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mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
There are 4 Special Ones, Esther, Lucille, Harry, and Felicity. And they all live happily in a farm house far away from society. But are they truly happy? Who is watching them?
5+stars for the first 161 pages, 3.5 stars for the rest of the book. I will be using the names of the Special Ones to avoid spoilers.
The first half of the book was amazingly creepy, spooky, haunting and I just couldn't stop reading.
I just adore (if that is the right word) books about cults. I always finds it intriguing to see people totally fall for the tricks of one person. To totally believe in it and get into their roles. Though in this one we could already see the cracks in the facade. Felicity had to be constantly reminded about her role, Esther was doubting, and Harry well I won't say anything about that. And Lucille is still so new that it takes a while before she settles in her role. I wouldn't have minded seeing a bit earlier of the story.
The idea that someone is always watching you, forcing you to undergo punishment (varying from whipping to knives to creepy cellars and no food), forcing you to fit in certain roles (verification), forcing you to go on collection if someone needs to be renewed. *shivers* Not to mention that for most the house/farm was all made to be like something out of hundreds of years ago. The only thing that showed that it was the recent day were things like the computers (they had to chat to followers every day), the fence, and that the house was bugged with cameras/microphones.
Each person had their set of rules and sentences and answers. They all had to conform to how they were meant to look. Which meant hair dye and contact lenses. Everything had to be perfect for him.
I was definitely creeped out while reading, especially as you just knew that something could happen. Something terrifying. Something that may kill you.
We also see a collection happen when there is a need for a new Lucille. This one just kept me on my seat. That poor girl. :( How terrified she must have been. How afraid.
But as soon as Esther gets renewed in the second half and thus gets out of the farm, things go down. Mostly this had to do with how Esther was treated by everyone around her. Lucille was a total bitch. I am sorry, that you got kidnapped and that it was horrific, but really? Blaming Esther? And also making up all sorts of bullshit reasons? You whut mate? Or people outside who blamed Esther and called her a villain because of how she acts and how she knows things. So, she knew about the factory, or actually she had a hunch? And that makes her a criminal? People talking about how Esther was never to be trusted. How she was cold and all that sorts of things. Really. It just pissed me off to no end that people who act so shitty about it. Not even caring or thinking about how Esther must feel. She has been stuck at that farm for years with no way out. She has been forced into a role, and she had to cooperate because she knew something terrible would happen if she dared make a mistake or if she dared to run away. She had a vague idea of what happened to the Felicity's and Lucille's that were renewed. Plus the whole relationship with Harry was cute, but I still felt it was a bit too much Stockholm syndrome for me.
Also the twist about how Esther came to the farm made me not like it that much. Then again it did fit with the whole cult thing and how people join it.
Then there are the parts about him that made my stomach churn. Though I have to say that I am quite happy that the author added them. It gave more depth, insight, and creepiness to the character and we could see how he started the farm and all the Special Ones stuff.
Then again, at times I was shaking my head. These girls were all lured to a car, to the farm with promises. Anyone ever heard of stranger danger? Or is that something of my past and something that kids these days don't know about? Sorry, if some weird dude talked to me about some talent show I would just nope the fuck out of there.
What happened to the people when they were renewed? I had quite a few horror scenarios in my head and one of them turned out to be the one that happens in this book. Of course you will have to read the book yourself, as I am not going to tell you.
Also she states that she never had scissors in the farm, yet *points to above*.
But this is definitely one book I would recommend, I flew through it. It is a shame I had to sleep otherwise I would have finished this one last night.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
5+stars for the first 161 pages, 3.5 stars for the rest of the book. I will be using the names of the Special Ones to avoid spoilers.
The first half of the book was amazingly creepy, spooky, haunting and I just couldn't stop reading.
I just adore (if that is the right word) books about cults. I always finds it intriguing to see people totally fall for the tricks of one person. To totally believe in it and get into their roles. Though in this one we could already see the cracks in the facade. Felicity had to be constantly reminded about her role, Esther was doubting, and Harry well I won't say anything about that. And Lucille is still so new that it takes a while before she settles in her role. I wouldn't have minded seeing a bit earlier of the story.
