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dianewhitley's review against another edition
dark
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? It's complicated
4.0
ebecks3's review against another edition
4.0
This was a bit slow to start… I feel like I didn’t really start enjoying it until I was at 60-70% but then it got really good.
It’s a combination of The Secret Garden and Mexican Gothic. Both are books I loved and that started out pretty slow. I just think that is how gothic novels are. I thought that Olivia and Matthew’s progression through the novel was so great. Schwab is so great with character development.
This took some turns and was a bit spooky for a middle grade, but the majority of it is really just right for 7th-8th graders. High school kids may think it’s a bit babyish.
I listened to this and the narration was awesome! And I loved how they read the journal entries.
It’s a combination of The Secret Garden and Mexican Gothic. Both are books I loved and that started out pretty slow. I just think that is how gothic novels are. I thought that Olivia and Matthew’s progression through the novel was so great. Schwab is so great with character development.
This took some turns and was a bit spooky for a middle grade, but the majority of it is really just right for 7th-8th graders. High school kids may think it’s a bit babyish.
I listened to this and the narration was awesome! And I loved how they read the journal entries.
bekkireinig's review against another edition
4.0
I would not say that this is the best Schwab Book I read (and I think I read them all at this point). But for me, that was sort of expected by the fact that it is a rather shorter stand alone, compared to her usual duologies, trilogies or longer stand alone.
However, I did find the story fascinating. It (surprise) handles the topic of death, the after world, and shadows in a way. But I find in a very beautiful and innovative way, with the drawn images after every chapter and the inclusion of the diary parts. Furthermore, the book did not go as I was expecting.
All in all, it’s a really beautiful, quick read. I thought the language and writing style Definity was top notch and so eloquent. The characters, even in the short span you knew, were interesting and in many ways were sort or Eyre.
Definitely a successful novel again
However, I did find the story fascinating. It (surprise) handles the topic of death, the after world, and shadows in a way. But I find in a very beautiful and innovative way, with the drawn images after every chapter and the inclusion of the diary parts. Furthermore, the book did not go as I was expecting.
All in all, it’s a really beautiful, quick read. I thought the language and writing style Definity was top notch and so eloquent. The characters, even in the short span you knew, were interesting and in many ways were sort or Eyre.
Definitely a successful novel again
sophiejorgensonn's review against another edition
4.0
I actually really enjoyed this book!! The concept is something that I really loved, corpse bride/coraline vibes! I’m happy with the ending because I like these types of endings in books, good for Halloween reading!
narmeenkhatri's review against another edition
3.0
It is not a world changing story, but I enjoyed it
samwisereadz's review against another edition
4.0
Creepy and haunted [b:The Secret Garden|2998|The Secret Garden|Frances Hodgson Burnett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327873635l/2998._SY75_.jpg|3186437], with ghouls and magic and mystery that makes you guess until the very end!
lee_lily's review against another edition
2.0
Great build up but the ending felt rushed and incomplete.
live_love_books's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0