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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Paper Dolls (Dark Carousel #2) in Books
Nov 7, 2020
I really loved Dollhouse, the first book in the Dark Carousel series by Anya Allyn. I couldn't wait to dive into the next book in the series, Paper Dolls. I wanted to love Paper Dolls as much as Dollhouse, but it just wasn't as great.
Paper Dolls takes place right after Dollhouse although Paper Dolls also goes back to 1920 to focus more on Jessamine's back story and to thicken the modern day plot. While I loved Jessamine's story, Cassie's narrative is a bit lackluster. The pacing for Cassie's plot feels very slow moving. While there were a few plot twists regarding Cassie's story, the main one was the most predictable from early on. Don't get me wrong, Allyn's writing is fantastic, but Cassie's plotline just didn't wow me as before. Jessamine's, on the other hand, was fantastic! I loved learning more about Jessamine and how she become like she was in Dollhouse. Jessamine's narrative moved at a great pace, and I would get so excited when her chapters would come up. I also loved how Jessamine's chapters involved more backstory for Henry and Audette and explains how they became ghosts. It also talks more about the mysterious Donovan Fiveash. Many of the other characters, even characters with small parts, from Dollhouse are mentioned again in Paper Dolls. We get a bit more of their back story as well which was nice. There is a big cliffhanger at the end of this book which will lead into the next book in the series, Marionette. Although this book is intended for young adults, I would say it's more aimed towards a mature young adult audience as it's a lot more dark compared to Dollhouse.
As with the first book in the series, Anya Allyn did a fantastic job keeping her characters realistic relatable. Even though I found Cassie's story a little boring, I still enjoyed Cassie's character. I did find her a bit naïve in this book, but she is a teenager, so I could understand why she'd trust the first boy that showed her attention. I felt like I was Cassie's babysitter and was mentally urging her not to trust anyone! Jessamine was my obviously my favorite character. I just wanted to hug her as she had such a sad life for the most part. After reading her story, I understood why she was the way she was in Dollhouse. I really wanted to protect Jessamine throughout the whole book especially when she was still alive although I already knew she'd end up as a ghost. Henry was a character I didn't think I'd end up liking since he seemed like a bad guy in the first book. However, the audience is shown a whole different side of Henry in Paper Dolls. I just wanted Audette to disappear though. Not because she was written poorly but just because how vile and horrible she was to Jessamine. Although they were nice, I had a hard time trusting the Batiste family. They just seemed a little too nice for my liking.
Trigger warnings for Paper Dolls include death, murder, attempted rape, violence, occult activity, and mentions of sex (though not graphic).
Despite being a bit of a slow read, I still enjoyed Paper Dolls. Learning more about many of the ghosts' backstory was extremely interesting, and I loved all the characters. I would recommend Paper Dolls by Anya Allyn to those aged 16+ who love supernatural horror. I have already started reading Marionette, the next book in the Dark Carousel series, since I'm loving this series!
Paper Dolls takes place right after Dollhouse although Paper Dolls also goes back to 1920 to focus more on Jessamine's back story and to thicken the modern day plot. While I loved Jessamine's story, Cassie's narrative is a bit lackluster. The pacing for Cassie's plot feels very slow moving. While there were a few plot twists regarding Cassie's story, the main one was the most predictable from early on. Don't get me wrong, Allyn's writing is fantastic, but Cassie's plotline just didn't wow me as before. Jessamine's, on the other hand, was fantastic! I loved learning more about Jessamine and how she become like she was in Dollhouse. Jessamine's narrative moved at a great pace, and I would get so excited when her chapters would come up. I also loved how Jessamine's chapters involved more backstory for Henry and Audette and explains how they became ghosts. It also talks more about the mysterious Donovan Fiveash. Many of the other characters, even characters with small parts, from Dollhouse are mentioned again in Paper Dolls. We get a bit more of their back story as well which was nice. There is a big cliffhanger at the end of this book which will lead into the next book in the series, Marionette. Although this book is intended for young adults, I would say it's more aimed towards a mature young adult audience as it's a lot more dark compared to Dollhouse.
As with the first book in the series, Anya Allyn did a fantastic job keeping her characters realistic relatable. Even though I found Cassie's story a little boring, I still enjoyed Cassie's character. I did find her a bit naïve in this book, but she is a teenager, so I could understand why she'd trust the first boy that showed her attention. I felt like I was Cassie's babysitter and was mentally urging her not to trust anyone! Jessamine was my obviously my favorite character. I just wanted to hug her as she had such a sad life for the most part. After reading her story, I understood why she was the way she was in Dollhouse. I really wanted to protect Jessamine throughout the whole book especially when she was still alive although I already knew she'd end up as a ghost. Henry was a character I didn't think I'd end up liking since he seemed like a bad guy in the first book. However, the audience is shown a whole different side of Henry in Paper Dolls. I just wanted Audette to disappear though. Not because she was written poorly but just because how vile and horrible she was to Jessamine. Although they were nice, I had a hard time trusting the Batiste family. They just seemed a little too nice for my liking.
Trigger warnings for Paper Dolls include death, murder, attempted rape, violence, occult activity, and mentions of sex (though not graphic).
Despite being a bit of a slow read, I still enjoyed Paper Dolls. Learning more about many of the ghosts' backstory was extremely interesting, and I loved all the characters. I would recommend Paper Dolls by Anya Allyn to those aged 16+ who love supernatural horror. I have already started reading Marionette, the next book in the Dark Carousel series, since I'm loving this series!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Gunslinger in Books
Dec 26, 2020
Not the best start
As anyone who has read any of my other reviews will know, I'm a huge Stephen King fan. However I spent a large amount of time avoiding the Dark Tower series because I didn't think it would be any good. In 2015 I finally caved and gave it a go, and it became my all time favourite book series. 5 years later, I feel the time is right to read it again.