The idea that someone is always watching you, forcing you to undergo punishment (varying from whipping to knives to creepy cellars and no food), forcing you to fit in certain roles (verification), forcing you to go on collection if someone needs to be renewed. *shivers* Not to mention that for most the house/farm was all made to be like something out of hundreds of years ago. The only thing that showed that it was the recent day were things like the computers (they had to chat to followers every day), the fence, and that the house was bugged with cameras/microphones.
Each person had their set of rules and sentences and answers. They all had to conform to how they were meant to look. Which meant hair dye and contact lenses. Everything had to be perfect for him.
I was definitely creeped out while reading, especially as you just knew that something could happen. Something terrifying. Something that may kill you.
We also see a collection happen when there is a need for a new Lucille. This one just kept me on my seat. That poor girl. :( How terrified she must have been. How afraid.
But as soon as Esther gets renewed in the second half and thus gets out of the farm, things go down. Mostly this had to do with how Esther was treated by everyone around her. Lucille was a total bitch. I am sorry, that you got kidnapped and that it was horrific, but really? Blaming Esther? And also making up all sorts of bullshit reasons? You whut mate? Or people outside who blamed Esther and called her a villain because of how she acts and how she knows things. So, she knew about the factory, or actually she had a hunch? And that makes her a criminal? People talking about how Esther was never to be trusted. How she was cold and all that sorts of things. Really. It just pissed me off to no end that people who act so shitty about it. Not even caring or thinking about how Esther must feel. She has been stuck at that farm for years with no way out. She has been forced into a role, and she had to cooperate because she knew something terrible would happen if she dared make a mistake or if she dared to run away. She had a vague idea of what happened to the Felicity's and Lucille's that were renewed. Plus the whole relationship with Harry was cute, but I still felt it was a bit too much Stockholm syndrome for me.
Also the twist about how Esther came to the farm made me not like it that much. Then again it did fit with the whole cult thing and how people join it.
Then there are the parts about him that made my stomach churn. Though I have to say that I am quite happy that the author added them. It gave more depth, insight, and creepiness to the character and we could see how he started the farm and all the Special Ones stuff.
Then again, at times I was shaking my head. These girls were all lured to a car, to the farm with promises. Anyone ever heard of stranger danger? Or is that something of my past and something that kids these days don't know about? Sorry, if some weird dude talked to me about some talent show I would just nope the fuck out of there.
What happened to the people when they were renewed? I had quite a few horror scenarios in my head and one of them turned out to be the one that happens in this book. Of course you will have to read the book yourself, as I am not going to tell you.
Spoiler
Plothole time: Esther takes a scissors with her when she gets renewed. For some magical reason those scissors stay in her dress pocket throughout the rest of the book, even when her mom throws it away (how do you not get stabbed) and later when he gets it (and he even pets it, holds it, sniffs it, etc.. I guess it was all just added to have her have a weapon when she is captured by the creepy guy again. *rolls eyes*Also she states that she never had scissors in the farm, yet *points to above*.
But this is definitely one book I would recommend, I flew through it. It is a shame I had to sleep otherwise I would have finished this one last night.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
sam_hartwig's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not sure what to think after reading this. This is a one of a kind book that will have you thinking during and after reading.
I read Em Bailey's other book "Shift" and from memory I thought it was ok. I remember a lot of people raving about her first book and felt it didn't live up to it's hype in my opinion. But that didn't stop me from loving the idea of this book.
Cults intrigue me, I can't imagine why people would blindly follow someone when what they're doing is wrong. But then I think about society at the moment and how people obsess over celebrities, fandoms and the newest trend, then it doesn't sound too ridiculous that people could follow blindly.
What one person thinks is wrong or weird may be normal for another person. I personally don't think kidnapping people, watching their every moment and forcing them to believe they're reincarnated "Special Ones" is normal, but I think most people will agree with me.
