Reviews with content warning for Drug use - White Smoke

A book that is marketed as "The Haunting of Hill House meets Get Out" had everything to be a disappointment. Like, nothing could be that good, right?

Except this book was right about the marketing, and it was, indeed, very good. I only now came to realise I read from Tiffany D. Jackson before, and I liked this format and genre way better. Her writing here is good, it glowed under the horror genre and the scary atmosphere (I got chills!), it just fit really perfectly with the story and the characters, and I even if I usually have a hard time following teenagers, Marigold captivated me and I was rooting for her all the way through.

Her brother and little Piper were also good, and I loved reading about them and their relationship with Marigold. However, her relationship with her mother and stepfather made me angry in a way I couldn't get past, and that's why I coulnd't give it 5 stars (sorry I'm rancorous)

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aheinicke27's review

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book has so many layers of horror, mystery and social commentary. There were quite a few times when I simultaneously felt too scared to continue reading and too intrigued to put the book down. And that ending? Seriously? 10/10 would definitely recommend, perfect for Halloween!

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fiona_gs's review

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dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Beautiful set-up horror and a beautiful twist. This is a page turner and leaves you hanging at the end.

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pointeshoebookworm's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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greywolfheir's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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amandadevoursbooks's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

OK, of all the TDJ books this is my least favorite so far, and I still really liked it. Marigold's family moved across the country to escape Mari's past addictions. Mari struggles with her mental health, her new school, her creepy house, and her bratty step sister. The tale gradually unfolds, and by the end of the book, I was breathless.

What did I like? I loved the themes of family, community, gentrification, monstrosity, mental health, and friendship.

What did I not like? The depiction of weed, like the MC fiends for it. I've never met someone like this. it makes sense later as you find out more but

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lulucatcreations's review

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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wrensreadingroom's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

5.0

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