against another edition
3.0
This was my first read by Brandon Massey after he was recommended multiple times for a horror themed read. The overall story seemed promising but the ending fell flat. I figured out the storyline well before the ending. I’m trying to figure next book by him and hoping it adds a lil more thrill to it.
kaytie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
literally so slay! i actually couldn't nail down the twist for this one which was an issue i had with a previous Brandon Massey book 'Nana'.
lindseydawn's review
1.0
DNF at 47% - this just wasn’t for me. The MC was insufferable & the writing…I just couldn’t stick with it.
briisbooked's review
4.0
Have you ever watched a movie where everything went right in the first half and then the director threw a wrench in the plans and messed everything up? That’s this book. A lifetime movie, if you will, and not a really good one. Just the OK one with ridiculous shit happening to make it pop.
I am a sucker for stories about the foster system, especially when siblings get separated. It is always a question of what will happen to them now. For Mallory, she excelled, while for Liz, life was haphazard. These two found their way back to each other in one of the most unexpected ways.
To start, the cult situation had me intrigued. It was suspenseful and left me wanting more. When it came time for the big reveal, all I kept thinking was, What the hell is really going on here and why? I would’ve loved to see the author go another way with the twist at the end. It felt random and written without complete thought, almost. It immediately soured the book for me. It did not feel believable, but after further research on the author, I see this is a common theme for him. In terms of throwing shit in there just for kicks.
Although the book wasn’t for me, I think the author did a great job of keeping me engaged, and there were even supporting characters I loved. It just didn’t come together well in the end.
3.5/5⭐️
Recommended for people who love thrillers, simple mysteries, and quick reads.
Other questions I had were:
- Mallory and Ben—are they together or friends?— because the line was very thin. She didn’t seem to like him throughout most of the book, but at the end, they have sex. I recognize that she was caught up in the search for her sister, but damn.
- Are these people black? The author makes it a point to let us know that they are, but for some reason, I still don’t feel like they were.
- Could we get more background on how Liz became Father?
I am a sucker for stories about the foster system, especially when siblings get separated. It is always a question of what will happen to them now. For Mallory, she excelled, while for Liz, life was haphazard. These two found their way back to each other in one of the most unexpected ways.
To start, the cult situation had me intrigued. It was suspenseful and left me wanting more. When it came time for the big reveal, all I kept thinking was, What the hell is really going on here and why? I would’ve loved to see the author go another way with the twist at the end. It felt random and written without complete thought, almost. It immediately soured the book for me. It did not feel believable, but after further research on the author, I see this is a common theme for him. In terms of throwing shit in there just for kicks.
Although the book wasn’t for me, I think the author did a great job of keeping me engaged, and there were even supporting characters I loved. It just didn’t come together well in the end.
3.5/5⭐️
Recommended for people who love thrillers, simple mysteries, and quick reads.
Other questions I had were:
- Mallory and Ben—are they together or friends?— because the line was very thin. She didn’t seem to like him throughout most of the book, but at the end, they have sex. I recognize that she was caught up in the search for her sister, but damn.
- Are these people black? The author makes it a point to let us know that they are, but for some reason, I still don’t feel like they were.
- Could we get more background on how Liz became Father?
bookishlymichelle's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
kaya217's review against another edition
5.0
Wow...that was a wild ride Mr. Massey. This was a great read. Action packed and if you blink too fast you might miss something. My kind of story.
remigves's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
kerrykennedyauthor's review against another edition
4.0
Fast paced cult thriller
Massey has created a fast paced cult thriller that does bring you into the story and is well written.
Two young girls witness their mother being killed and are then separated in the services system.
When Mallory now a successful reporter goes to look for her sister, she is led to a place called the sanctuary ruled by The Father.
They tell her that her sister Liz is dead. Mallory, however knows she's not.
This is worth the read, the plot was good, fast paced and an interest twist at the end.
For me, I felt the characters lacked some depth and the ending seemed rushed. Otherwise I'd have awarded five stars.
That being said I would recommend the book.
Kerry Kennedy Author
Massey has created a fast paced cult thriller that does bring you into the story and is well written.
Two young girls witness their mother being killed and are then separated in the services system.
When Mallory now a successful reporter goes to look for her sister, she is led to a place called the sanctuary ruled by The Father.
They tell her that her sister Liz is dead. Mallory, however knows she's not.
This is worth the read, the plot was good, fast paced and an interest twist at the end.
For me, I felt the characters lacked some depth and the ending seemed rushed. Otherwise I'd have awarded five stars.
That being said I would recommend the book.
Kerry Kennedy Author