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beccainabook's review
4.0
Thank you so much to MTMC Tours, the authors, NetGalley, and Delacorte Press for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book took me on an insane and confusing journey with characters traveling in familiar territory to me.
Being from California, I am VERY familiar with the scenery of the setting of this book so I was so excited to see what this book had in store. I went into this book completely blind. I mean I knew the genre and I read the short synopsis, but I honestly didn’t know what to expect. However, with what little knowledge I did have... I never expected this!
Things I enjoyed about the book:
The Mystery!
OMG the twists and turns that took place in this book! I was shook, shocked, and surprised at every turn. The characters were also VERY unreliable, you didn’t know who did what and if what the narrator was telling you was actually true.
The plot always kept you guessing and it was so fun because of how unpredictable it all turned out to be. I used to think I knew everything, but I apparently don't. This plot proved me wrong on more than one occasion!
The Setting!
This is one I’ve hiked and camped around so the setting gave me such a happiness I cannot contain. It also added such a creep factor to the plot that I never expected and I might have a hard time camping in the desert next time because I will be too busy with the creepy elements of this book.
The Concept!
This book had such a unique element that it almost took me a while to truly absorb it all. I was shocked so much by how the story turned out and I just loved how it all came together.
This book took me on such a wonderful ride and I am so happy to have read it!
Being from California, I am VERY familiar with the scenery of the setting of this book so I was so excited to see what this book had in store. I went into this book completely blind. I mean I knew the genre and I read the short synopsis, but I honestly didn’t know what to expect. However, with what little knowledge I did have... I never expected this!
Things I enjoyed about the book:
The Mystery!
OMG the twists and turns that took place in this book! I was shook, shocked, and surprised at every turn. The characters were also VERY unreliable, you didn’t know who did what and if what the narrator was telling you was actually true.
The plot always kept you guessing and it was so fun because of how unpredictable it all turned out to be. I used to think I knew everything, but I apparently don't. This plot proved me wrong on more than one occasion!
The Setting!
This is one I’ve hiked and camped around so the setting gave me such a happiness I cannot contain. It also added such a creep factor to the plot that I never expected and I might have a hard time camping in the desert next time because I will be too busy with the creepy elements of this book.
The Concept!
This book had such a unique element that it almost took me a while to truly absorb it all. I was shocked so much by how the story turned out and I just loved how it all came together.
This book took me on such a wonderful ride and I am so happy to have read it!
bellebookcorner's review
4.0
First of all, I wanted to appreciate how gorgeous this cover is!!
This book is a good combination of mystery and sci-fi. It has an interesting concept, great world building and a plot that will keep you guessing right from the start until the end.
The mystery of the missing people in town and unreliable characters especially the narrator whose also the main character of the story, Rylie makes me feel so confused in the first half of the story.
There will be a lot of questions as the story goes so you'll have to be very patient when you read this one.
Just like Rylie, I'm having difficulties trying to differentiate what's real and what's not in this story. I gave up trying to guess what really happen with those missing people. Eventually, I just enjoy the ride with this book until I find the answers near the ending.
The ending is good and I'm quite satisfied with it because it provided answers from the questions I have since the beginning rather than more questions.
Although, I do hope there's more to it (maybe a sequel ?!).
Overall, I have a good time reading this one and it was enjoyable for me. For those of you who enjoy reading science-fiction and mystery thriller then you might enjoy reading this book!
I'm looking forward to other books from this author!
Actual rating: 3.5⭐
Special thanks to Netgalley, Tara Goedjen and Delacorte Press for giving me this digital copy of the book in return for my honest opinion, also thank you to MTMC Tour for allowing me to be a part of the book tour for this gorgeous book!
This book is a good combination of mystery and sci-fi. It has an interesting concept, great world building and a plot that will keep you guessing right from the start until the end.
The mystery of the missing people in town and unreliable characters especially the narrator whose also the main character of the story, Rylie makes me feel so confused in the first half of the story.
There will be a lot of questions as the story goes so you'll have to be very patient when you read this one.
Just like Rylie, I'm having difficulties trying to differentiate what's real and what's not in this story. I gave up trying to guess what really happen with those missing people. Eventually, I just enjoy the ride with this book until I find the answers near the ending.
The ending is good and I'm quite satisfied with it because it provided answers from the questions I have since the beginning rather than more questions.
Although, I do hope there's more to it (maybe a sequel ?!)