We read from Esther's point of view through most of the book, and I really felt for her during the whole book. As certain facts were revealed I realised how hard it must be for someone to have gone through what she's had to endure. I don't want to give anything away because it ruins the book completely but this book also makes you think about the media and how it can negatively change people's opinions and how we, "the people" believe their lies and follow them so blindly. Are we all basically a cult following of the media!?
On a less dark note if you want to watch something lighter about cults then you should get your hands on a copy of "The Unbeatable Kimmy Schmidt". Ellie Kemper plays the title character, who is saved from an apocalypse cult and learns to live in the real world. It's uplifting and very funny.
I read Em Bailey's other book "Shift" and from memory I thought it was ok. I remember a lot of people raving about her first book and felt it didn't live up to it's hype in my opinion. But that didn't stop me from loving the idea of this book.
Cults intrigue me, I can't imagine why people would blindly follow someone when what they're doing is wrong. But then I think about society at the moment and how people obsess over celebrities, fandoms and the newest trend, then it doesn't sound too ridiculous that people could follow blindly.
What one person thinks is wrong or weird may be normal for another person. I personally don't think kidnapping people, watching their every moment and forcing them to believe they're reincarnated "Special Ones" is normal, but I think most people will agree with me.
We read from Esther's point of view through most of the book, and I really felt for her during the whole book. As certain facts were revealed I realised how hard it must be for someone to have gone through what she's had to endure. I don't want to give anything away because it ruins the book completely but this book also makes you think about the media and how it can negatively change people's opinions and how we, "the people" believe their lies and follow them so blindly. Are we all basically a cult following of the media!?
On a less dark note if you want to watch something lighter about cults then you should get your hands on a copy of "The Unbeatable Kimmy Schmidt". Ellie Kemper plays the title character, who is saved from an apocalypse cult and learns to live in the real world. It's uplifting and very funny.
sdreadsbooks's review against another edition
2.0
i like to think that i’d be strong enough to resist a cult but let’s be real
laurenkara's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't love this as much as I loved Shift but it was still SOOO GOOD!!! Em Bailey is one of my favourite authors and she didn't disappoint. I know a lot of people said they didn't like being inside "his" point of view but I LOVED IT??? SO CREEPY AND UNSETTLING!!!! This was super fast paced and I couldn't put it down. Only thing I didn't think was handled very well was "Esther's" parents, but that's just a minor complaint everything else was great. I loved how the ending was realistic too??? Also such a good take on cult dynamics and it really showed how much power an abuser can have on their victims. I need another Em Bailey book NOWWW.
shaunareads's review against another edition
5.0
How has this book not had more attention? I devoured it in one sitting!
It was suspenseful and heartbreaking and had me questioning everything. Em Bailey you won me over, I'm buying all of your books.
It was suspenseful and heartbreaking and had me questioning everything. Em Bailey you won me over, I'm buying all of your books.
indigo_chase's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I could not stop reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Stalking, Trafficking, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Blood, and Mental illness
charlestonmes's review against another edition
4.0
A quick read on a snowy day. A little disturbing in parts but it kept my interest.
greatcolorsalad's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it. I honestly didn't expect the ~mystery~ to be so well executed. I would've liked some more details about Tess' home life before and how he convinced her into this but that didn't hinder my enjoyment in any way.
I read an exerpt of this book once a long time ago and it took me at least a year of looking for this book afterwards (I'd forgotten the title/author) and it was 100% worth it.
Also, for the love of everything, why are all the covers of the different editions of this book so goddamn ugly, it kills me
I read an exerpt of this book once a long time ago and it took me at least a year of looking for this book afterwards (I'd forgotten the title/author) and it was 100% worth it.
Also, for the love of everything, why are all the covers of the different editions of this book so goddamn ugly, it kills me
thejessiejoy's review against another edition
5.0
4 1/2 Stars. The writing isn’t perfect, but this is a cool premise I’ve never seen before — and a creepy one at that. It lost half a star for me when the plot went off the rails a bit at the end. But I would say that 9/10ths of the book was mad interesting and worth the read.
vklover's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 really. The book was more interesting in the beginning and less towards the end but I still liked it!