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3.37 AVERAGE
3.37 AVERAGE
So in digging through my books on my Kindle I came across this little gem and read it this afternoon. Not only is it a Gothic romance, but it's got a supernatural mystery in it as well as a snarky main character, or maybe I should use the word "cheeky"? In any case, Hannah definitely livens up the atmosphere of the typical Gothic landscape and made this a fun enjoyable novel.
The story takes place in England, somewhere in the countryside. Hannah is the companion to an Earl's daughter who has a strange affliction. Because of this, they have sequestered the daughter to the attic (don't think Flowers in the Attic) a comfortable if somewhat sparse place. Hannah, an orphan of servants, is lucky, she could be on the streets or in an orphanage, but instead can roam about the attic, has a true friendship with the Earl's daughter Violet, and they even get to roam about the gardens on occasion. She has had the tutoring of a privileged upbringing and her belly is always full, her rooms always warm. But she can't help but look about when they come downstairs and out the front door to walk the gardens, wondering what it would be like to come an go. She is fiesty even if she is only a companion to the Earl's daughter. She's secure in her position so she doesn't hold her tongue with the governess or the footman who speaks to Lady Violet but ignores her. This sort of explains her spirit-
"Good afternoon, Pearson," I said breezily. (Pearson is the footman holding the door as they go out.) He hadn't addressed me, but sometimes, when I was feeling particularly irreverent, I cast aside the rules of propriety, I was, after all, a prisoner, a narcoleptic and a companion to a lady who started fires with her mind. Propriety was the least of my concerns.
As the summary says, Hannah gets snatched instead of Violet, but she plays along with the kidnappers pretending she is Violet to keep her friend safe. The confusion is believable, no one knows the one from the other except the governess who was conveniently missing at the time of the kidnapping. They both have red hair though Hannah describes her own as "orange!" and Violet's as mahogany. The biggest concern is what will the kidnappers do when they find out she isn't Violet. But Hannah wakes up in a carriage with a pert blonde girl, about her age who happily offers her reticule (after she empties it) for her just in case her stomach is upset. And again, in keeping with her cheeky attitude, Hannah throws up in it and offers it back to her. That's Hannah!
So, no Jane Eyre's or Cathy's. A really fun character in a somewhat confusing situation. I can't say more without ruining the surprise of it. It was predictable in some places, but the fun dialogue especially between Jack and Hannah and the mad scientist, August Langley made it less so. Hannah had a bit of the rush in without thinking first that so many heroines do, but I can forgive her given the giggles she gave me. I am very curious to see where the story leads. And according to Goodreads and the author's website, the next book releases soon.
The story takes place in England, somewhere in the countryside. Hannah is the companion to an Earl's daughter who has a strange affliction. Because of this, they have sequestered the daughter to the attic (don't think Flowers in the Attic) a comfortable if somewhat sparse place. Hannah, an orphan of servants, is lucky, she could be on the streets or in an orphanage, but instead can roam about the attic, has a true friendship with the Earl's daughter Violet, and they even get to roam about the gardens on occasion. She has had the tutoring of a privileged upbringing and her belly is always full, her rooms always warm. But she can't help but look about when they come downstairs and out the front door to walk the gardens, wondering what it would be like to come an go. She is fiesty even if she is only a companion to the Earl's daughter. She's secure in her position so she doesn't hold her tongue with the governess or the footman who speaks to Lady Violet but ignores her. This sort of explains her spirit-
"Good afternoon, Pearson," I said breezily. (Pearson is the footman holding the door as they go out.) He hadn't addressed me, but sometimes, when I was feeling particularly irreverent, I cast aside the rules of propriety, I was, after all, a prisoner, a narcoleptic and a companion to a lady who started fires with her mind. Propriety was the least of my concerns.
As the summary says, Hannah gets snatched instead of Violet, but she plays along with the kidnappers pretending she is Violet to keep her friend safe. The confusion is believable, no one knows the one from the other except the governess who was conveniently missing at the time of the kidnapping. They both have red hair though Hannah describes her own as "orange!" and Violet's as mahogany. The biggest concern is what will the kidnappers do when they find out she isn't Violet. But Hannah wakes up in a carriage with a pert blonde girl, about her age who happily offers her reticule (after she empties it) for her just in case her stomach is upset. And again, in keeping with her cheeky attitude, Hannah throws up in it and offers it back to her. That's Hannah!
So, no Jane Eyre's or Cathy's. A really fun character in a somewhat confusing situation. I can't say more without ruining the surprise of it. It was predictable in some places, but the fun dialogue especially between Jack and Hannah and the mad scientist, August Langley made it less so. Hannah had a bit of the rush in without thinking first that so many heroines do, but I can forgive her given the giggles she gave me. I am very curious to see where the story leads. And according to Goodreads and the author's website, the next book releases soon.
I really liked this book. It's a solid well told story with interesting characters. I look forward to learning more about Hannah and all the residents of 'Freak House'.
