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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
This was a page turner! Those "games"... WoW!!! And definitely some twists to keep ya hooked till the end!
I have been going back and forth between a 3-star review and a 5-star review for this book. It's quite a range: I found a lot of it "enjoyable" (as enjoyable as a book with child kidnapping and abuse is), but I found aspects of it to be too far from what I could believe as acceptable.
14-year old twins, Angel and Bud, have been kidnapped and brought to a basement known as the dollhouse. Alfred, their captor, wants to take pictures of them based on picture of his own childhood. By recreating his memories, he hopes that these new memories with his 'dolls' will help him to overcome the pain he experienced in his past.
This book did a good job of tying together a whole story, and I was surprised to read at the end of the book that there will be a sequel. I am ready to leave the world of the dollhouse and its characters behind- obviously, I haven't read the sequel, but I feel that a book 2 would diminish the events in this story.
I have SO many questions about things that JUST DON'T MAKE SENSE. At one point of writing this review, I had about 4 paragraphs of complaints, but then realized that even with these complaints, I enjoyed the craziness of this story. I recommend this book for horror and suspense fans- some of the stuff in this book was truly horrible, but based on the plot description, it should be expected.
Thank you Netgalley and Sara Ennis (are you self-publishing?! How neat!) for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a review. Although I'm not interested in the sequel, I look forward to reading another book by Sara Ennis in the future.
14-year old twins, Angel and Bud, have been kidnapped and brought to a basement known as the dollhouse. Alfred, their captor, wants to take pictures of them based on picture of his own childhood. By recreating his memories, he hopes that these new memories with his 'dolls' will help him to overcome the pain he experienced in his past.
This book did a good job of tying together a whole story, and I was surprised to read at the end of the book that there will be a sequel. I am ready to leave the world of the dollhouse and its characters behind- obviously, I haven't read the sequel, but I feel that a book 2 would diminish the events in this story.
I have SO many questions about things that JUST DON'T MAKE SENSE. At one point of writing this review, I had about 4 paragraphs of complaints, but then realized that even with these complaints, I enjoyed the craziness of this story. I recommend this book for horror and suspense fans- some of the stuff in this book was truly horrible, but based on the plot description, it should be expected.
Thank you Netgalley and Sara Ennis (are you self-publishing?! How neat!) for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a review. Although I'm not interested in the sequel, I look forward to reading another book by Sara Ennis in the future.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Full thoughts: https://fictionmajorette.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-dollhouse-sara-ennis.html
This book does not shy away from the physical or mental abuse and torture that Alfred is putting these kids through. I've seen some reviews liken this to an episode of Criminal Minds and I would agree with that comparison. However, I personally felt that as the book progressed, a lot of the abuse was done just for shock value and thus is was less impactful as the story progressed.
The first part I enjoyed was the POV switching. We get a good number of POVs in the story but Angel is by far our protagonist and I'd say the majority (70%ish) of the book is told from her perspective. Some of the other perspectives are Alfred, Jennifer, Peter, and a high school guidance counselor named Edward. I do, generally, like a multi-POV thriller because it usually allows the reader to see more layers to the plot and really up the tension. However, in this case, it is not immediately apparent how all these POVs are related to the main plot line and that was frustrating for me. I trusted that they would come together in the end (and they do), but while I was in the middle of the book I ended up being bored and confused why we were focusing on these other characters instead of following Angel.
I'm a character-focused reader and these characters were just not fleshed out enough for my liking. The best way I can describe my issues is that I can list of facts about the characters but I never got a good sense of how those facts impacted the characters or their interactions with the world around them.
From a purely plot perspective, I did enjoy how the story unfolded all the way until the end. For me, a good psychological thriller has the main character overcome a mental block of some sort and, in this case, it is Angel trying to figure out how to escape while knowing that if she gets caught, it would mean possible death. As discussed previously, I think the physical torture ramifications of disobedience are well established in the story, and I do think we get a good amount of Angel's internal monologue and her fears of what will happen if she fails. There were moments where she would try something, fail, and face the consequences so both her and the reader know very well what is at stake when she tries again a few chapters later. I think Alfred is a compelling villain and I enjoyed how the reveals surrounding his weird stuff with the photographs were done.
