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bookishvice's review against another edition
3.0
Jane William's life hasn't been the easiest one. Her parents are dead, she's spent most of her life jumping from foster homes, ended up living in violent Helmsdale (aka Hellsdale), and the only best friend she had died. Jane wants out of there, and when they offer her a scholarship at the prestigious Birch Grove Academy for Girls, she takes it. But there's something weird about the town and the academy, and the people seem quite secretive. Jane decides to concentrate on the positive things, like gorgeous Lucian Radcliffe, and maybe even his annoying brother Jack. However, the secrets of Birch Grove are too great to be ignored, and Jane will have to make a choice between this new perfect life, and her old one because being part of the family is a lifelong commitment. Like it's title, Dark Companion is a dark and seductive story, that will shock and captivate you every step of the way.
I didn't know what to expect from Dark Companion. The story starts out slowly, but once school starts the story picks up the pace, and man what a pace! Marta Acosta's writing blew me away. The mystery of Birch Grove Academy and its girls is something that isn't revealed at once, and all the time the tension builds and builds. There's a certain creepiness factor to the school, and it would only take a detail here or a word there to achieve that. You're just reading placidly when BAM a single word would bowl you over, the creepiness going off the charts.
Jane is a mousy, plain girl, but she is smart, and cunning. She knows there's something going on at the school and she needs to find out what before something happens to her. She makes friends with three girls, Hattie, Mary Violet, and Constance. Mary Violet was my absolute favorite character of the whole book. In fact, so far, she's my favorite YA character this year. She's witty, a bit crazy, but simply fabulous. I totally agree with her dentist theory, her French makes me want to learn a third language, and her poems crack me up. Another character that made me fall in love with him was Jacob (Jack) Radcliffe. He's deliciously scruffy, plays guitar in a band, and says he's like "the king's fool." In literature the king's fool is the only one allowed to make fun of the king while still delivering harsh truths. In every conversation he has with Jane I kept wondering how much was the truth and how much was teasing. And he teases a lot!
My only frustration with this story was the romance, or at least one side of it. I have to discuss this, and I apologize for any spoilers. Jane falls head over heels for Lucian (Lucky) Radcliffe. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the situation. I though, here we go again with the naïve, infatuated heroine, but what I found out was actually worse. Jane is a naïve infatuated girl and Lucian turns out to be a special kind of psychotic jerk, and I didn't care if it was a medical condition but the way he enjoyed it really turned my stomach. I know, I know. With no evil there can be no good, so I guess Jane's submissive portrayal and abuse at the hands of Lucky was necessary. But for me it never makes sense when a girl throws herself at some jerkface because they think no one will ever want them. We have a saying where I live, which roughly translates to "Better alone than in bad company." I wish most heroines had the sense to follow that motto. When Jane finally discovers the whole plot and reasons I thought she would put a stop to things, but she agrees to continue! Granted they've promised her everything and more if she stays with Lucky, but at what cost? I do love when she reaches that conclusion, though the change of mind was a bit abrupt.
As you can see from what I've discussed so far, Dark Companion has some strong themes. There are scenes with heavy petting and bloodletting, drug and alcohol abuse, and not much is held back. It's dark, it's gritty, but it's real. The end was a surprising mix of shocking discoveries, and happy endings. There was unfinished business in the subplots, which I can only hope means there will be a sequel because, my darlings, as much as I've ranted about some aspects of this novel I have to admit it rocked my world and I would very much like a sequel.
*I received this book via Netgalley from the publisher for my honest review*
I didn't know what to expect from Dark Companion. The story starts out slowly, but once school starts the story picks up the pace, and man what a pace! Marta Acosta's writing blew me away. The mystery of Birch Grove Academy and its girls is something that isn't revealed at once, and all the time the tension builds and builds. There's a certain creepiness factor to the school, and it would only take a detail here or a word there to achieve that. You're just reading placidly when BAM a single word would bowl you over, the creepiness going off the charts.
