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erinld2005's review
5.0
I'm done already! I read it in less than a day because I couldn't put the book down. I LOVED it! I can't wait for the second book!!!! The Dolls is just a FUN FUN FUN read. From the beginning of the book I was intrigued and desperate for answers to questions. Like, why do you have to have a key to get into the town? Ok, but what REALLY happened to her mother? What kind of magic are they using? I just had to keep reading! I do have to say though I guessed the bad guy VERY early into the book. I think most people will guess the bad guy very early on as well. However, I don't feel like it spoiled the book any. There were still questions and interesting things happening that kept me entertained until the end. Overall the book has a great eerie atmosphere, fun characters, unique take on magic, and a fast paced plot. 5 stars!!
tammy216's review
2.0
Eveny is moving back to her home town Carrefour, Louisiana with her Aunt Bea who suddenly decides to leave New York. Eveny hasn’t been in Carrefour
since her mother’s suicide when she was a child. Carrefour is a small town with many strange quirks, you need a key just to get into the town, the weather is always perfect, and The Dolls seem to make all of the rules. While settling into the town Eveny starts to discover many things she didn’t know about her family.
This town is just weird. The rich side of town is perfect, perfect weather, perfect houses, and the poor side of town is falling apart. The people all seem to be in on the secret and okay with the way things are. Then there are The Dolls, Peregrine and Chloe. They are two gorgeous and glamorous girls who are selfish, shallow and happen to rule the town. All they care about is getting what they want and they have no concern for how their actions affect the people around them.
The romance was not my cup of tea, it moved way too quickly and was hard for me to believe. Caleb and Eveny barely spoke to each other and then all of a sudden they’re in love. There’s no build up, no connection or understanding just instalove that left me feeling very confused and underwhelmed.
The amount of family secrets that Evenly has is ridiculous. It seems like every other chapter there is a big reveal about Eveny’s past that everyone knew about but her. She gets upset and confronts everyone, has them promise that they aren’t keeping anything else from her, and then two chapters later another secret comes out. This goes on throughout the entire book and I don’t understand why Eveny is so surprised every time.
Aunt Bea is another strange character in this book. She starts off as a supportive parent and just disappears when they get to Carrefour. She knows that Evenly will learn a lot of things about their family history, but instead of helping her teenage niece she gets angry when Evenly ask questions and is no help at all.
I wish I had more nice things to say about this book, but it just wasn’t for me at all. Half the book was describing the girls looks, wardrobe, cars, and every other luxury item you can think of. I wanted more magic and intrigue instead I got a bunch of flat characters who happen to do magic.
since her mother’s suicide when she was a child. Carrefour is a small town with many strange quirks, you need a key just to get into the town, the weather is always perfect, and The Dolls seem to make all of the rules. While settling into the town Eveny starts to discover many things she didn’t know about her family.
This town is just weird. The rich side of town is perfect, perfect weather, perfect houses, and the poor side of town is falling apart. The people all seem to be in on the secret and okay with the way things are. Then there are The Dolls, Peregrine and Chloe. They are two gorgeous and glamorous girls who are selfish, shallow and happen to rule the town. All they care about is getting what they want and they have no concern for how their actions affect the people around them.
The romance was not my cup of tea, it moved way too quickly and was hard for me to believe. Caleb and Eveny barely spoke to each other and then all of a sudden they’re in love. There’s no build up, no connection or understanding just instalove that left me feeling very confused and underwhelmed.
The amount of family secrets that Evenly has is ridiculous. It seems like every other chapter there is a big reveal about Eveny’s past that everyone knew about but her. She gets upset and confronts everyone, has them promise that they aren’t keeping anything else from her, and then two chapters later another secret comes out. This goes on throughout the entire book and I don’t understand why Eveny is so surprised every time.
Aunt Bea is another strange character in this book. She starts off as a supportive parent and just disappears when they get to Carrefour. She knows that Evenly will learn a lot of things about their family history, but instead of helping her teenage niece she gets angry when Evenly ask questions and is no help at all.
