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Millie needs a job, and quickly if she doesn't want to break the terms of her parole. So, when she's hired by Nina Winchester as a housemaid, she can't believe it. The Winchester's are an extremely wealthy family, and Millie can't help but notice that Nina's husband, Andrew, is particularly handsome. All seems to be going well until suddenly it's not. Nina's behaviors are sporadic and eccentric, and she often lashes out at Millie, going back on her word and constantly placing the blame on Millie. Millie's only comfort is Andrew, who, against her better judgement, she continues to get closer to. Except when the time finally comes for Millie to know the truth... nothing is as it seems.
"The Housemaid" is an interesting read, although the plot twist is definitely not as surprising as some of Freida McFadden's other work.
Paris can't believe what's happening; it just can't be real. As she awaits trial for the murder of her husband she can't help but wonder how she got here. Despite the lengths she went to escape her past, it all seems to be coming right back after her. Drew is furious Ruby Reyes is getting out of prison. He knows exactly the type of women Ruby Reyes was and the lies she's told the media. Little does Drew know Ruby Reyes and Paris are connected in a way he never expected. Ruby knows Paris' secret, and Paris is willing to do anything to ensure that secret never gets out.
"Things We Do in the Dark" was a very interesting and twisty read. The switch between two storylines was difficult to follow at first and definitely took away from the book. Overall, however the characters were relatable, and the plot twist was amazing.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber is a fantasy novel (1st book in the trilogy) about a simple girl named Evangeline who makes a dangerous deal with a demigod called the Prince of Hearts after her life does not go the way she hoped. I picked up this book because I was drawn to the fairytale feel of the cover and the promise of magic mixed with romance. The story is set in a whimsical world where nothing is as simple as it seems, and every choice has consequences. I loved the atmosphere of the book and how it felt dreamy while still holding a sense of dark danger. The characters felt layered and emotionally real, which made me want to keep reading to understand their motivations. Some parts were slower, but the tension and mystery kept me invested. Overall, this book surprised me in the best way and made me want to immediately continue the series.
Paul Sheldon, the bestselling author of the Misery book series, crashes his car in the wilderness of Colorado just after finishing his latest book. Gravely injured and unable to walk, he is rescued by Annie Wilkes - a self-proclaimed "number one fan" of his work. She nurses him back to health in her house, all the while reading his latest Misery novel. However, when she discovers that Paul has killed off her favorite character, she reveals how unstable she truly is. Holding Paul captive, Annie forces him to write another book that will bring Misery back to life. There is no escape - and Paul soon finds that his "number one fan" will use any means necessary to force him to write his newest book...
"Misery" has to be one of my favorite Stephen King novels. The very relevant themes of obsession and addiction that he explores - along with the suspenseful and thrilling plot - made it impossible for me to put this book down! The plot is very well thought-out, and King's writing puts the reader into Paul's mind, allowing them to experience his thoughts, addiction, and pain firsthand. The idea, execution, and writing style of this book are truly amazing, creating a well-rounded and captivating story. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes psychological horror - especially those who have already watched the movie adaptation of "Misery". Although the film does a phenomenal job of telling this story, the inclusion of Paul's thoughts, the slightly different (and more terrifying!) ending, and King's writing itself makes this book a must-read for preexisting "Misery" fans!
A book about a secret school of deadly assassins? Yes please! I had not read a book by Mather before but because of this book I will definitely read again in the future. November is an intriguing character, and she was a great kick butt girl boss. The plot and book flowed nicely and the mystery was well thought out. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes spies and assassin type books.
The Hunger Games is my favorite series of all time and a story about Snow? Yes please! The whole book I found myself rooting for Snow even though I knew the evil he perpetrated and that speaks volumes to Collins writing. This extra to the series was something that was not a money grab but a book that answered many questions that I had. The continued world building and easter eggs added so much to the series and I loved it so much! This book is the perfect villian original story, showing how a character you root for can turn out absolutely evil. If I could give this a million stars I would.