I don’t remember how I first came across this book. It was a probably a freebie, tbh.
All I know is the cover was nice enough to give it a shot. Now I hate it, it’s so inaccurate! Hannah is nothing like that physically, pretty sure the dress isn’t right and the gloves aren’t either. She never wears them. And there really isn’t any point to having someone else on the cover.
Rating: It’s alright.
It’s not original and it’s really obvious where things are going most of the time.
Hannah lagging behind and being slow about it all does not help. Like towards the end of the book and she FINALLY thinks “there’s something more to this cure they created”. No fucking shit, girl. That was obvious the moment they wouldn’t fucking talk about and that ya’ll have no idea what it is. If it’s so revolutionary, people would have heard of it. How many “cures” could they have out at a time?
And that’s just the last in a long line of similar instances. The first of which is the very set-up for the story: that her narcolepsy sets off her friends fire power. That doesn’t make any sense. And even if that was true, wouldn’t they get rid of Hannah? Or at least try to unless Violet turned too volatile without her? That would certainly keep the girls in line.
This problem plagues the book and drags it down. The “shocking” revelations dropped on the oblivious doesn’t do anything since I was itching to get somewhere new, somewhere worthwhile. I was waiting at the finish line waiting for them to catch up. My first response to the ending was “Well fucking duh!”
Even though it brought more action eventually and a climax, the story didn’t really go anywhere. The characters may know more than they did before but I just received confirmation of everything I knew from the get-go. Without something compelling, there’s no point in going forward.
Everything else is just “not bad”. Except the Instalove. Ugh. Hannah swings so much on Jack and it’s all due to their “connection”. They’re drawn to each other. That’s all folks!
I was able to put it down and go without issue. TBH, it was hard picking it back up after I set it down the first time. It became easier as things finally started ramping up. But then again, I was stuck at work with it so it’s not like I had much choice lol.
All I know is the cover was nice enough to give it a shot. Now I hate it, it’s so inaccurate! Hannah is nothing like that physically, pretty sure the dress isn’t right and the gloves aren’t either. She never wears them. And there really isn’t any point to having someone else on the cover.
Rating: It’s alright.
It’s not original and it’s really obvious where things are going most of the time.
Hannah lagging behind and being slow about it all does not help. Like towards the end of the book and she FINALLY thinks “there’s something more to this cure they created”. No fucking shit, girl. That was obvious the moment they wouldn’t fucking talk about and that ya’ll have no idea what it is. If it’s so revolutionary, people would have heard of it. How many “cures” could they have out at a time?
And that’s just the last in a long line of similar instances. The first of which is the very set-up for the story: that her narcolepsy sets off her friends fire power. That doesn’t make any sense. And even if that was true, wouldn’t they get rid of Hannah? Or at least try to unless Violet turned too volatile without her? That would certainly keep the girls in line.
This problem plagues the book and drags it down. The “shocking” revelations dropped on the oblivious doesn’t do anything since I was itching to get somewhere new, somewhere worthwhile. I was waiting at the finish line waiting for them to catch up. My first response to the ending was “Well fucking duh!”
Even though it brought more action eventually and a climax, the story didn’t really go anywhere. The characters may know more than they did before but I just received confirmation of everything I knew from the get-go. Without something compelling, there’s no point in going forward.
Everything else is just “not bad”. Except the Instalove. Ugh. Hannah swings so much on Jack and it’s all due to their “connection”. They’re drawn to each other. That’s all folks!
I was able to put it down and go without issue. TBH, it was hard picking it back up after I set it down the first time. It became easier as things finally started ramping up. But then again, I was stuck at work with it so it’s not like I had much choice lol.
2.5 stars
The Wrong Girl is an interesting read. This is the first in the Freak House Series and there is definitely some promise. I found myself turning the pages hoping to get some answers but unfortunately nothing was really resolved. I think that the length may have hurt. At only 139 pages, it is definitely a quick read but I didn't get a lot of the information I was hoping to have by the end.
Hannah Smith is the companion to Violet Jamieson and due to their afflictions; they have both spent almost their entire lives (15 years) in the attic of Violet’s father’s house. The reasoning is that Hannah has narcoleptic episodes and when they happen, Violet’s fear makes her start fires. One day, while out on one of their walks, Violet and Hannah get caught in the rain and make their way to the groundskeeper’s cabin in the woods. When Hannah steps outside to get wood for the fire, she is grabbed from behind and drugged.
Hannah wakes up in a carriage with a young woman and finds out she is on her way to Frakingham House (Freak House) with the Langley’s who believe her to be Violet. They tell her they don't have anything sinister in mind, they (really Jack) intend to train her to control the fire that sparks from her. Hannah believes that there is something more going on and because she doesn't want to put Violet in danger, she decides not to tell them they have the wrong girl.
