kristinabrune_author's reviews
1001 reviews

Review coming later, need to let it digest. This one took me by surprise.

Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley.

This may be more of a 3.5 but I'm going to round up because I tore through this book, which is always sign that I like it. It was really interesting. It was gripping and kept me guessing. For large portion of the book I was a little annoyed because all the events seemed a little disjointed and random. But then everything came together in the end and I'm thinking maybe that was Mitchard's point - that sometimes things catch you off guard and make you question what you think you know.

I don't know if this book will be for everyone, and I can certainly foresee a lot of complaints about certain aspects of this book, but overall I really liked the characters. I'm not sure how Mitchard plans to stretch the story into a series, but I'll definitely read the next one.

*I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing*

I felt like The Uninvited had a lot of potential, and in some ways it delivered, but in others it did not.

The narrator was one of the most compelling and interesting characters I've read in a long time. It was fascinating to see everything from his unique perspective, as someone with Asperger's.

The "creepy" factor of this book was great. Personally, I don't think there's anything creepier than scary kids, so it definitely delivered there.

I don't want to give too much away, but here is an element of the supernatural/sci fi here which I enjoyed, but here is where I think the book faltered a bit. In my opinion it was wrapped up too simply. I wanted more explanation and detail.

Overall, this was a great read, I just wish there had been more elaboration on certain parts of the story.

I've never been able to make my way through any of the classics. And I've tried to read Jane Eyre before and stopped. But something drew me in this time and I'm SO glad I did. I still found the language clunky and confusing, which has always been my complaint about the classics, but it was so worth it.

I've followed Emily's blog for years so I knew a little of the backstory. I was also a social worker for years working with women and children who were victims of domestic violence. I don't shock easily, is what I'm saying. But this shocked me. My heart hurt for Emily and her sister and I'd be lying if I didn't admit I really wanted to track down her father and stepmother and tell them exactly what I think of the kind of disgusting and horrendous people they are. But Emily specifically said not to waste the energy, so I didn't. But I wanted to.

As for the writing it is Emily's typical no-nonsense and simultaneously beautiful and guy-wrenching style.

It's hard to say that I enjoyed a book with subject matter so dark. But I did. Her weaving of her present life (which has some struggles, but lots and lots of light) and her past was, at times, breathtaking. I'm so glad she decided to share her story and I'm just so glad she has come out on the other side as healthy and happy as any of us. Because really, we're all broken in some way. Emily is very, very brave. Highly recommend.

I received an ARC from the publisher.

This is a decent mystery, with a very intriguing underlying theme. I felt a little disconnected from the main character - I could never really figure him out and I felt like some of his actions and reactions in the novel didn't ring true.

But overall, a decent, quick read. Probably closer to a 2.5.

I so wanted to love this book. But I just couldn't get past the CONSTANT reminders of Lisey and Scott's inside jokes and the use of the word "smucking."

Also, I thought it was weird. Which is obviously odd to say about King, as he is the king of weird. I usually am completely able to immerse myself in whatever world King builds for me, but this time I just couldn't suspend disbelief.

I did appreciate Lisey's journey of grief and her search for answers, as I am married and love my husband and would be lost if he died, but beyond that I was mostly annoyed.

This book was incredibly well-done. It is very Stephen King-esque, but does not feel at all like someone trying to mock King. It feels like someone influenced by King in the best way.

You get to know an entire town, you're kept guessing throughout the book, and there is a perfect mix of supernatural and good old mystery.

Highly recommend for a fast, entertaining read.