The Hunger Games is my favorite series of all time and a story about Snow? Yes please! The whole book I found myself rooting for Snow even though I knew the evil he perpetrated and that speaks volumes to Collins writing. This extra to the series was something that was not a money grab but a book that answered many questions that I had. The continued world building and easter eggs added so much to the series and I loved it so much! This book is the perfect villian original story, showing how a character you root for can turn out absolutely evil. If I could give this a million stars I would.
From the trenches of World War I, to the ancient Chinese Empire, to an insane asylum in the 1800s, Evelyn and Arden have loved each other in every lifetime. But they have also killed each other before their 18th birthday in every single one. Now it is 2022 in Wales, England, and Evelyn is desperate to survive long enough to undergo the bone marrow transplant that could save her sick little sister's life. So, when Arden finally reveals himself, Evelyn knows that she must do everything in her power to break the curse and survive until the day of the procedure. Told in chapters that alternate between Evelyn and Arden's current life and past experiences together, this YA romantasy book will keep you guessing as Evelyn and Arden's 18th birthday approaches...
I was really excited to read "Our Infinite Fates". The reincarnation plot seemed really unique, and I liked that the chapters switched between Evelyn and Arden's present and past lives. In fact, the first third of this book was really amazing - I was absolutely hooked and wanted to know what would happen next! However, the middle and ending of "Our Infinite Fates" really started to bother me. Not only did the plot become redundant and seemed to drag, but the character motivations and actions became unclear, annoying, and repetitive. Additionally, the huge "plot twist" at the end of the book was unexciting and confusing. "Our Infinite Fates" is mostly realistic fiction centered around historical eras - whereas plot twist seemed to be fully fantasy and did not match the tone of the entire rest of the story. Overall, the final reveal and battle just seemed rushed (especially compared to the middle of the book, which was very slow paced) and were merely disappointing. This was a great idea, but the execution and ending ruined it for me.
Wool is single-handedly the best politically dystopian book I have ever read, as well as #2 best book I have ever read. Howey masterfully extricates critical thought from the reader, not even mentioning some really deep aspects of what a political situation might fully manifest, causing the reader to add their own reasons they generated implied from this epic presentation of situations to more obvious reasons explicitly stated as an ever-present apex of human analysis in Wool. Consider satire -- presented simply and relatively easy to understand. Even slightly comical. But when analyzed and context is applied, it becomes a powerful tool, causing the reader to read in reverence at the wisdom of the author. Although not satire, Wool certainly gave me reverence toward Hugh Howey. If I were to see him walking down the street, a great effort would be made on my part to engage in conversation, second only to Ted Dekker. This critical thought and other implied assumptions left me feeling respected as a reader -- my intelligence is welcome for more than guessing the future plot: understanding the story. I believe the more intelligent the person, the more they will enjoy Wool.
Wool is book one of the Silo series. Book two is technically a prequel (to the perspective of the world, not Howey) but definitely read Wool before Shift. Incredibly powerful as a stand-alone, the Silo series collectively can move mountains. After finishing Dust, I began tearing up. I never tear up. For such a logical book where every decision is made rationally (until Juliet), Howey elicited an emotional response from me. The theme stressed across the Silo series is: "For so long we have chosen to do what is logical and rational. What statistically makes sense. But I fear the solution to this problem lies in doing what is right. Following the heart and not the brain." (NOT a quote from the Silo series).
As an aspiring engineer with straight As, this hit me hard. As someone who seeks efficiency and celebrates structure this broke me. In that moment when I realized what Howey was trying to drive through my logically intelligent but emotionally stubborn mind, I had to STOP reading. I read the paragraph three times. Respecting Howey for his political depth and logical nuance, I was offended for but one second when this dawned of me. And then I realized he was right.
Go make a realization.
As book one in the six-book series, it will also read well as a standalone. I like how the world is explained throughout the book - rather than dumping me with all worldbuilding in the beginning, or especially all at once. By the end of the book, new things are still being learned about Tess (the protagonist's sidekick). But is Day really the protagonist, or is it June? Although the story is admittedly more focused on Day, June's impact on Day's life is by far the more entertaining part of the book. Every chapter alternates perspectives, like a good Red Pyramid or The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel -- appropriate, political (if you will), and disappointing when really invested in what's about to happen next.