Spoiler
I wanted to know more about Ethan, he rarely shows up in the story but he's actually the one who help them cross the line at the end. While I might think he did bad things, but I can't help but feel that somewhere he's safe and alive.Overall, I have a good time reading this one and it was enjoyable for me. For those of you who enjoy reading science-fiction and mystery thriller then you might enjoy reading this book!
I'm looking forward to other books from this author!
Actual rating: 3.5⭐
Special thanks to Netgalley, Tara Goedjen and Delacorte Press for giving me this digital copy of the book in return for my honest opinion, also thank you to MTMC Tour for allowing me to be a part of the book tour for this gorgeous book!
mrsdarcylynn's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
This book was gifted to me and I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it! The pacing of the book was really good- the author gets across a sense of unease/mystery really well. I really liked how eerie the world was for our characters. I don’t think this was a new favorite, but I did enjoy my time reading the book.
lisagray68's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
abookdork's review
4.0
Hard to put down! This bizarre page turner won't be everyone's cup of tea, but readers who can suspend their grip on reality for a good story will enjoy "No Beauties or Monsters."
jhantayacareese's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
aabdelmonem's review
3.0
Thank you to Delacorte and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy for review.
No Beauties or Monsters is fast-paced, suspenseful and very easy to read. I thought the author did a wonderful job of setting up the mystery right from the start. Rylie moves back to Twenty-Nine Palms, California and even as she’s arriving to town, things begin to happen. Rylie is uneasy about her return, tries to reconnect with old friends, and discovers that one of her old friends is missing – just one of several disappearances that have taken place in the area. Add to that the fact that she’s also suffering from memory loss and blackouts. It’s all so confusing at the beginning, but in a good way that keeps you turning the page to figure out what’s going on and how the various threads connect.
I will say that I didn’t necessarily connect to Rylie and her struggle. I didn’t dislike her, but she felt like a plot vehicle. Maybe because everything seemed to be moving us through plot points and to the reveal so fast that there wasn’t a lot of focus on character and relationships. For that reason, some of the emotionality felt a little thin to me. I’m not sure I understand her as an individual outside of this immediate mystery that she’s facing.
I loved that this was set in Twenty-Nine Palms and Joshua Tree. I spent a summer working in Joshua Tree and the desert there is so amazing. It’s part of what drove my interest in this book. I would’ve loved to have seen richer descriptions of setting and place because there were times I had difficulty seeing what was around the characters.
I didn’t love that some of this mystery was propelled on by interrupted or cut-off conversations and/or a lack of really digging with people you know have more information. It felt frustrating and like Rylie could’ve known more sooner if she would’ve pursued questioning people further, most especially with her mom but also her stepdad. This isn’t to say that people won’t try to hide information, but we don’t see the tensions that emerge from situations like that here – Rylie just doesn’t question what more people around her know until late in the game. I would say I prefer my mysteries where characters get available information more quickly, they run-up to the limits of what can be known and have to figure out new and creative ways to search for the information they need. But not being thorough in questioning the people around you (not even in your own head) seems a bit lazy.
In terms of the overall plot, I think this is where the book’s strength lies – the author did a great job weaving together multiple threads and connecting them in the big reveal. I thought that reveal was unique and interesting. It didn’t wow me - it had a lesser sort of Stranger Things vibe to it - but it was still fun and satisfying to finally discover what was going on.
Overall, it’s so quick that I’d say definitely worth a read!
No Beauties or Monsters is fast-paced, suspenseful and very easy to read. I thought the author did a wonderful job of setting up the mystery right from the start. Rylie moves back to Twenty-Nine Palms, California and even as she’s arriving to town, things begin to happen. Rylie is uneasy about her return, tries to reconnect with old friends, and discovers that one of her old friends is missing – just one of several disappearances that have taken place in the area. Add to that the fact that she’s also suffering from memory loss and blackouts. It’s all so confusing at the beginning, but in a good way that keeps you turning the page to figure out what’s going on and how the various threads connect.
I will say that I didn’t necessarily connect to Rylie and her struggle. I didn’t dislike her, but she felt like a plot vehicle. Maybe because everything seemed to be moving us through plot points and to the reveal so fast that there wasn’t a lot of focus on character and relationships. For that reason, some of the emotionality felt a little thin to me. I’m not sure I understand her as an individual outside of this immediate mystery that she’s facing.
I loved that this was set in Twenty-Nine Palms and Joshua Tree. I spent a summer working in Joshua Tree and the desert there is so amazing. It’s part of what drove my interest in this book. I would’ve loved to have seen richer descriptions of setting and place because there were times I had difficulty seeing what was around the characters.
