April Genevieve Tucholke

Reading this book was kind of like trying to listen to a conversation while being underwater.

But I guess that's the price you pay for having a disconnected narrator. Violet says she’s horrified, terrified, and disoriented by the whole thing, but in my mind her affect and storytelling were generally, well, even-toned. Flat, even. Which was only reinforced by the fact that she knows her new boyfriend may have pretty much executed and/or petrified-to-the-point-of-lunacy a whole host of show more people, but all she can muster up is a rather elusive sense of outrage. I get why she's a disconnected narrator — I get that having a lead character who is lonely, dysfunctional and detached is a trope of the horror genre. But that means you, too, are emotionally distant.

When River was kissing Violet? I had a vague impression that that must feel nice for her. When Sunshine came out screaming bloody murder? I had a hazy feeling that she must be really upset. When someone is made to cut their own throat in front of everyone? I had a dim notion that maybe that’s terrifying. But that’s all I felt — vague impressions of what I could be feeling. I was as lethargic and disengaged as Violet, or even Sunshine, the entire time.

And, probably, the author cultivated that in us to fuel the “sleepy town with something lurking under the surface” vibe — but I would much rather have had a hot-blooded storyteller take us through a horrifying tale of dominance, madness and murder. It would have made everything come into focus. I would so much have appreciated this story more if I could have seen it for what it is, rather than watching it unfold through a blurry lens. show less

*An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) was acquired from a book blogger friend for free to read and review. All thoughts here are my very own.

This book has my brain all jumbled up! It was whimsical, addicting and... everything that you would want in a book that will leave you feeling overwhelmed and confused in such a good way... I'm advising you now, when you pick up this book, be prepared to be sucked in until the end. This is not a book that you could/should read in spurts or while reading other show more books. This book will demand your undivided attention and you should not go against it!

Wink, Poppy and Midnight are our three main characters and the story is told from all of their point-of-views... there is a love triangle here, BUT, it is not like anything you have probably read before. Their story is so complicated and full of unexpected twists and turns, revelations and more. No one who is who you think they are and then they are and then they're not again. Their story is full of manipulation, and puzzling thoughts... they're not here to make friends with you, to get you to connect with them and sympathize; they're here to tell a story, their story.

Wink is the new girl next door who believes in fairytales and feels that life should be lived like one, and feels that Midnight is the hero to her story.

Poppy is purposely the villain. She admittedly has a black heart and enjoys playing with peoples emotions and their lives. And will do anything to claim what is hers and put people in their rightful place. Midnight is hers and she will play along, or until she grows bored.

And, Midnight. Midnight is our lost boy who is in love with two girls who may be exactly who he thinks they are and also knows that he doesn't. He's torn between the two, but he also has his own story to tell.

THE WRITING! Oh, my goodness - the writing is AMAZING! It is flawless and lyrical; some passages are so captivating and realistic. For me, while reading, I felt like I was there seeing everything first hand, smelling the strawberries and barn, feeling the sheets and the grass between my toes, seeing the dust and cobwebs. It is quite eerie the way the magic of Tucholke's writing had on me.

I highly recommend this book to those who want a quick read to fall into for a while and get lost in, to then take some time to find a way to climb out of. For those who love honest complex characters, mysteries and a mind-boggling experience. show less

I got this book through NetGalley to review (thank you to NetGalley and the publisher). This is a stand alone novel and was an amazing read. It reminds of a classic Viking hero story but has so much more heart and soul to it. I absolutely loved it and it was one of the best books I have read this year. I could not put this book down and was sad when it ended.

It’s so strange when you read two of your favorite books of the year back to back like this. I just finished Caraval which I adored show more and then go right into this book which was amazing. I think my family thinks they have lost me into books permanently!

This book follows four girls who journey as Boneless Mercies; they are basically hired by villagers to kill loved ones who are suffering in a way that is quick and quiet. However, this style of life weighs on them all...they are shunned and never have a true home. When Frey and crew hear about an epic monster that needs slaying they decide to take their chances with the monster and try to make new lives for themselves with the prize offered to whomever slays it.

This book was an absolutely amazing blend of classic Viking-style epic and adventure fantasy. I loved the adventure these girls fight through. In addition to all of this it’s a heart-warming tale of friendship, survival, and coming of age. The writing style is beautiful and just perfect. This is one of those rare books you come across that just does everything right.

Overall this was the best book I have read so far this year. I always struggle to explain why I love the books I love so fiercely like this one. This book was a perfect blend of adventure, beautiful writing, amazing characters, coming of age, action, and world-building. Highly recommended to everyone; I think this is a journey everyone should go on. show less

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White's sleepy, seaside town...until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet's crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet's grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes show more naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery...who makes you want to kiss back. Violet's already so knee-deep in love, she can't see straight. And that's just how River likes it. show less