The Republic is one of two factions the U.S. splits into after collapse -- home to elite military families like the one June comes from, but also home to beggars, drunks, homeless, and the poor like Day. June is at some point convinced that Day murdered her brother (a spoiler from page 1) and vows to hunt him down both for revenge and to prove herself to the Republic. But as she gets close with Day, she uncovers truths about the Republic causing her to question her involvement.
Happy Ending
As book one in the six-book series, it will also read well as a standalone. I like how the world is explained throughout the book - rather than dumping me with all worldbuilding in the beginning, or especially all at once. By the end of the book, new things are still being learned about Tess (the protagonist's sidekick). But is Day really the protagonist, or is it June? Although the story is admittedly more focused on Day, June's impact on Day's life is by far the more entertaining part of the book. Every chapter alternates perspectives, like a good Red Pyramid or The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel -- appropriate, political (if you will), and disappointing when really invested in what's about to happen next.
The Republic is one of two factions the U.S. splits into after collapse -- home to elite military families like the one June comes from, but also home to beggars, drunks, homeless, and the poor like Day. June is at some point convinced that Day murdered her brother (a spoiler from page 1) and vows to hunt him down both for revenge and to prove herself to the Republic. But as she gets close with Day, she uncovers truths about the Republic causing her to question her involvement.
Happy Ending
As book one in the six-book series, it will also read well as a standalone. I like how the world is explained throughout the book - rather than dumping me with all worldbuilding in the beginning, or especially all at once. By the end of the book, new things are still being learned about Tess (the protagonist's sidekick). But is Day really the protagonist, or is it June? Although the story is admittedly more focused on Day, June's impact on Day's life is by far the more entertaining part of the book. Every chapter alternates perspectives, like a good Red Pyramid or The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel -- appropriate, political (if you will), and disappointing when really invested in what's about to happen next.
The Republic is one of two factions the U.S. splits into after collapse -- home to elite military families like the one June comes from, but also home to beggars, drunks, homeless, and the poor like Day. June is at some point convinced that Day murdered her brother (a spoiler from page 1) and vows to hunt him down both for revenge and to prove herself to the Republic. But as she gets close with Day, she uncovers truths about the Republic causing her to question her involvement.
Happy Ending
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon follows eighteen-year-old Madeline “Maddy” Whittier, who has a rare illness that keeps her inside her home, unable to leave. Her life changes when Olly, a boy who moves in next door, enters her world. They form a friendship through emails and messages that later develops into romance. This leads Maddy to take more risks of leaving the bubble she’s been trapped in her whole life. After discovering a shocking secret, she is forced to make difficult choices about freedom, trust, and love.
In my opinion, this book was engaging and emotional. It was a unique idea, and the author did a good job at writing the story. Although the book was quite long and slow-paced at certain points, I was never bored. I finished this book in one sitting.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance, coming-of-age stories, or books about love and self-discovery.
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon follows eighteen-year-old Madeline “Maddy” Whittier, who has a rare illness that keeps her inside her home, unable to leave. Her life changes when Olly, a boy who moves in next door, enters her world. They form a friendship through emails and messages that later develops into romance. This leads Maddy to take more risks of leaving the bubble she’s been trapped in her whole life. After discovering a shocking secret, she is forced to make difficult choices about freedom, trust, and love.
In my opinion, this book was engaging and emotional. It was a unique idea, and the author did a good job at writing the story. Although the book was quite long and slow-paced at certain points, I was never bored. I finished this book in one sitting.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance, coming-of-age stories, or books about love and self-discovery.
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon follows eighteen-year-old Madeline “Maddy” Whittier, who has a rare illness that keeps her inside her home, unable to leave. Her life changes when Olly, a boy who moves in next door, enters her world. They form a friendship through emails and messages that later develops into romance. This leads Maddy to take more risks of leaving the bubble she’s been trapped in her whole life. After discovering a shocking secret, she is forced to make difficult choices about freedom, trust, and love.