Jane is a mousy, plain girl, but she is smart, and cunning. She knows there's something going on at the school and she needs to find out what before something happens to her. She makes friends with three girls, Hattie, Mary Violet, and Constance. Mary Violet was my absolute favorite character of the whole book. In fact, so far, she's my favorite YA character this year. She's witty, a bit crazy, but simply fabulous. I totally agree with her dentist theory, her French makes me want to learn a third language, and her poems crack me up. Another character that made me fall in love with him was Jacob (Jack) Radcliffe. He's deliciously scruffy, plays guitar in a band, and says he's like "the king's fool." In literature the king's fool is the only one allowed to make fun of the king while still delivering harsh truths. In every conversation he has with Jane I kept wondering how much was the truth and how much was teasing. And he teases a lot!
My only frustration with this story was the romance, or at least one side of it. I have to discuss this, and I apologize for any spoilers. Jane falls head over heels for Lucian (Lucky) Radcliffe. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the situation. I though, here we go again with the naïve, infatuated heroine, but what I found out was actually worse. Jane is a naïve infatuated girl and Lucian turns out to be a special kind of psychotic jerk, and I didn't care if it was a medical condition but the way he enjoyed it really turned my stomach. I know, I know. With no evil there can be no good, so I guess Jane's submissive portrayal and abuse at the hands of Lucky was necessary. But for me it never makes sense when a girl throws herself at some jerkface because they think no one will ever want them. We have a saying where I live, which roughly translates to "Better alone than in bad company." I wish most heroines had the sense to follow that motto. When Jane finally discovers the whole plot and reasons I thought she would put a stop to things, but she agrees to continue! Granted they've promised her everything and more if she stays with Lucky, but at what cost? I do love when she reaches that conclusion, though the change of mind was a bit abrupt.
As you can see from what I've discussed so far, Dark Companion has some strong themes. There are scenes with heavy petting and bloodletting, drug and alcohol abuse, and not much is held back. It's dark, it's gritty, but it's real. The end was a surprising mix of shocking discoveries, and happy endings. There was unfinished business in the subplots, which I can only hope means there will be a sequel because, my darlings, as much as I've ranted about some aspects of this novel I have to admit it rocked my world and I would very much like a sequel.
*I received this book via Netgalley from the publisher for my honest review*
bibliohannah's review against another edition
1.0
this is just a bad book overall for me. the subject matter and the things that happened made me uncomfortable and.. just no.
joyousreads132's review against another edition
1.0
I'm sorry. I can no longer continue. I've never understood how anyone can say a character is TSTL. Well, now I know. This book is FUCKED UP. WRONG. The subject matter is totally inappropriate considering it's being marketed as a young adult novel. What the hell?
The first half was so good. The dialogues left me awe-struck because I've never, ever read any teenagers converse so eloquently but flippant enough that you can tell their age. They made the inconsequential conversations turn into moments of enlightenments on this reader. The best characters being Mary Violet and Jack. Jane Williams had her moments too but OMG. Why? Why? That's all I can say.
This book was Jekyll and Hyde. I feel betrayed.
I can't say anything bad about the writing because like I said, there is a genuine intelligence that comes through within its pages.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of wrongs here that I can't stomach.
P.S.
I got till about 77% of the book until I called it quits.
The first half was so good. The dialogues left me awe-struck because I've never, ever read any teenagers converse so eloquently but flippant enough that you can tell their age. They made the inconsequential conversations turn into moments of enlightenments on this reader. The best characters being Mary Violet and Jack. Jane Williams had her moments too but OMG. Why? Why? That's all I can say.
This book was Jekyll and Hyde. I feel betrayed.
I can't say anything bad about the writing because like I said, there is a genuine intelligence that comes through within its pages.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of wrongs here that I can't stomach.
P.S.