King himself has said he isn't entirely pleased with The Gunslinger, the first novel in the series, and I'd be inclined to agree with him. As introductions go, our intro to Roland isn't bad but it doesn't feel anywhere near as engaging and intriguing as the later books in the series. It feels a little convoluted and confusing at times, like we're joining a story not quite at the very start. Admittedly some things are explained later on, but it wouldn't surprise me if a lot of people have given up on this series purely because of this first novel.
For me I can appreciate that this is a good novel and a decent introduction to Roland and the world he lives in, but I will admit it could be better. Reading it again does highlight some of the nods and nuances to later happenings in the series that you didn't quite pick up the first time around. But I will say that if youre planning on reading this series, please don't judge it off this instalment alone.
King himself has said he isn't entirely pleased with The Gunslinger, the first novel in the series, and I'd be inclined to agree with him. As introductions go, our intro to Roland isn't bad but it doesn't feel anywhere near as engaging and intriguing as the later books in the series. It feels a little convoluted and confusing at times, like we're joining a story not quite at the very start. Admittedly some things are explained later on, but it wouldn't surprise me if a lot of people have given up on this series purely because of this first novel.
For me I can appreciate that this is a good novel and a decent introduction to Roland and the world he lives in, but I will admit it could be better. Reading it again does highlight some of the nods and nuances to later happenings in the series that you didn't quite pick up the first time around. But I will say that if youre planning on reading this series, please don't judge it off this instalment alone.
Merissa (13600 KP) rated Long Night Moon (Seasons of the Moon #3) in Books
Jul 31, 2017
Long Night Moon (Seasons of the Moon #3) by S.M. Reine
This series just keeps getting better and better. SM Reine certainly knows how to keep the tension going throughout the story. In this book, more characters are introduced and interact with our main characters. The suspense builds and is there until the last page. There are not many YA books that make me well up but this one did (I shan't say why!)
Absolutely brilliant. On to book 4 now!
* Verified Purchase ~ January 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Absolutely brilliant. On to book 4 now!
* Verified Purchase ~ January 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Obsessed book reviews (49 KP) rated Marrying Mr Valentine in Books
Feb 17, 2019
fantastic read
This is the second book in this series by this author. This is a rom com read, which is funny and cute, such a refreshing read. This is a perfect valentines day read, with lots of romance. Amazing well written characters, you will fall in love with as you read. This is a light hearted, lovely read which will warm your heart. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended read
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.com
Highly recommended read
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.com
Obsessed book reviews (49 KP) rated Lines (Greyford High #1) in Books
Feb 23, 2019
fantastic read
This is the first book in this series by this author. This is a story about a love triangle, mean girls, your first love and sports, everything you expect from high school. Lovable characters which you fall in love with as you read. This is an easy going, cute story from this author. If you love an easy high school read this is for you. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended read
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.com
Highly recommended read
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.com
Erika (17789 KP) rated Waking Gods (Themis Files #2) in Books
Feb 26, 2019
Originally, I wasn't ever going to complete this series. The first book was good, until my favorite character bit the dust. HOWEVER, I'm glad I did decide to read these because, well, the character comes back in an intriguing way.
There was much more action in this volume, and I was entertained the entire time. I was kind of sad when it ended so suddenly. I was glad that the author stuck with the epistolary style. I didn't mind the cliffhanger, since I've already got the third book from the library.
There was much more action in this volume, and I was entertained the entire time. I was kind of sad when it ended so suddenly. I was glad that the author stuck with the epistolary style. I didn't mind the cliffhanger, since I've already got the third book from the library.
Elizabeth (1521 KP) rated Captivated by You (Crossfire, #4) in Books
Apr 24, 2019
There was a lot of filler in this book. The story could have been told without the repetitive descriptions of how hot Gideon Cross is or how beautiful Eva is and how they are each so lucky to have the other. With this being the fourth book in the series, I think we've heard this all enough before. We get it, they are two beautiful, messed up people, envied by all around them, desired by all, and they fill the crazy, messed up holes in each others' lives.
Obsessed book reviews (49 KP) rated Screwed (Dad Bod Contracting #4) in Books
May 5, 2019
fantastic read
This is the forth book in this series by this author. I was hooked from the first page to the very last one. amazing well written characters with very intense chemistry between them. This is a heart wrenching story to read but its definitely worth all the tears. Another fantastic, heart wrenching, steamy read from this author. You are always guaranteed an amazing read from them. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended read
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.com
Highly recommended read
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.com
Obsessed book reviews (49 KP) rated A Beautiful Danger (Beautiful, #7) in Books
May 7, 2019
This is the seventh book in this series by this author and can be read as a stand alone read. I was hooked from the first page, what a great story. This author has a fab way of connecting with the characters so you end up doing the same. The characters chemistry was definitely hot. This story will definitely take you on an emotional roller coaster of a ride. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this
book
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this
book
Obsessed book reviews (49 KP) rated Sin for Me in Books
May 7, 2019
This is the third book in the series by this author and can be read as a stand alone read. Yet another fantastic read from this author, you are always guaranteed a fantastic story with this author. This is an enjoyable and flirty story. The characters are fab even a little frustrating at times. This author has a fab way of bringing you complex characters mixed with an exceptional story. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book