In my opinion, this book was engaging and emotional. It was a unique idea, and the author did a good job at writing the story. Although the book was quite long and slow-paced at certain points, I was never bored. I finished this book in one sitting.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance, coming-of-age stories, or books about love and self-discovery.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is about a high schooler named Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi who chooses to investigate a murder-suicide event that happened in her town a couple of years earlier for her senior year choice project.
When Pip was younger, Andie Bell, a popular high school girl, was supposedly murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh. Sal allegedly confessed by text message and committed suicide. The town accepted this explanation, but Pip always felt something didn’t add up - the Sal she knew was kind and unlikely to be violent.
With the help of Sal’s younger brother Ravi Singh, who wants to clear Sal’s name, Pip digs into evidence and interviews people around town. As they uncover more information, they realize there was a lot more to Andie’s disappearance and the case overall than anyone originally believed.
In my opinion, the book was a really good mystery and had plenty of twists and turns which made it hard to predict what actually happened. The case was complex, but the author’s writing style made it easy and entertaining to follow. When I picked it out, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is about a high schooler named Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi who chooses to investigate a murder-suicide event that happened in her town a couple of years earlier for her senior year choice project.
When Pip was younger, Andie Bell, a popular high school girl, was supposedly murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh. Sal allegedly confessed by text message and committed suicide. The town accepted this explanation, but Pip always felt something didn’t add up - the Sal she knew was kind and unlikely to be violent.
With the help of Sal’s younger brother Ravi Singh, who wants to clear Sal’s name, Pip digs into evidence and interviews people around town. As they uncover more information, they realize there was a lot more to Andie’s disappearance and the case overall than anyone originally believed.
In my opinion, the book was a really good mystery and had plenty of twists and turns which made it hard to predict what actually happened. The case was complex, but the author’s writing style made it easy and entertaining to follow. When I picked it out, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery.
This book was extremely interesting to read and it’s impressive that Sarah Maas was able to write this as her first book. In this story, 18 year old assassin Celaena Sardothien was freed from the labor camp she’d been working at for a year by Crown Prince Dorian to participate in a competition with other criminals to see who will become the king’s secret assassin. However, there are dark things happening underneath and Celaena has to protect herself from the dangerous and magical things around her. The magic system of Wyrdmarks is very interesting and the character interactions are complex. It is a book that is hard to put down.
Have you ever judged someone without really knowing them?
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen follows Juli Baker and Bryce Loski, who have been neighbors since the start of second grade, when Bryce moved into the neighborhood. Juli was certain that she was in love with him and that they were meant to be, but Bryce outwardly disliked her and was annoyed she couldn’t take the hint. Told in alternating first person point of view chapters, events from both perspectives as the two grew up are revealed.
After something happens in the present-day eighth grade that causes Juli to deeply hate Bryce, the two of them “flip” perspectives of each other. Now, Juli doesn’t want anything to do with him, but Bryce is in love with her.
Flipped covers themes of perspectives, change, and growing up. Juli is a passionate, confident character who is unafraid to advocate for what she believes in, whether protecting a sycamore tree or standing up for her family. Bryce, however, starts off as shallow and caring too much about what others think, but by the end learns that his first impressions of people, especially Juli, were wrong. As the story unfolds, both characters are forced to reflect on who they are, and what truly matters.
I found the book entertaining, and it wasn’t very long in comparison to other novels I have read covering similar themes. Although it is a little slower paced at points, it makes up for it by speeding up later on. The different perspectives on the same events would have been redundant, but the author wrote it well. It was interesting to see how Juli and Bryce saw the same thing in nearly opposite ways.
If you enjoy books about growing up, perspectives, and a sweet, thoughtful look at first love, then Flipped is a book you should definitely consider reading.
Winter is here, school's out, and 12-year-old Milo Pine is looking forward to finally relaxing at his home, Greenglass House, which normally serves as an inn (for smugglers) run by his parents. But his plans are disturbed when an unexpected guest arrives at the house, and then another, and suddenly the house is filled with people once again. Among those in the house is a girl whom Milo identifies as the house cook's daughter, Meddy Caraway, a whimsical and bossy girl who drags Milo into playing a game involving Greenglass House and a certain map he'd had found near the inn. But things take a turn when the guests' possessions begin going missing, and the two discover that all of these strange guests bear with them stories that are somehow connected to Greenglass House. Slowly, Milo realizes that perhaps the game they're playing isn't just a game, and there may be more secrets hidden behind their creaky house than he thought - secrets that certain people would do anything to obtain.