I got till about 77% of the book until I called it quits.
sarakday's review against another edition
2.0
This one is all over the place. The combination of dark Gothic (and sometimes supernatural) elements doesn't really mesh with the main character's--cringe-- "hood" upbringing, and the dialogue is almost painfully wooden and awkward.
tales_of_a_bookbug's review against another edition
2.0
I myself don't know how I finished reading this book.I guess I have a high tolerance for stupidity.
nikkidreads's review against another edition
4.0
I truly loved this book. I went into the book with all kinds of expectations, got in a few pages, and threw all those expectations out. The Dark Companion was not paranormal but much more Gothic-isque. The Gothic influences all throughout the book added a new dimension of awesome to the book. The book was a wonderful equal parts creepy, equal parts alluring. I was held in its grip for a few days as I grew to truly empathize with the choices that Jane was facing. If I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about the book. The book was merveilleux which is French for amazeballs.
One of the biggest strengths of this book was the awesome set of characters living within the pages. Mary Violet is one of Jane's new friends at Birch Grove, and I seriously wish I could find a Mary Violet in my life. She's vibrant and gorgeous in her own quirky way, and she is always there for a good laugh. I loved the way she talked because she was this fascinating combination of surreal and realistic all at the same time. Jack was fantastic, and I loved the huge contrast between who Jack is and who his brother Lucky is. The story had so many interesting parallels and gorgeous contrast among the characters. No wonder I couldn't put it down.
As the story progresses, Jane has to start making some very difficult decisions. I love how the book makes you think. Would you have done the same thing if you were offered so much in exchange for taking on a role for the rest of your life? Taken from Jane's perspective where she had grown up with almost nothing, that question becomes even more complicated.
Don't go into this book expecting vampire paranormal. Vampire fanatics would just end up a little disappointed. The beauty and treasure of this book is just how fresh and Gothic the story is. There is just that tint of paranormal flushing through the pages to keep it just a little fresher.
I am thrilled that I requested this book. It was an incredible reading experience.
Who Should Read It: Lovers of creepy meets realism. I know you are out there. Really if you just like a well-spun story. Don't pay attention to the ratings on this book. There is just so much conflicting ideas on this book. That is why it is up to you to figure it out for yourself. Enjoy.
One of the biggest strengths of this book was the awesome set of characters living within the pages. Mary Violet is one of Jane's new friends at Birch Grove, and I seriously wish I could find a Mary Violet in my life. She's vibrant and gorgeous in her own quirky way, and she is always there for a good laugh. I loved the way she talked because she was this fascinating combination of surreal and realistic all at the same time. Jack was fantastic, and I loved the huge contrast between who Jack is and who his brother Lucky is. The story had so many interesting parallels and gorgeous contrast among the characters. No wonder I couldn't put it down.
As the story progresses, Jane has to start making some very difficult decisions. I love how the book makes you think. Would you have done the same thing if you were offered so much in exchange for taking on a role for the rest of your life? Taken from Jane's perspective where she had grown up with almost nothing, that question becomes even more complicated.
Don't go into this book expecting vampire paranormal. Vampire fanatics would just end up a little disappointed. The beauty and treasure of this book is just how fresh and Gothic the story is. There is just that tint of paranormal flushing through the pages to keep it just a little fresher.
I am thrilled that I requested this book. It was an incredible reading experience.
Who Should Read It: Lovers of creepy meets realism. I know you are out there. Really if you just like a well-spun story. Don't pay attention to the ratings on this book. There is just so much conflicting ideas on this book. That is why it is up to you to figure it out for yourself. Enjoy.
gelisvb's review against another edition
3.0
I've read two version of this book last year,;the first (The Shadow Girl of Birch Grove)was darker and probably more mature.
Even the ending was different.
It was a vampire story with a twist.
Not the best book I've read, but I've liked it.
Even the ending was different.
It was a vampire story with a twist.
Not the best book I've read, but I've liked it.
lrauert's review against another edition
2.0
The end was better than the rest of the book.
I say this because the rest of the book was at the level of "pulling teeth is less painful than reading this" and yet I pushed through.