I wish I had more nice things to say about this book, but it just wasn’t for me at all. Half the book was describing the girls looks, wardrobe, cars, and every other luxury item you can think of. I wanted more magic and intrigue instead I got a bunch of flat characters who happen to do magic.
literatureish_liz's review
5.0
Review to come closer to the publication date. But yes, in case you were wondering if you should preorder this, you should. You definitely should.
megan_kiwi's review against another edition
1.0
This book was filled with cliche tropes including a love triangle and insta love which were awful! The protagonist was the most bland and forgettable protagonist I have probably ever read, and the whole book lacked any flavour and creativity.
bookmarked_by_jenn's review
3.0
3.5
I wasn't so sure about this book before I started, I definitely didn't give it it's due. I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. Although it had its moments of arrogant posh clothes, accessories, and attitudes, I chose to overlook that and focus on the story. The story is about a secret town in Louisiana where Eveny moves back to after 14 years away where she finds she is after very powerful queen who can cast charms with herbs and flowers. The premise was very intriguing along with some creole folklore. very surprised by this one
I wasn't so sure about this book before I started, I definitely didn't give it it's due. I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. Although it had its moments of arrogant posh clothes, accessories, and attitudes, I chose to overlook that and focus on the story. The story is about a secret town in Louisiana where Eveny moves back to after 14 years away where she finds she is after very powerful queen who can cast charms with herbs and flowers. The premise was very intriguing along with some creole folklore. very surprised by this one
missprint_'s review
3.0
Eveny Cheval hasn't set foot in Carrefour, Louisiana in fourteen years--not since she moved away with her aunt Bea after her mother's suicide. After years spent in Brooklyn, New York, Bea and her aunt are moving back to Carrefour just before Eveny's seventeenth birthday.
Upon her return, Eveny is stunned by the stately old houses and the pristine gardens. Even her new classmates are flawlessly beautiful--so much so that most people call them the Dolls. Drawn in by Peregrine Marceau and Chloe St. Pierre, Eveny is soon at the center of the decadence that is the Dolls' world.
But beneath the wealth and charm, Carrefour is hiding a secret, one that leads to murder and dark truths about Eveny and her past in The Dolls (2014) by Kiki Sullivan.
Atmospheric writing and genuine chills enhance this story that is populated with familiar mean girls, gorgeous boys and a generally clever narrator (however readers like me may wonder why a girl who left town at the age of three has quite so many memories of the town she left behind).
Sullivan capitalizes on the southern setting here to spine-tingling effect as the story moves in a surprising direction involving voodoo magic and sinister forces at work around Carrefour. Spooky moments and incidents of near-peril are tempered with campy fun and a hint of romance with one of the numerous beautiful boys to be found in this narrative. Although Eveny fits in seemlessly with the Dolls she remains equally sharp-witted and sharp-tongued throughout the story, making her easy to cheer for throughout the story.
Sure to be popular with fans of similar books as well as Veronica Mars.
Possible Pairings: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan, Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shephard, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
*A more condensed version of this review appeared in the June 2014 issue of School Library Journal from which it can be seen in various sites online including an SLJ Spotlight*
Upon her return, Eveny is stunned by the stately old houses and the pristine gardens. Even her new classmates are flawlessly beautiful--so much so that most people call them the Dolls. Drawn in by Peregrine Marceau and Chloe St. Pierre, Eveny is soon at the center of the decadence that is the Dolls' world.
But beneath the wealth and charm, Carrefour is hiding a secret, one that leads to murder and dark truths about Eveny and her past in The Dolls (2014) by Kiki Sullivan.
Atmospheric writing and genuine chills enhance this story that is populated with familiar mean girls, gorgeous boys and a generally clever narrator (however readers like me may wonder why a girl who left town at the age of three has quite so many memories of the town she left behind).
Sullivan capitalizes on the southern setting here to spine-tingling effect as the story moves in a surprising direction involving voodoo magic and sinister forces at work around Carrefour. Spooky moments and incidents of near-peril are tempered with campy fun and a hint of romance with one of the numerous beautiful boys to be found in this narrative. Although Eveny fits in seemlessly with the Dolls she remains equally sharp-witted and sharp-tongued throughout the story, making her easy to cheer for throughout the story.
