I really wish Goodreads had the option for half stars, or at least expanded the number of stars to 10. This book was better than 3 stars, but it wasn't quite as good as some of the books I've given 4 stars to. So I'd give this book 3.5 stars or 7/10 stars. Here's why:
- I was sucked into the story immediately. The relationship between Maddy and Ella was so complicated and interesting that I was excited to delve into their character development throughout the story.
- Trisha Leaver did a great job of laying out pieces of the puzzle throughout the story. I always appreciate it when a mystery doesn't withhold vital information, leaving me bored with waiting for more details, and also keeps the mystery alive so I haven't figured it all out too early.
- The character development of secondary characters like Alex, Molly, and Josh was rock solid. I love it when secondary characters are given backstory and depth as it makes the whole story feel complete.
- Ella's reasons for taking over her sister's life wasn't jealousy but something closer to survivor's guilt. It was refreshing to see the relationship between sisters be something other than, "I wish I had your life"
- The hints that Ella's Dad was starting to figure out that Maddy was actually Ella.
- The satisfaction of everything finally coming out into the open.
- The audiobook narrator was fantastic!
What I didn't like:
- Ella never really seemed to try very hard to be her sister. She said she was getting better at pretending, but the truth is that she didn't seem to give it her all. In fact, I was surprised that Alex and a few other characters didn't figure it out. (Although, to be honest, Alex may have wanted Maddy to be alive so badly that he chose not to see the truth).
- Occasionally the writing would become repetitive. We're inside Ella's headspace throughout the whole book and she says the same things over and over again. Then, she'd say some of these things out loud. So we end up reading the same line at least three times per two pages. I was ready for the story to keep moving rather than listen to Ella's internal monologue again.
Overall, this is a fast and enjoyable young adult mystery with intriguing characters and plot. I will definitely be checking out more of this author's works.
Happy Reading,
Cordelia M. Blythe
P.S. If you want a good subscription box for YA novels check out OwlCrate on Crate Joy: https://cratejoy.grsm.io/CordeliaBlythe
No comments:
Post a Comment