*I received an eARC from G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers in exchange for a truthful review*

WOW. This book was just plain wow. And not really in a good way, but not in a bad way either. It's not my normal read AT ALL, but the story had me in its grasp the entire time. The cover makes sense now though!

First of all, was this a fairytale? Nope. No fairytale-ness in this book. It seemed more like a horror story than anything 'cause this book was DARK. And not, [b:Kingdom of the Wicked|52735921|Kingdom of the Wicked (Kingdom of the Wicked, #1)|Kerri Maniscalco|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1578938260l/52735921._SX50_SY75_.jpg|73119188] kind of deliciously dark, it's as dark as [b:Sharp Objects|18045891|Sharp Objects|Gillian Flynn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1475695315l/18045891._SY75_.jpg|3801]. With the flowers growing over dead bodies, the whole Between LITERALLY being half-dead and lost things, AND

Spoiler

the Hollow sisters NOT actually being the Hollow sisters, but beings from the Between wearing their bodies

I DID enjoy the modern elements. It made me be able to relate to our MCs. I LOVED Vivi's spunk and sense of humor - it added a touch of lightness to the story it DESPERATELY needed. I wish we could have seen more of Grey without me hating her. Iris reminded me so much of myself.

I think their powers were an interesting touch as well. It was cool to see how they could manipulate others. I don't really think those powers constituted calling this book a fairytale with all of the gore, mysteries, and death revolving around it.

The twist with who the man in the bull skull mask was

Spoiler

worst dad of the year award goes to Gabe

WOAH. I mean, it was kind of predictable while I was reading it, but I was REALLY hoping it wouldn't be him.

It was a chilling story and while it was good, I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would.