Reviews

Odd & True by Cat Winters

megsbookishtwins's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Disclaimer: I received a copy free from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Trudchen grew up hearing stories, from her older sister Odette, about her monster-slayer mother and a curse that was placed upon the family. Tru is older now, and Odette has been absent for a year, seemingly sent away by her aunt. Tru doesn’t know whether she should believe in the stories her sister told her, unsure whether they were just lies used to comfort her. Until one day, Od reappears with an old suitcase that supposedly has a magical weapon in. She promises to battle the monsters on the way to attack Tru. The sisters’ start search for their mother which leads them to a face-off with the Leeds Devil. Tru then starts to believe that perhaps monsters do exist, and she might, in fact, have magic.

I’ve read most of Cat Winter’s books, and I am a huge fan. Her books are magical, haunting, and atmospheric. So, I had high expectations for Odd & True and it did not disappoint. What I usually love about Cat Winters books is the subtlety of the paranormal aspect, and Odd & True was no different, yet had a little twist to it.

The synopsis is a little misleading as this isn’t necessarily a book about hunting monsters. At the centre of Odd & True is a story of family, sisterhood, and secrets, which made this a charming and captivating read. This book was very character driven compared to the rest of Cat Winters’ books but I loved it nonetheless. Od was a very fierce and likeable character. She was, at heart, a storyteller but also a protector and I loved her fiercely. Tru was just as fierce but she was full of scepticism. I loved their relationship and how it developed throughout the book.

Tru was also disabled, she has to wear and brace and/or use crutches due to having polio as a child, but I can’t speak for the representation. Odd & True was written in alternative POVs. Odette’s chapters were set in the past, and Tru’s were set in the present, which was seamlessly done and I loved how the mystery of Odette’s past was slowly revealed into the present day plot.

Overall, Odd & True was an immersive, magical, and atmospheric read with fierce sisters at the centre of the story.

fiction's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

didn't expect this to make me cry a bit but ✌

leslieisnotmyname's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Good story about how enchantment can disappear when you become an adult, and how to keep it close to you (or make up new ones) instead.

ashurq's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I LOVE CAT WINTERS. I know I’ve mentioned that before, but every book I read by her is amazing! I love how she creates the perfect spooky atmosphere without being too scary. She creates these likable, strong, and independent female characters who are also flawed and vulnerable. Her stories always leave you guessing about what’s real and what’s simply in a character’s head. Also, she does an AMAZING job of putting you in the historical time that the book is set in. Every book of hers is another glimpse at an older America that I feel like we don’t get to see very often and this book is no exception. I really appreciated that this book is about SISTERS and even though there’s a little romance, it doesn’t really play into it.

Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

teaturtlesandbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

brianne_k's review

Go to review page

1.0

*1/5*

There wasn't anything I really liked about this book at all.. hence the almost 3 months it took me to read it.. forgettable plot, forgettable characters..

christinareadsalot2022's review against another edition

Go to review page

I just didn’t have a desire to pick it up! 

sturmykins's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This wasn't quite what I expected it to be, but I really enjoyed it, nonetheless. It had a Big Fish/Borden Sister's feel to it. Definitely recommend if you like Victorian dramas and monster hunters.

thebookishunicorn's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

"In the world of grownups, you see, practical thinking is king; dreamers are fools and madmen. How ridiculous that is."

Actual rating 4.5 stars

rynflynn12's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0