The ending twist is one that was unexpected and surprising but it has been done many times before and I just don't like it. I can't give away too much but I will mention that it is mental-health related and it is a twist that I've come to learn is harmful and stereotypical and I'm just not a fan of it. I did like how we get a good amount of resolution after the climax and we follow our characters to see how they are dealing with the aftermath.
Overall, I feel this just boiled down to a 'not for me' type of book. My main gripe is the way the book gave me information early on gave me expectations that, when they weren't met, I was disappointed. I found the characters a little flat and the ending twist put me off a bit. It isn't a bad book, by any means, but I think this author just might not be a good mesh for my reading preferences. I might pick up the second book because it might give me some of the character development I was looking for and (hopefully) it won't have the same twist at the end.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for an ARC in exchange for review
Publication date: June 1, 2021
This book does not shy away from the physical or mental abuse and torture that Alfred is putting these kids through. I've seen some reviews liken this to an episode of Criminal Minds and I would agree with that comparison. However, I personally felt that as the book progressed, a lot of the abuse was done just for shock value and thus is was less impactful as the story progressed.
The first part I enjoyed was the POV switching. We get a good number of POVs in the story but Angel is by far our protagonist and I'd say the majority (70%ish) of the book is told from her perspective. Some of the other perspectives are Alfred, Jennifer, Peter, and a high school guidance counselor named Edward. I do, generally, like a multi-POV thriller because it usually allows the reader to see more layers to the plot and really up the tension. However, in this case, it is not immediately apparent how all these POVs are related to the main plot line and that was frustrating for me. I trusted that they would come together in the end (and they do), but while I was in the middle of the book I ended up being bored and confused why we were focusing on these other characters instead of following Angel.
I'm a character-focused reader and these characters were just not fleshed out enough for my liking. The best way I can describe my issues is that I can list of facts about the characters but I never got a good sense of how those facts impacted the characters or their interactions with the world around them.
From a purely plot perspective, I did enjoy how the story unfolded all the way until the end. For me, a good psychological thriller has the main character overcome a mental block of some sort and, in this case, it is Angel trying to figure out how to escape while knowing that if she gets caught, it would mean possible death. As discussed previously, I think the physical torture ramifications of disobedience are well established in the story, and I do think we get a good amount of Angel's internal monologue and her fears of what will happen if she fails. There were moments where she would try something, fail, and face the consequences so both her and the reader know very well what is at stake when she tries again a few chapters later. I think Alfred is a compelling villain and I enjoyed how the reveals surrounding his weird stuff with the photographs were done.
The ending twist is one that was unexpected and surprising but it has been done many times before and I just don't like it. I can't give away too much but I will mention that it is mental-health related and it is a twist that I've come to learn is harmful and stereotypical and I'm just not a fan of it. I did like how we get a good amount of resolution after the climax and we follow our characters to see how they are dealing with the aftermath.
Overall, I feel this just boiled down to a 'not for me' type of book. My main gripe is the way the book gave me information early on gave me expectations that, when they weren't met, I was disappointed. I found the characters a little flat and the ending twist put me off a bit. It isn't a bad book, by any means, but I think this author just might not be a good mesh for my reading preferences. I might pick up the second book because it might give me some of the character development I was looking for and (hopefully) it won't have the same twist at the end.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for an ARC in exchange for review
Publication date: June 1, 2021
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
The Dollhouse is marvelously twisted, suspenseful, and a poignant exploration into how a dangerous mind is created and the lasting effects of generational trauma.
The biggest part I loved was the duality between different characters, within the characters fighting mind over matter, and even the duality in the plot itself is fascinating. The gorgeous cover of the book hides symbolism toward duality and having two sides to a person, which is neat. The duality is an interesting way to frame weakness or strength, such as how Angel starts out as meek and frightened, but eventually grows much stronger and becomes resilient and resourceful, which also mirrors Alfred, who underwent a similar transformation due to bullying and psychological torture but came out traumatized and sadistic.
