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The premise to this book is fairly simple but disturbing and frightening and every parents worst nightmare. I am of an age where I remember the chain letters (of the pen and paper variety!) doing the rounds when I was a youngster, I never took any notice and no harm ever came to me (yet!) but "The Chain" is in a different league all together and is not something that can be ignored ... ever!
The Chain is a gripping, psychological thriller that starts with a bang, levels off in the middle and rises again at the end. The characters, although interesting, didn't really ingrain themselves into my psyche for some reason and I struggled to connect with them to the point where I wasn't particularly bothered what happened to them however, I liked the writing style which was easy to read and loved the unique story. There is also the underlying warning regarding social media and the ease at which seemingly innocent information can be collated and used against you and your family - people really need to be taking this more seriously.
I would happily recommend this book as its something different and overall enjoyable despite the middle being a bit "meh" and the characters being a bit flat; it kept me reading to the very end.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be my last so thank you to the publisher, Orion Publishing Group, via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review and once again, for introducing me to another new author to look out for.
The Chain is a gripping, psychological thriller that starts with a bang, levels off in the middle and rises again at the end. The characters, although interesting, didn't really ingrain themselves into my psyche for some reason and I struggled to connect with them to the point where I wasn't particularly bothered what happened to them however, I liked the writing style which was easy to read and loved the unique story. There is also the underlying warning regarding social media and the ease at which seemingly innocent information can be collated and used against you and your family - people really need to be taking this more seriously.
I would happily recommend this book as its something different and overall enjoyable despite the middle being a bit "meh" and the characters being a bit flat; it kept me reading to the very end.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be my last so thank you to the publisher, Orion Publishing Group, via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review and once again, for introducing me to another new author to look out for.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated The New Husband in Books
Jan 22, 2020 (Updated Jan 22, 2020)
Having read and enjoyed the author's previous book, Saving Meghan, I was pretty excited about this one - and I wasn't disappointed. The New Husband is completely different from Saving Meghan, but just as twisted.
The first half of this book is somewhat of a slow burn....and then about halfway through - BAM! - we're hit with a reveal that changes everything and has me saying "Wait, what?? Hold on a sec..." and flipping back a couple of pages to make sure I'd gotten it right. From there it's a disturbing, non-stop ride to the twisty end.
Some quick character impressions:
Nina: Most of the time, I wanted to grab Nina by the shoulders, shake her, and tell her to get her mental shit together so she could see what was going on. The amount of gaslighting that goes on - that she accepts! - is mind-blowing.
Simon: I had an immediate, almost visceral reaction to Simon. The minute he appeared on the page, I was like ugh, this guy - and not once throughout the story did that opinion change.
Maggie: Oh, Maggie. The true hero of this story. I wanted so badly for Nina to believe the things Maggie was bringing to her attention.
Connor: I would have liked to have seen Connor support his sister, rather than immediately assuming she was just being "dramatic."
As the reader, your best bet is to go into this one as blind as you can so you can enjoy it for what it is - a crazy ride of a psychological thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The first half of this book is somewhat of a slow burn....and then about halfway through - BAM! - we're hit with a reveal that changes everything and has me saying "Wait, what?? Hold on a sec..." and flipping back a couple of pages to make sure I'd gotten it right. From there it's a disturbing, non-stop ride to the twisty end.
Some quick character impressions:
Nina: Most of the time, I wanted to grab Nina by the shoulders, shake her, and tell her to get her mental shit together so she could see what was going on. The amount of gaslighting that goes on - that she accepts! - is mind-blowing.
Simon: I had an immediate, almost visceral reaction to Simon. The minute he appeared on the page, I was like ugh, this guy - and not once throughout the story did that opinion change.
Maggie: Oh, Maggie. The true hero of this story. I wanted so badly for Nina to believe the things Maggie was bringing to her attention.
Connor: I would have liked to have seen Connor support his sister, rather than immediately assuming she was just being "dramatic."
As the reader, your best bet is to go into this one as blind as you can so you can enjoy it for what it is - a crazy ride of a psychological thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
An interesting take on the tale
If you take for granted that the makers of this short series have taken some liberties with the classic tale, then you will enjoy this adaptation all the more. My wife, who hasn't read the book and barely remembers the Gary Oldman film, really enjoyed this series. I, who have read and loved the book and a few prequel/sequel attempts, enjoyed it a little less. However, for what it is, it's a very clever and witty interpretation of the story.