This book honestly kind of surprised me. The plot (especially Meddy's game) was confusing for me when I first started reading, and it was a little hard to get into initially. But eventually the suspense began to ramp up, and it left me guessing and reading more to find out what happens next. Milford's writing is genuinely enchanting: the beautiful antique setting of the story, the strange tales of the guests, and the (fictional) historical events surrounding the inn had me really immersed. It was as if I was being transported into a different world entirely, even though this book is set in a modern-day society. I also loved the little puzzles the author put into the book, and despite Milo and Meddy's geniuses at solving them, at the end, they're still children, and it shows in their characterization, keeping some realism. It is also worth mentioning that Milo is adopted; he is ethnically Chinese, and he's had some issues coming to terms with his identity and accepting the aforementioned fact. These issues are well integrated into the plot as Milo sees his inner conflict reflected in the game he plays (and in other circumstances), and watching him develop and accept himself was a wonderful journey. The plot twist at the end was especially shocking, and it is interesting to see how details that were perplexing at the beginning of the book take on a new meaning after the big secret was revealed. Overall, Greenglass House was a lovely read, and it was a novel where I can see the sheer amount of research and work the author put into making the story come to life.
The Naturals is a thrilling book that is centered around a girl named Cassandra Hobbes or Cassie who can tell you almost everything about you and your life with just looking at you. She wishes that she will be able to leave her work as a waiter and do something to help. Then a mysterious boy shows up at the diner and leaves a card for the FBI. She figures out that her ability to profile people has landed her a spot in a program that helps catch serial killers that have been dormant. She wishes that she could help on active cases, but when she actually gets dragged into one it hits a little too close to home. As the Naturals work together they try to catch a serial killer while still acting like regular teenagers, flirting, playing games, and getting caught in a love triangle. This book creates a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions and surprises. It is one of the best books I have ever read and it is definitely one of my favorites.
The Naturals is a thrilling book that is centered around a girl named Cassandra Hobbes or Cassie who can tell you almost everything about you and your life with just looking at you. She wishes that she will be able to leave her work as a waiter and do something to help. Then a mysterious boy shows up at the diner and leaves a card for the FBI. She figures out that her ability to profile people has landed her a spot in a program that helps catch serial killers that have been dormant. She wishes that she could help on active cases, but when she actually gets dragged into one it hits a little too close to home. As the Naturals work together they try to catch a serial killer while still acting like regular teenagers, flirting, playing games, and getting caught in a love triangle. This book creates a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions and surprises. It is one of the best books I have ever read and it is definitely one of my favorites.
I really liked this book. I read it after watching the movie and it was similar, but still had some differences. I really liked the different things that happened when the end started coming. With the progress of Thomas emotionally and physically it shows the progress of not only the other Gladers, but also the book and Glade itself. Even though I watched the movie before reading the book, I still was able to be surprised and enter the world of the maze. Even though there is a lot of things going on it still is a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions. As Thomas grows more knowledgeable of the maze I did to. It brought the truth to my eyes as Thomas realized it for himself.
I really liked this book. I read it after watching the movie and it was similar, but still had some differences. I really liked the different things that happened when the end started coming. With the progress of Thomas emotionally and physically it shows the progress of not only the other Gladers, but also the book and Glade itself. Even though I watched the movie before reading the book, I still was able to be surprised and enter the world of the maze. Even though there is a lot of things going on it still is a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions. As Thomas grows more knowledgeable of the maze I did to. It brought the truth to my eyes as Thomas realized it for himself.