Something else I thoroughly enjoyed was the type of slang and dialect that formed the voice of the characters and created the tone of the book, especially of Angel’s perspective, because it sounds like a real kid’s thoughts and feelings at that age. The character development of the kids is harrowing but compelling while each kid has to rely on their inner strength and ingenuity to retain any hope of rescue or survival.
One more thing I loved (that is a bit niche, admittedly) is the amount of mid-2000s nostalgia and pop culture woven throughout the book. 2006 is sort of a “forgotten” year, so it was fun to be reminded of that particular time period, between the more modern world and the past. Movies used to be sent by mail (Netflix) to how iPods were new and that people read papers and watched news to receive updates about a news story.
What I did not like however was that often there were short jumps in time where events that happened during that time were not explained, yet a lot of events are alluded to. Even a description of what photoshoots had happened during those periods would be interesting; another discrepancy was that there was never a description of what kind of photoshoots Olivia had to do before Bud and Angel arrived. She must have done many, given how much longer she had been in the Dollhouse. Her pictures were not as satisfying and they were “different,” but in what way? And did they come from the same photo album? How were they staged?
Felicity was not given much backstory or shown in any other light than negative and sexualized. It would have been truly riveting if one time there was a photoshoot where Felicity did something kind, and juxtaposed against her later cruel behavior, which might show why Alfred was so upset with Felicity. She was not as dynamic as she could have been and felt underutilized.
One more thing was that the two final twists felt a bit too obvious and were not explained further, but used as a deus ex machina that was too convenient. The end of the book regrettably felt rushed and not developed to the full potential it may have had.
Overall, The Dollhouse had a captivating concept and singular tone that kept me on tenterhooks the whole time I read it.
Thanks to Sara Ennis and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The biggest part I loved was the duality between different characters, within the characters fighting mind over matter, and even the duality in the plot itself is fascinating. The gorgeous cover of the book hides symbolism toward duality and having two sides to a person, which is neat. The duality is an interesting way to frame weakness or strength, such as how Angel starts out as meek and frightened, but eventually grows much stronger and becomes resilient and resourceful, which also mirrors Alfred, who underwent a similar transformation due to bullying and psychological torture but came out traumatized and sadistic.
Something else I thoroughly enjoyed was the type of slang and dialect that formed the voice of the characters and created the tone of the book, especially of Angel’s perspective, because it sounds like a real kid’s thoughts and feelings at that age. The character development of the kids is harrowing but compelling while each kid has to rely on their inner strength and ingenuity to retain any hope of rescue or survival.
One more thing I loved (that is a bit niche, admittedly) is the amount of mid-2000s nostalgia and pop culture woven throughout the book. 2006 is sort of a “forgotten” year, so it was fun to be reminded of that particular time period, between the more modern world and the past. Movies used to be sent by mail (Netflix) to how iPods were new and that people read papers and watched news to receive updates about a news story.
What I did not like however was that often there were short jumps in time where events that happened during that time were not explained, yet a lot of events are alluded to. Even a description of what photoshoots had happened during those periods would be interesting; another discrepancy was that there was never a description of what kind of photoshoots Olivia had to do before Bud and Angel arrived. She must have done many, given how much longer she had been in the Dollhouse. Her pictures were not as satisfying and they were “different,” but in what way? And did they come from the same photo album? How were they staged?
Felicity was not given much backstory or shown in any other light than negative and sexualized. It would have been truly riveting if one time there was a photoshoot where Felicity did something kind, and juxtaposed against her later cruel behavior, which might show why Alfred was so upset with Felicity. She was not as dynamic as she could have been and felt underutilized.
One more thing was that the two final twists felt a bit too obvious and were not explained further, but used as a deus ex machina that was too convenient. The end of the book regrettably felt rushed and not developed to the full potential it may have had.
Overall, The Dollhouse had a captivating concept and singular tone that kept me on tenterhooks the whole time I read it.