Sure to be popular with fans of similar books as well as Veronica Mars.
Possible Pairings: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan, Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shephard, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
*A more condensed version of this review appeared in the June 2014 issue of School Library Journal from which it can be seen in various sites online including an SLJ Spotlight*
chrissireads's review
4.0
I hadn’t heard much about this book, but I have to say, the cover immediately pulled me in. I had to read it! I found it to be really engaging and interesting to read. I was surprised to see that a lot of my blogging friends haven’t enjoyed this book, but this is why I try to form my own opinion, because I actually really enjoyed this book and I’m glad that I wasn’t convinced to leave it alone.
The Dolls centres around Eveny Cheval and her Aunt Bea. Eveny and her Aunt are moving to Carrefour, where they used to live before Eveny’s mother committed suicide. Eveny gets the feeling that Carrefour is a creepy, dark place to live despite how beautiful it looks and she’s right to be cautious. Strange things happen in Carrefour. Eveny meets a group of teenagers who are know as ‘The Dolls’. She finds out that she used to play with them when they were all younger. She feels connected to them, especially Peregrine and Chloe. Eveny doesn’t trust ‘The Dolls’, but she needs to learn to be with them or at least around them if she wants to know more about her past and what might happen to her in the future. The Dolls is full of intrigue, mystery and murder.
I devoured The Dolls. There was something about it that completely captured my attention. I thought it was a really intriguing storyline and I desperately wanted to know more about it and why Carrefour was as creepy as it felt. The atmosphere in this book is built at a good pace. I couldn’t wait to find out what was going on. I can see why some readers have had trouble with it though. There are some moments that were a little bit too unbelievable or some of the actions were definitely worthy of an eye roll. However, I liked that it was dramatic and over the top. I think it really fit the feel of the story.
The characters were developed well, with some characters I liked and some I really disliked, however, I don’t think there were many stand out characters. This is something that could progress as the series continues. ‘The Dolls’ were very, very shallow, which got a little annoying at points, but it really fit with the story and it didn’t annoy me enough to affect my enjoyment. I just exercised the eye rolling a little more.
I initially thought I was going to give this book five stars, but when I came to review it, I realised how much I disliked the insta love aspect of this book. I don’t like insta love. I’ve said it so many times now, here on my blog. I just think it’s so unrealistic and can really ruin a story for me. I think there could have been so much more intrigue built up, romance wise, but it all seemed a little forced for my liking. Yet, despite the insta love, I find myself intrigued to see where the story goes next. I’m not sure if it would be better as a standalone, but I’m certainly willing to give the next book a try.
The Dolls centres around Eveny Cheval and her Aunt Bea. Eveny and her Aunt are moving to Carrefour, where they used to live before Eveny’s mother committed suicide. Eveny gets the feeling that Carrefour is a creepy, dark place to live despite how beautiful it looks and she’s right to be cautious. Strange things happen in Carrefour. Eveny meets a group of teenagers who are know as ‘The Dolls’. She finds out that she used to play with them when they were all younger. She feels connected to them, especially Peregrine and Chloe. Eveny doesn’t trust ‘The Dolls’, but she needs to learn to be with them or at least around them if she wants to know more about her past and what might happen to her in the future. The Dolls is full of intrigue, mystery and murder.
I devoured The Dolls. There was something about it that completely captured my attention. I thought it was a really intriguing storyline and I desperately wanted to know more about it and why Carrefour was as creepy as it felt. The atmosphere in this book is built at a good pace. I couldn’t wait to find out what was going on. I can see why some readers have had trouble with it though. There are some moments that were a little bit too unbelievable or some of the actions were definitely worthy of an eye roll. However, I liked that it was dramatic and over the top. I think it really fit the feel of the story.
