megsbookishtwins's reviews
1179 reviews

I read a preview from NetGalley and it's safe to say I am really disappointed.

The concept of the four horsemen being reincarnated sounded really good and original. However I don't think it was executed very well and that spark just wasn't there, not in what I've read anyway.

Also, I really was not a fan of the protagonist, Gideon, and I don't like his narrative. It just failed to draw me in or keep my attention.

Unfortunately, I probably won't be getting this when it's released.

A really great end to this duology. It is addictive and entertaining and so much suspense that it just kept me turning pages. I loved the mystery and before the reveal I still had no clue who done it but plenty of theories. I really loved all the characters, especially the four girls that I'm still struggling to figure out who was my favourite.

Megan Abbott is quickly becoming a favourite author. She writes such raw, toxic and twisted stories. I would definitely recommend to fans of Gillian Flynn.

I received this free from the publishers via NetGalley

At the beginning of the school day, June founds out a close ex-best friend of hers has died. She barely even has time to mourn her death when she is confronted by Delia's boyfriend who claimed she was killed. Alongside that she has a voicemail from Delia from the day before she died. June is soon swept into a murder mystery which turns out to be so much more involving lies and betrayal.

How do I feel about Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls? I'm not so sure. I guess overall it was an okay book with a decent plot and mystery but there were also problems with it which made it sort of a predictable and dull read on occasion.

Ok where to start? I'll start with the characters. They were okay characters, but none were massively developed or had much depth to them and sometimes June, in certain situations, felt out of character. I could explain a bit more but I could spoil something, so I'd rather not, lets just say she got overly jealous at points which didn't seem to fit in with her personality previously. Delia was actually one of the most interesting characters to read about. In the flashback's which showed their friendship etc. I didn't really get a sense of their relationship. I felt they had little chemistry and I never really got the feeling that they really cared for each other. So overall, decent characters and all, but nothing exceptional.

I felt the plot was a little bit all over the place and kind of messy. Especially when it came to some flashbacks, and questions remained unanswered and you were left unsure about which parts of the story were true and which were lies so I was left confused for a lot of the time. For example, I'm still not sure what really happened between Delia and Ryan at that party and whose version was the truth. Some things didn't really seem to fit in the story, and while I don't mind a little extreme and having some aspects unrealistic, but some of Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls felt a tad far-fetched.

Overall, a decent read, but not the psychological thriller I was expecting.

I really loved Rebel Angels, much more than A Great and Terrible Beauty. It was magical, enchanting and truly captivating. I really love Gemma, and I think she is pretty damn awesome. She is intelligent, brave and curious and I think she had some great character development. The same can be said with Ann and Felicity, and while I sometimes dislike them, I have to admire they are pretty great characters. Pippa was a character which really surprised me in Rebel Angels and I can't wait to read more of her story. I thought the world-building was fabulous and it was truly mystical and it was one of the best things in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. Libba Bray has fast become one of my favourite authors and I will definitely be reading more of hers.

I received this free from the publishers via NetGalley

Once again, Abigail Rook and her employer Jackaby have been called upon to investigate a supernatural and weird case – their specialty. From shapeshifting kittens to a large beast, they really do have their hands full this time.

I think this series is just full of fun and adventure. Looking for something light-hearted? Read this. Looking for something fun? Read this. Looking for a mix of mystery only seen on Sherlock and Doctor Who? Read this. We revisit our favourite characters, Jackaby, Abigail, Jenny, plus many others. For those that loved Jackaby, well it is an obvious choice to pick this up, for those that haven’t read Jackaby, then I highly suggest you do.

I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first one, hence the lower rating (I rated Jackaby 4.5), and I can’t really put my finger on it. Abigail’s and Jackaby’s witty back-and-forth was still entertaining, but not as entertaining as the first. The story was fun and original, filled with adventure and mystery. I wouldn’t go into this if you are looking for something serious, while it has serious elements in it, it is a fun, light-hearted and easy read.

I liked the romance and again, like the first in the series, I liked that it didn’t take too much away from the main plot and that Abigail realised she can have both – the work and the romance.

Overall, this is a series that I would definitely recommend!

P.S I really love these covers, they are so beautiful.