Thanks to Sara Ennis and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I didnt know what to make of this book to start with but then I got really into it and just needed to keep reading until the end.
I needed to know who the men were.
I want to say more about the book but so worried about spoilers, this is a very good book if this is your genre please read it.
I was given a copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
I needed to know who the men were.
I want to say more about the book but so worried about spoilers, this is a very good book if this is your genre please read it.
I was given a copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
*review copy provided by booksirens in order for an honest review*
I don't know how I feel about this book. I found it very slow and boring in the beginning, I can't lie, if this wasn't a review copy I would most likely have dnf'd it. I'm glad I stuck with it, the last 20-30% was very fast moving.
I found the use of multiple personalities a bit overused and not thoroughly explained enough and I feel it may have also contributed to the stigma surrounding DID/OSDD as being dangerous when that isn't the case. Removing that factor I found the dynamic of the Dollhouse interesting.
The twist at the end wasn't something I expected between all the captives, and their kidnapper, that was an intense and violent few scenes that while were shocking, didn't come from nowhere, the build up was there and the tipping point was believable.
Overall it was good enough as a read, but slightly too slow for me and featured some things that were problematic that in no way impacted the story and in some ways (in my opinion) subtracted from the impact and story.
*spoilers below*
I didn't like the whole pregnancy part, I think that was just an unnecessary factor to add and it didn't really add anything to the story.
I don't know how I feel about this book. I found it very slow and boring in the beginning, I can't lie, if this wasn't a review copy I would most likely have dnf'd it. I'm glad I stuck with it, the last 20-30% was very fast moving.
I found the use of multiple personalities a bit overused and not thoroughly explained enough and I feel it may have also contributed to the stigma surrounding DID/OSDD as being dangerous when that isn't the case. Removing that factor I found the dynamic of the Dollhouse interesting.
The twist at the end wasn't something I expected between all the captives, and their kidnapper, that was an intense and violent few scenes that while were shocking, didn't come from nowhere, the build up was there and the tipping point was believable.
Overall it was good enough as a read, but slightly too slow for me and featured some things that were problematic that in no way impacted the story and in some ways (in my opinion) subtracted from the impact and story.
*spoilers below*
I didn't like the whole pregnancy part, I think that was just an unnecessary factor to add and it didn't really add anything to the story.
I have read plenty of mysteries, plenty of thrillers, but this one is something else. Towards the end I gasped so hard, I choked on air. This is the kind of book you enjoy from the first word to the last, full of multiple POVs, and settings. Don’t even get me started on the suspense. I finished this book five minutes ago, and the book hangover is already here, and very, very real. Sara Ennis, you are a dream.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC!
Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC!
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Thank you to Net Galley for providing an Earc of this book.
This book is one of the most disturbing books I've read in a very long time. The characters of Olivia, Angel and Bud were amazingly written and It was like I felt everything that the felt. I cried for ages after Bus was killed because of how graphic it was.
I didn't see the ending coming at all and the part where we found out that Alfred, Jennifer and Edward were all the same person was unexpected and a good plot twist.
I felt like the pregnancy and baby storyline at the end was completely unnecessary, I don't know why it was written in as it didn't really add anything to the plot. Especially because it was so rushed and was built up poorly.
Overall I don't know if I would say that I enjoyed this books as it was so disturbing and graphic but it was an interesting and fast paced read that left me on the edge of my seat.
I didn't see the ending coming at all and the part where we found out that Alfred, Jennifer and Edward were all the same person was unexpected and a good plot twist.
I felt like the pregnancy and baby storyline at the end was completely unnecessary, I don't know why it was written in as it didn't really add anything to the plot. Especially because it was so rushed and was built up poorly.
Overall I don't know if I would say that I enjoyed this books as it was so disturbing and graphic but it was an interesting and fast paced read that left me on the edge of my seat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Drug use, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder
Minor: Pregnancy
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Cursing, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping
Moderate: Death, Suicide, Blood, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder
Minor: Addiction, Cancer, Alcohol