I didn’t love that some of this mystery was propelled on by interrupted or cut-off conversations and/or a lack of really digging with people you know have more information. It felt frustrating and like Rylie could’ve known more sooner if she would’ve pursued questioning people further, most especially with her mom but also her stepdad. This isn’t to say that people won’t try to hide information, but we don’t see the tensions that emerge from situations like that here – Rylie just doesn’t question what more people around her know until late in the game. I would say I prefer my mysteries where characters get available information more quickly, they run-up to the limits of what can be known and have to figure out new and creative ways to search for the information they need. But not being thorough in questioning the people around you (not even in your own head) seems a bit lazy.
In terms of the overall plot, I think this is where the book’s strength lies – the author did a great job weaving together multiple threads and connecting them in the big reveal. I thought that reveal was unique and interesting. It didn’t wow me - it had a lesser sort of Stranger Things vibe to it - but it was still fun and satisfying to finally discover what was going on.
Overall, it’s so quick that I’d say definitely worth a read!
paperbackpixie's review
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
✧ L E T M E S U M M A R I S E ✧
No Beauties or Monsters follows Rylie as she returns to Twentynine Palms with her family to discover things aren’t exactly they way she left them. Between seeing things and losing time, she grows determined to discover just what happened with her old friend Lily – who suddenly went missing just before her grandfather died.
✧ W H A T W O R K E D W E L L ✧
There was a certain level of intrigue which held me captivated with this book. I wanted to know what had happened to Lily, and why Rylie seemed to be losing track of time. The building of suspense and overall creepiness of the book lured me in like a spell. I haven’t come across a plot such as this one before so there is definitely an element of originality to enjoy as well. Besides this though, the book was a real slog for me and I’m struggling to find anything more positive to point out.
✧ W H A T N E E D E D W O R K ✧
In terms of Rylie being the protagonist, she was quite a flat character. I didn’t feel any particular way towards her – I was quite impartial about what happened to her in the story. This is not a terrible thing, but it’s also not good. If I invest my time into a book, I want to find a way to connect to the protagonist unless you’re absolutely no supposed to. Here, I think you were but I just couldn’t. The plot was also a little too slow (discussed below) which really hindered my reading experience. I don’t want to be considering shelving a book halfway through – or trying to work out how long I have left to see if it is worth continuing on with.
I really did not enjoy where this book went and that is just very disappointing for me. I feel like the plot was built up to lead in the book in one direction, yet the twist towards the last few chapters flipped everything on it’s head. As a reader, I really struggled to follow what was actually happening and thought about giving up before even reaching the conclusion.
✧ D I F F I C U L T T O F I N I S H ✧
Books like No Beauties or Monsters are slow burners – they take a while to get through and can leave you a little bit exhausted afterwards. I anticipated a faster read and expected the story to progress a little bit sooner than it actually did. A lot of the action seemed to be clumped at the end of the story rather than spread out evenly, which made it difficult to hold my attention in certain parts of the book. This is the first book I have read this year which I considered shelving before the conclusion.
✧ W H A T T H R E E W O R D S ✧
Original, surreal but long-winded.
✧ T O C O N C L U D E ✧
I think this is a book that would be perfect for fans of Stranger Things. The mystery and intense creepiness of the plot is gripping and you do genuinely want to figure out what is going on. While I wasn’t comfortable with the direction the book eventually went in (perhaps because of my own expectations about what kind of book this would be), there does seem to be an overall positive reaction to the story from other reviewers and readers. Unfortunately based on my own reading experience, I would struggle to recommend this book to others and can only score it a two out of five.
https://justapaperbackprincess.wordpress.com/2022/01/15/book-review-no-beauties-or-monsters-by-tara-goedjen/
https://justapaperbackprincess.wordpress.com/2022/01/15/book-review-no-beauties-or-monsters-by-tara-goedjen/
cedarwishes's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
booktrishandmagic's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book was advertised as a mix between Stranger Things and Veronica Mars, which are some of my absolute favorite shows. So naturally, I HAD to have it! I loved it. I devoured this book. I couldn’t put it down because I just had to know what the heck was going on! It’s a good combination of mystery and sci-fi. I loved the atmosphere and the character building. The plot was fascinating and not at all what I was expecting. I really want to read more from this author, or maybe we’ll get a sequel! If you’ve already binge watched Stranger Things and need something to fill the void in your life, pick up No Beauties or Monsters. It’ll help ease the pain. 😂🤩