The characters were developed well, with some characters I liked and some I really disliked, however, I don’t think there were many stand out characters. This is something that could progress as the series continues. ‘The Dolls’ were very, very shallow, which got a little annoying at points, but it really fit with the story and it didn’t annoy me enough to affect my enjoyment. I just exercised the eye rolling a little more.
I initially thought I was going to give this book five stars, but when I came to review it, I realised how much I disliked the insta love aspect of this book. I don’t like insta love. I’ve said it so many times now, here on my blog. I just think it’s so unrealistic and can really ruin a story for me. I think there could have been so much more intrigue built up, romance wise, but it all seemed a little forced for my liking. Yet, despite the insta love, I find myself intrigued to see where the story goes next. I’m not sure if it would be better as a standalone, but I’m certainly willing to give the next book a try.
siobhan27's review
3.0
I went into this book with so much hope because I loved what it was about. Set in the south I knew that there was going to be some interesting things happening, especially if there was witchcraft and voodoo happening. And for the most part I was very entertained but I will admit that while I was reading I felt like there was something missing.
The setting for me was the biggest thing I loved about this novel because it was so authentic. I felt like I was there for most of the novel and for most of the novel I could hear the accents of the characters and the could picture the mansions and the bayou surrounding everything. i loved it. I think that was my favorite part of the book because it consumed me as a reader and that is what kept me reading.
I will admit that I hated most of the characters in this book, especially the ones they called The Dolls. I will admit that these characters made me dislike this book more than I wanted because they were so infuriating. They were consumed with their looks and how they appeared to others, and the way they treated other was atrocious to the point where I wanted to stop reading about them. I did really like Eveny, our main character. I will admit that I wanted her to be a bit more strong willed when it came to peer pressure and The Dolls. I wanted her to stick up to her so called friends and be different from them, and for me it took a bit too long for that to happen.
What I also liked was the mystery aspect of the story. In The Dolls we encounter a lot of death, and what I think I liked the most was that we, as readers, knew that it was targeted at The Dolls and what they stood for but we didn't know who was doing the killing. So that mystery was an aspect that left me wanting to finish the book, and although I waited until the end to figure out who did it, and I must admit I figured it out pretty early, I was still disappointed in the way the book ended. This is a series, and I did not know that going in, so I did not get the answers I was looking for, and I honestly don't know if I will read the rest of the series, but I am interested in the unknowns that we were left with. Overall this book was okay, it mad its amazing moments and then it had some issues that I just could not get past, like characterization and the way the characters interacted with each other. I was not a fan of this book but that does mean you should not pick it up because you never know, you might love it!
The setting for me was the biggest thing I loved about this novel because it was so authentic. I felt like I was there for most of the novel and for most of the novel I could hear the accents of the characters and the could picture the mansions and the bayou surrounding everything. i loved it. I think that was my favorite part of the book because it consumed me as a reader and that is what kept me reading.
I will admit that I hated most of the characters in this book, especially the ones they called The Dolls. I will admit that these characters made me dislike this book more than I wanted because they were so infuriating. They were consumed with their looks and how they appeared to others, and the way they treated other was atrocious to the point where I wanted to stop reading about them. I did really like Eveny, our main character. I will admit that I wanted her to be a bit more strong willed when it came to peer pressure and The Dolls. I wanted her to stick up to her so called friends and be different from them, and for me it took a bit too long for that to happen.
What I also liked was the mystery aspect of the story. In The Dolls we encounter a lot of death, and what I think I liked the most was that we, as readers, knew that it was targeted at The Dolls and what they stood for but we didn't know who was doing the killing. So that mystery was an aspect that left me wanting to finish the book, and although I waited until the end to figure out who did it, and I must admit I figured it out pretty early, I was still disappointed in the way the book ended. This is a series, and I did not know that going in, so I did not get the answers I was looking for, and I honestly don't know if I will read the rest of the series, but I am interested in the unknowns that we were left with. Overall this book was okay, it mad its amazing moments and then it had some issues that I just could not get past, like characterization and the way the characters interacted with each other. I was not a fan of this book but that does mean you should not pick it up because you never know, you might love it!