The three episodes are largely standalone and in a different setting. The first episode we are in familiar territory with Jonathan Harker in Castle Dracula. Here the makers explored Harker's passive imprisonment and gradual blood-draining far more than in other adaptations, giving the viewer a real confused, frustrated and claustrophobic feeling. The second episode takes place on the Count's journey to the UK. Again previous adaptations have skipped over this, and the crew's gradual diminution, which was a bigger factor of the book. This is when Dracula's psychological twisting and sick sense of humour start to feature more heavily, with some good head-scratching twists.
The third episode covers Dracula's time in the UK, but not as you've ever seen before. I thought this part was brilliant, but won't give any spoilers. The main features of this part of the original story are retained (Dracula's mutual obsession with Lucy Westenra), but Dracula is now revealed like never before, with some of his weaknesses explored and exposed for what they are.
Like I say, if you can accept the liberties taken, this is a great adaptation with a really sassy Dracula.
The three episodes are largely standalone and in a different setting. The first episode we are in familiar territory with Jonathan Harker in Castle Dracula. Here the makers explored Harker's passive imprisonment and gradual blood-draining far more than in other adaptations, giving the viewer a real confused, frustrated and claustrophobic feeling. The second episode takes place on the Count's journey to the UK. Again previous adaptations have skipped over this, and the crew's gradual diminution, which was a bigger factor of the book. This is when Dracula's psychological twisting and sick sense of humour start to feature more heavily, with some good head-scratching twists.
The third episode covers Dracula's time in the UK, but not as you've ever seen before. I thought this part was brilliant, but won't give any spoilers. The main features of this part of the original story are retained (Dracula's mutual obsession with Lucy Westenra), but Dracula is now revealed like never before, with some of his weaknesses explored and exposed for what they are.
Like I say, if you can accept the liberties taken, this is a great adaptation with a really sassy Dracula.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated You Are Not Alone in Books
Jan 10, 2020 (Updated Jan 10, 2020)
This is the third psychological thriller from Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen, and it's my opinion that it was just not as good as the first two. That's not to say it wasn't good; just not AS good. The big reveal didn't feel all that big, and the ending felt a bit rushed. However, it's a very enjoyable read and 100% worth your time.
Shay Miller witnesses a young woman, about her age, commit suicide by jumping in front of an oncoming subway train. From there she meets sisters Cassandra & Jane Moore, and her life pretty much immediately spirals out of control. Unfortunately there's not much more I can say re: the plot without ruining the reader's experience, so here are some fairly vague observations/opinions:
- If you've read this author duo's previous two titles, then you're familiar with their writing style, and you'll be happy to know that this style continues in You Are Not Alone. I appreciate that they have a particular style that they stick with.
- I felt like it took far too long for Shay to realize what was happening to her. It also took far too long for any motives to be revealed.
- The cast of women is intriguing. Except for Jody. Jody's a bitch.
- Sean, the lone male character, is a complete non-committal, whiny afterthought. It's possible that's how the authors wanted him to come across. Mission accomplished.
You are not alone: Is it a promise, or a threat?
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Shay Miller witnesses a young woman, about her age, commit suicide by jumping in front of an oncoming subway train. From there she meets sisters Cassandra & Jane Moore, and her life pretty much immediately spirals out of control. Unfortunately there's not much more I can say re: the plot without ruining the reader's experience, so here are some fairly vague observations/opinions:
- If you've read this author duo's previous two titles, then you're familiar with their writing style, and you'll be happy to know that this style continues in You Are Not Alone. I appreciate that they have a particular style that they stick with.
- I felt like it took far too long for Shay to realize what was happening to her. It also took far too long for any motives to be revealed.
- The cast of women is intriguing. Except for Jody. Jody's a bitch.
- Sean, the lone male character, is a complete non-committal, whiny afterthought. It's possible that's how the authors wanted him to come across. Mission accomplished.
You are not alone: Is it a promise, or a threat?
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
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