Lisi Harrison

This was a fun light read. At first I was afraid to read it because it was by Lisi Harrison and the whole concept of the Clique series annoys me and makes me a little bit sad. But I loved the cover and concept so much that I finally caved and I am so glad I did.

The story is told from two points of view, Frankie Stein the fifteen day old grandaughter of Frankenstein's monster, and Melody a transplant from Los Angeles who has always felt like an outcast because she wasn't perfect (although show more her plastic surgeon father did fix her nose.) Both girls are just trying to make their way through high school with some self confidence intact.
Both characters are completely lovable in a heartbreaking way because their experiences have given them such low self esteem they don't see how fabulous they are anymore. (something I think a lot of people can relate too.)

They hijinks caused by movie type monsters living among people are both entertaining and sad. The things people do to protect themselves from monsters are funny but since I grew to really love Frankie they did make me a little indignant for her.

I also loved Jackson and while we were told he was a "monster" I never would have guessed what he actually was. I really liked the twist.

My only complaint about the book is that it ended on such a cliff hanger and there is no release date for the second one. Frankie and Melody have finally gotten together and you just know that great things are going to come from these two and then it ends. Sigh, I just don't want to wait. show less

Best Friends for Never by Lisi Harrison: A Reflection on Power, Resistance, and the Journey to Selfhood

*"Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed."* — Psalms 2:1-2

In *Best Friends for Never,* Lisi Harrison deepens the complex power dynamics introduced in *The Clique,* drawing readers into a world where friendships are forged and broken based on status, control, and show more manipulation. At the center of this social storm stands Massie Block, the self-appointed queen of the social scene, who wields her influence with the precision of a carpenter wielding a hammer. Her target? Claire Lyons, the newcomer who refuses to stay nailed down in a position of insignificance.

Massie’s attempts to mold Claire into a subordinate, someone who follows her every command, reflect a broader theme of power and resistance. She seeks to control Claire, treating her less as a person and more as a tool to shape according to her own desires. Yet, Claire, once timid and uncertain, begins to push back. In subtle but powerful ways, she raises her voice, asserting herself in conversations where she once would have been silent.

This shift in Claire is a reminder that change, though often met with resistance, is both necessary and inevitable. The relationships we hold, especially those formed under the weight of control and dominance, must evolve—or risk breaking altogether. Claire's growing assertiveness signals the beginning of this change, a quiet revolution against the forces that seek to diminish her.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that both Massie and Claire are on a journey—not just of friendship, but of self-discovery. Claire's newfound strength challenges Massie’s control, hinting that even the most unyielding rulers must adapt or be overthrown. And while Massie plots to maintain her throne, Claire’s rise suggests that true power lies not in domination but in authenticity and resilience.

*"Change does not come easy. But sometimes change is necessary in a friendship."*

*Best Friends for Never* invites readers to reflect on the dynamics of their own relationships. Are we the hammer, seeking to shape others to our will? Or are we the nail, allowing ourselves to be pressed down into roles that do not serve us? Claire’s journey reminds us that the most meaningful friendships are those where both parties grow together, finding balance, mutual respect, and the courage to evolve. show less

The Clique by Lisi Harrison: A Reflection on Friendship and False Alliances*

*"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."* — Proverbs 18:24

In *The Clique* by Lisi Harrison, the reader is introduced to the glittering yet treacherous world of the privileged girls of Westchester, New York, led by the queen bee, Massie Block. With designer clothes, cutting-edge social skills, and a fierce grip on the social hierarchy, Massie and her show more friends Dylan, Kristen, and Alicia seem to embody the ideal of friendship. Yet, their interactions reveal a darker reality—one where power, control, and exclusion reign supreme.

Claire Lyons, the newcomer, enters this world like a lamb among wolves. Humble, kind, and unpolished by the standards of her peers, she quickly becomes a target for the Clique's biting wit and calculated cruelty. Massie, secure in her power, views Claire as an intruder, someone to be ridiculed and manipulated rather than embraced.

But Claire's story is not one of defeat. Though she is rejected by those who wield social power, she finds refuge in an unexpected place: her friendship with Layne Abeley. Layne is neither wealthy nor concerned with the superficial trappings of popularity. She sees Claire for who she truly is—a person of worth and integrity. Their friendship, though quieter and less glamorous, embodies the essence of what Proverbs 18:24 teaches us.

True friendship is not based on appearances, status, or what one can gain from another. It is rooted in mutual respect, loyalty, and authenticity. Layne stands by Claire, offering her the kind of unwavering support that Massie and her clique are incapable of providing. In contrast, Massie’s group, though seemingly united, is built on fragile alliances, insecurity, and a constant fear of falling from grace.

Claire’s journey reminds us that friends who treat us as stepping stones or discard us when we are no longer useful are not true friends. They are like "dust mites"—present but inconsequential, revealing their own insecurities and fears. In contrast, a true friend like Layne is a treasure, offering warmth, honesty, and a safe space in a world that often values the superficial over the genuine.

*The Clique* is a cautionary tale about the dangers of chasing acceptance from those who do not value our true selves. It reminds readers, especially young ones, to seek friendships that uplift and nourish the soul rather than those that drain and diminish it. In the end, Claire's strength lies not in joining the Clique but in finding her true friends and learning to stand firm in her own identity. show less

Monster High by Lisi Harrison is a fun twist on classic monsters but in a more family-friendly, YA format.

Ever since Monster High became the big hit that it has with the kiddos, I've been eying down the "original" source material. This book came onto my radar and I just knew I had to read it. The premise itself of the current shows and movies was interesting - children of the original monsters - so the book also had to be an interesting read too, right? Well, it sure was! Now, I'm no expert show more on the movies, dolls, tv shows, etc., that came from this other than knowing the bare basics (and watching one or two that popped up on television for something to watch). Is it accurate? No idea. Is it fun? HECK YES.

The take of the monsters hiding in plain sight was fun and intriguing. It made a hint of mystery and suspense appear in this novel when I full out expected the book to just be a literal Monster High without "normis" (you know, us humans) hanging around. Frankistein, aka Frankie, Draculara, and all of the other characters are there, but they can't let the world know they are different (or RADs... Regular Attribute Dodgers - which is an epically fun name I'm going to use daily for myself now LOL).

Melody has me wondering... Is she really a normi? I feel like she isn't. I thought she was a vampire at first, but I just can't place who she might be... yet.

There was a bit of a cliffhanger, which made my grumpy, but I wanted to continue the series regardless. I'll be keeping my eye out for the remaining books in this series and binge my way through them just like I did this one.

Fun, freaky, fantastic!

Five out of five stars. show less