First off, if you're looking for a comedy, this isn't it. Move along. This novel is the first in a four-book dystopian series. Lowry has a new take on dystopia as she describes what appears to be the perfect community--no hunger, homelessness, or unemployment. It is a well oiled machine. Jobs are assigned, as are spouses and children, who come from predetermined Birthmothers, which is one job of many. However, Jonas isn't assigned to a job. He is selected to be the new Receiver. Within the job, he learns exactly what's wrong with his community and discovers what wondrous things his community has omitted. I know it sounds boring but I have read it so many times; the whole series, actually. I think it is a great book for tweens and above. The whole series is great and I really liked them.
First off, if you're looking for a comedy, this isn't it. Move along. This novel is the first in a four-book dystopian series. Lowry has a new take on dystopia as she describes what appears to be the perfect community--no hunger, homelessness, or unemployment. It is a well oiled machine. Jobs are assigned, as are spouses and children, who come from predetermined Birthmothers, which is one job of many. However, Jonas isn't assigned to a job. He is selected to be the new Receiver. Within the job, he learns exactly what's wrong with his community and discovers what wondrous things his community has omitted. I know it sounds boring but I have read it so many times; the whole series, actually. I think it is a great book for tweens and above. The whole series is great and I really liked them.
After a mysterious accident in which Mr. Green's wife dies, Mr. Green is desperate for a new nanny, being afraid of his children and children in general. However, being the stingy tax lawyer he is, he doesn't put an ad in the paper and merely puts a sign in his front yard. One rainy night, a petite, well dressed pig shows up for the job. At first, Mr. Green has reservations, as one does when hiring a former flying pig (she worked at a circus) but once she told him her hourly rate: 10 cents an hour, his greed overcame his skepticism and his children, Derek, Samantha, and Michael got a new nanny. Soon, it becomes apparent that Nanny Piggins is much more qualified than a human nanny, namely, she can bake extraordinarily good cakes, and disregards trivial things like school. Derek, Samantha, and Michael soon begin to love Nanny Piggins, even through the antics she gets herself into. This book is the first in a series, but you don't have to read them in order, as each chapter is its own story, and with a title like Nanny Piggins, how can you resist reading it?
Right from the first sentence, you can tell this book is definitely not boring. I have lost count of the amount of times I have read Maniac Magee. It tells the story of Jeffrey Magee, who lives with his aunt and uncle, who are unhappy but refuse to get divorced, after his parents are killed in a train accident. After living with them, the unhappiness soon gets to Jeffrey and he runs away armed with one great power: the ability to run. In this book, the west side is all white people while the east side is people of color, and Jeffrey, a white boy, ends up on the east side. The reason this book is so good is the way Jerry Spinelli shows how people can change and how just one boy united the west side and the east side. One boy, who is faced with many tragedies but still continues on his mission that even he doesn't know what would be the final result. Not only is this book by Spinelli good, but you should definitely check out his other ones!
Right from the first sentence, you can tell this book is definitely not boring. I have lost count of the amount of times I have read Maniac Magee. It tells the story of Jeffrey Magee, who lives with his aunt and uncle, who are unhappy but refuse to get divorced, after his parents are killed in a train accident. After living with them, the unhappiness soon gets to Jeffrey and he runs away armed with one great power: the ability to run. In this book, the west side is all white people while the east side is people of color, and Jeffrey, a white boy, ends up on the east side. The reason this book is so good is the way Jerry Spinelli shows how people can change and how just one boy united the west side and the east side. One boy, who is faced with many tragedies but still continues on his mission that even he doesn't know what would be the final result. Not only is this book by Spinelli good, but you should definitely check out his other ones!
Stella is sick. No, not with the typical cold or flu, as Stella would rather have, but with a rare disease: Cystic Fibrosis. Her lungs have been faulty all her life and she hopes to obtain a lung transplant soon. In order to fulfill this goal, Stella attempts to maintain constant control of her life, risking nothing that would prevent her from getting the transplant. That is until she meets Will, who's only thing in common with Stella is his Cystic Fibrosis. With no care about control (or his medication) Will is fascinated with Stella and her orderly life. However, their illness prevents them from coming closer than six feet apart, and any close contact could jeopardize everything. Stella wants nothing to do with Will, how could she risk everything she's ever wanted? Yet as the two become closer, being six feet apart seems unbearable.
This was a good teen romance that captured what it's like to be controlled by something completely out of control or reach.