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toastymaloney's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. A little creepy. A little lovely. Interesting.
tklassy's review
dark
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I was fascinated by the concept of this book, but unfortunately its execution left me disappointed. Overall, the story came across as a little bit underdeveloped. I never felt as if I got to know the main character of Hannah, or her sister, or her love, interest, and especially not her dead best-friend. The overall execution felt jumbled, like the book wasn’t sure what it was trying to be. Part mystery, part young adult romance, part meditation on grief, and part a soliloquy on the dangers of eating disorders? Oh, and don’t forget paranormal? Because the main character is haunted by her dead best friend. Also, I have a lot of questions about the random subplot that’s never really explained of a bird virus killing all the birds. Like, they’re just dropping dead from the sky. It’s weirdly introduced in the first page of the book and then never explained and it has nothing to do with the story. Does it? Am I missing something? I kept reading the book after wanting to DNF it at both 30% and 60% because reviews assured me that the plot twist at the end was worth it. It wasn’t.
Although I was often left confused after picking up this book, it was beautifully written, and I highlighted plenty of it. But, unfortunately, it can’t be redeemed by its poetical phrasing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Child abuse and Eating disorder
laughlinesandliterature's review against another edition
3.0
This book was very interesting, I liked Hannah and Finny although I have to admit Ariel was one of my favorite characters. It was a unique blend of mystery and paranormal. It is definitely one of the best written of that genre. I liked the way that Lillian helped Finny and even though I shouldn't find her disease humorous did chuckle at the thought she named it Trevor after Christian Bale in The Machinist. I didn't see Connor being the psycho since Nick really was the obvious choice which I think is what separates it from some of the other books that do this blend of mystery and paranormal. I would definitely recommend this book for someone looking for an unusual paranormal mystery.
ecote525's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. ending meh. such great atmosphere, compelling writing. couldn't put down. will have book hangover at work tomorrow. worth it.
readingwithhippos's review against another edition
This one wasn't for me. I read 50 pages and skimmed to 80, and the murder part of the plot (the part I was interested in, the reason I picked up the book) still hadn't gotten started. The anorexic ghost girl's running commentary in the narrator's ear and the contrived hints at romance with the dim-witted but buff guy weren't enough to keep me engaged.
mothmans_library's review against another edition
5.0
This may have taken me about six days to read, but it was worth reading it slowly. I was able to enjoy the experience and raw emotion in this book. I almost wish that there was a sequel, but if she made a sequel it might ruin the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good suspense building, YA, thriller.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good suspense building, YA, thriller.
scrollsofdragons's review against another edition
2.0
1.5 stars.
Hannah is not my type of girl and who wears nothing but dresses? Seriously?
I couldn't really get a handle on her, nothing stood out and she was really boring. A different narrator and this book would have been so much better.
I loved the other characters though, so they get a star in it's own. Ariel, Decker, Lillian, Finny. Now I liked them, Hannah not so much.
The plot was interesting and I never guessed who the paper valentine was. But this book fell so flat for me, I think because Hannah was so boring and so disinterested she made the whole book feel that way. I liked it in a way, the murder subplot was interesting and kept me reading but that was all that held the book together.
Not a book I would read again. Too boring, flat and bleak. Glad, I got it from the library.
Hannah is not my type of girl and who wears nothing but dresses? Seriously?
I couldn't really get a handle on her, nothing stood out and she was really boring. A different narrator and this book would have been so much better.
I loved the other characters though, so they get a star in it's own. Ariel, Decker, Lillian, Finny. Now I liked them, Hannah not so much.
The plot was interesting and I never guessed who the paper valentine was. But this book fell so flat for me, I think because Hannah was so boring and so disinterested she made the whole book feel that way. I liked it in a way, the murder subplot was interesting and kept me reading but that was all that held the book together.
Not a book I would read again. Too boring, flat and bleak. Glad, I got it from the library.
marpesea's review against another edition
4.0
Fierce, complicated friendships that survive beyond the grave, a tingly romance and a creepy serial killer make for a quick-paced, fascinating read.
TW: eating disorder, assault
TW: eating disorder, assault