Jane, for lack of a better description, is plain. She talks as if she lives in a SAT book, which I don't know about you but i don't speak like that nor did any of the kids I was in SAT prep with speak like this. Her infatuation with Lucky annoys the hell out of me, especially when she gives Wilde the business and then looks like a hypocrite when she goes straight into his arms. Jack... I can get on the same page with. He was the only character besides Mary Violet that kept me reading.
That's all I have to say, especially since I don't enjoy people who bash an author's works and I don't want to do that. So, yes, it's only two stars for me, but I do admit I loved Jack and Mary Violet from the moment they were introduced up to the last page.
I say this because the rest of the book was at the level of "pulling teeth is less painful than reading this" and yet I pushed through.
Jane, for lack of a better description, is plain. She talks as if she lives in a SAT book, which I don't know about you but i don't speak like that nor did any of the kids I was in SAT prep with speak like this. Her infatuation with Lucky annoys the hell out of me, especially when she gives Wilde the business and then looks like a hypocrite when she goes straight into his arms. Jack... I can get on the same page with. He was the only character besides Mary Violet that kept me reading.
That's all I have to say, especially since I don't enjoy people who bash an author's works and I don't want to do that. So, yes, it's only two stars for me, but I do admit I loved Jack and Mary Violet from the moment they were introduced up to the last page.
amanda_rodrigues's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
I really hope this is a one-off, because it really doesn't need to be part of a series!
Orphan Jane (like Eyre, only in California and we do get a sense of what she looks like) is suddenly granted a scholarship to a chichi prep school, living expenses and a new status as an emancipated minor - although, as anyone whose previous life was in the foster system, she wonders "why me?" Once at Birch Grove she meets the Headmistress' sons, Jacob and Lucian and falls for... well, it's clear that she's infatuated with Lucky (he's gorgeous) but Jake does something to her (infuriates her, confuses her, stalks her, nicknames her Halfling). She also finds friends and seems to settle down.
Of course, this is a Gothic/semi-vampire book so things are never what they seem and Jane's life becomes more complicated and fraught than one might have imagined. As in Jane Eyre there's a climactic fire scene, but that's pretty much it for the comparisons. The Gothic part is really pretty mild, with none of the heart-thumping that, say, Victoria Holt produces (or Jane Eyre, for that matter). The quotations at the start of each chapter may lead readers to search out other Gothic novels if they don't already know them). Mary Violet deserves a book all unto herself, particularly those French translations!
The cover is a bit off, and I hope this isn't the final artwork. Jane is pixie-like, with brown hair, brown eyes and light brown skin, thanks to her part-Mexican mother (the rest of her is anyone's guess, although MV's Laplander is probably out). Why not highlight that on the cover? This person looks a tad light...
ARC provided by publisher.
Orphan Jane (like Eyre, only in California and we do get a sense of what she looks like) is suddenly granted a scholarship to a chichi prep school, living expenses and a new status as an emancipated minor - although, as anyone whose previous life was in the foster system, she wonders "why me?" Once at Birch Grove she meets the Headmistress' sons, Jacob and Lucian and falls for... well, it's clear that she's infatuated with Lucky (he's gorgeous) but Jake does something to her (infuriates her, confuses her, stalks her, nicknames her Halfling). She also finds friends and seems to settle down.
Of course, this is a Gothic/semi-vampire book so things are never what they seem and Jane's life becomes more complicated and fraught than one might have imagined. As in Jane Eyre there's a climactic fire scene, but that's pretty much it for the comparisons. The Gothic part is really pretty mild, with none of the heart-thumping that, say, Victoria Holt produces (or Jane Eyre, for that matter). The quotations at the start of each chapter may lead readers to search out other Gothic novels if they don't already know them). Mary Violet deserves a book all unto herself, particularly those French translations!
The cover is a bit off, and I hope this isn't the final artwork. Jane is pixie-like, with brown hair, brown eyes and light brown skin, thanks to her part-Mexican mother (the rest of her is anyone's guess, although MV's Laplander is probably out). Why not highlight that on the cover? This person looks a tad light...
ARC provided by publisher.