288 p.
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Published: 11/6/15
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review
Murder.
Fire.
Revenge.
That’s all seventeen-year-old Alice Monroe thinks about. Committed to a mental ward at Savage Isle, Alice is haunted by memories of the fire that killed her boyfriend, Jason. A blaze her twin sister Cellie set. But when Chase, a mysterious, charismatic patient, agrees to help her seek vengeance, Alice begins to rethink everything. Writing out the story of her troubled past in a journal, she must confront hidden truths.
Is the one person she trusts only telling her half the story? Nothing is as it seems in this edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller from the debut author Emiko Jean.My thoughts:
I knew I was in for a twisty mystery with this book. It is very much a psychological thriller that had me guessing more than once. While things get slowly revealed the scene of what happened changes and so the characters also seem to morph before our eyes. It also deals with a young girl's psychological illness but more in a way that enhances the story rather than teaches about a condition.
A slight warning. I swear I worried over any and all animals that came into this book. There is one incident where an animal is harmed, but it isn't graphic and it does lend itself to the story. I still didn't like it but it didn't make me put the book down or dnf the book. Usually that is a subject that will get me to dnf a book quickly. Still, perhaps I will save some worry by saying again, it wasn't graphic and it was a very small part of the book, but if you are like me, it will probably linger on your palate.
I give this book 3 stars. I highly recommend it for those that like psychological twisty mysteries and always trying to outguess the author. It is a very dark book and I know that the ending will surprise you as it did me.
Sounds like my kind of read apart from the animal aspect - thanks for that warning - which I must admit does put me off.
ReplyDeleteIt may not, but if you were like me, you would want to know.
DeleteWithout a doubt I'd want to know. I was recently lent a book that was doing the rounds amongst my friends and was upset that (A) it contained violence toward animals and (B) not one of them had thought to forewarn me.
DeleteI think that sometimes we try to avoid it and put it out of our minds. I try, but it doesn't work. :p
DeleteThanks for the heads up about the animal cruelty part, I'm glad it doesn't go into detail at all because that makes me DNF a book too. I can't deal with animals being hurt or killed! Otherwise, this sounds really interesting. I haven't read a psychological thriller in a while:)
ReplyDeleteYep, we are the same there! :) You might like this one (apart from the scene).
Deletedamn it, kind of disappointed. Not big on animal hurting either ;/
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't a big part of it. Trust me, I would have dnf'd it if it was.
DeleteThis really was a crazy ride wasn't it? Glad you did like it even with the weird parts. ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday!
I think it was the weird parts that made the book. :)
DeleteThanks for the heads up about the animals. I have this one my TBR and that kind of thing is usually an automatic DNF for me too.
ReplyDeleteNot a huge part but I think you should be forewarned. You kind of have a hint of it and I really thought it would be more (thankfully no).
DeleteMaybe not for me, not really my genre
ReplyDelete...but it is YA! LOL ;)
DeleteI do like this type now and again but definitely appreciate the heads up on the animal. That's something I prefer to avoid if possible.
ReplyDeleteYea, this one might get to you.
DeleteTotally know what you are saying about the animals, I am the same way. That is why I don't want to read the Vincent book. I just read a Poe short story where there was abuse to a cat and I hated it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the animal warning.
ReplyDeleteKaren @For What It's Worth
I just love the cover!
ReplyDeleteYeah, the part with the cat was ... yikes. But I think it really showed just how truly disturbed she is. Glad you liked the book despite that incident.
ReplyDeleteAh yes it sounds dark and different but... I don't know
ReplyDeletePsychological twisty mysteries is up my alley I am not sure it is totally for me though. Happy weekend my friend
ReplyDeleteNope don't kill the pet, just don't. Not for me I think, but thanks for sharing and the heads up!
ReplyDeleteI don't think that this kind of read is for me, but I'm glad you gave it a try, despite the harming of animals.
ReplyDeleteNaomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
I hate when animals are harmed in a book. But I do want to try this one.
ReplyDeleteOh nice. Sounds good. :)
ReplyDelete