I found the story interesting and the characters engaging. Hannah is smart and despite her situation finds herself becoming friends with the people around her. At times I wanted her to fight back more. It seemed like she was awfully accepting of the fact that she wasn't really given any answers but she was supposed to trust these people (who she didn't know). Jack was a solid character and I hope we learn more about him in the next book. Clearly he was drawn to Hannah and wanted to help her but he was pretty closed off. Based on his personality, I would think he would have pushed August to give him more answers.
It’s hard to tell whether August Langley is the bad guy here or not. He definitely knows things and isn't telling and I have a feeling there are definite ulterior motives to him taking in Jack and now Hannah. I’m not sure about Sylvia yet either – I feel like she has a story but we didn't really get much in this book from her except that she likes to shop and is very aware of class and society rules.
I think the most frustrating thing for me with this book is that no questions were ever answered. Hannah still doesn't know how she came to be how she is, who her parents were and how August Langley knew her. Also, who is Violet – is she really Lord Wade’s daughter or just another child from the Society? Why is Jack different from Hannah? Also, who the heck is Tate to Hannah and why is he such a nutjob? See….too many questions left.
Knowing this is a series I will definitely check out the second book because I want to know what happens and I am curious to see where Archer goes with the rest of this story. If you are interested in historical with a bit of paranormal you might enjoy this one.
The Wrong Girl is an interesting read. This is the first in the Freak House Series and there is definitely some promise. I found myself turning the pages hoping to get some answers but unfortunately nothing was really resolved. I think that the length may have hurt. At only 139 pages, it is definitely a quick read but I didn't get a lot of the information I was hoping to have by the end.
Hannah Smith is the companion to Violet Jamieson and due to their afflictions; they have both spent almost their entire lives (15 years) in the attic of Violet’s father’s house. The reasoning is that Hannah has narcoleptic episodes and when they happen, Violet’s fear makes her start fires. One day, while out on one of their walks, Violet and Hannah get caught in the rain and make their way to the groundskeeper’s cabin in the woods. When Hannah steps outside to get wood for the fire, she is grabbed from behind and drugged.
Hannah wakes up in a carriage with a young woman and finds out she is on her way to Frakingham House (Freak House) with the Langley’s who believe her to be Violet. They tell her they don't have anything sinister in mind, they (really Jack) intend to train her to control the fire that sparks from her. Hannah believes that there is something more going on and because she doesn't want to put Violet in danger, she decides not to tell them they have the wrong girl.
I found the story interesting and the characters engaging. Hannah is smart and despite her situation finds herself becoming friends with the people around her. At times I wanted her to fight back more. It seemed like she was awfully accepting of the fact that she wasn't really given any answers but she was supposed to trust these people (who she didn't know). Jack was a solid character and I hope we learn more about him in the next book. Clearly he was drawn to Hannah and wanted to help her but he was pretty closed off. Based on his personality, I would think he would have pushed August to give him more answers.
It’s hard to tell whether August Langley is the bad guy here or not. He definitely knows things and isn't telling and I have a feeling there are definite ulterior motives to him taking in Jack and now Hannah. I’m not sure about Sylvia yet either – I feel like she has a story but we didn't really get much in this book from her except that she likes to shop and is very aware of class and society rules.
I think the most frustrating thing for me with this book is that no questions were ever answered. Hannah still doesn't know how she came to be how she is, who her parents were and how August Langley knew her. Also, who is Violet – is she really Lord Wade’s daughter or just another child from the Society? Why is Jack different from Hannah? Also, who the heck is Tate to Hannah and why is he such a nutjob? See….too many questions left.
Knowing this is a series I will definitely check out the second book because I want to know what happens and I am curious to see where Archer goes with the rest of this story. If you are interested in historical with a bit of paranormal you might enjoy this one.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm usually not a fan of historical novels, I often find them to be both slow and boring somewhat so I never got into any of them. This one however was actually a surprisingly interesting read, loved the mystery aspect of it and the slow burn Romance. It made the book more interesting where I wanted to know what happened next. It didn't even bother me much that it was a slower read. I'm going to have to read the rest because I wanna know what happens! There's still questions that need answers lol
Book: The Wrong Girl (The 1st Freak House Trilogy #1) by C. J. Archer (@authorcjarcher)
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Gothic Thriller
Age: 14+
Quote: “I’d had enough of being told what to do and how to conduct myself. Enough of being told to accept my condition and situation, that I ought to consider myself lucky. I wasn’t lucky. I was a prisoner.”
My Thoughts: I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fantasy. Seriously. I stumbled upon this book by chance and now I’m completely obsessed with how C. J. Archer writes—can’t wait to dive into all of her other stories!
The Wrong Girl is a Gothic romance novel in which the protagonist is the mysterious girl kept out of sight in the attic. Hannah Smith is the narcoleptic companion of Lady Violet, the earl’s odd daughter with a strange affliction of her own. The two girls have spent most of their lives locked away, with only each other’s company and the limited view of the gardens from their small attic window to keep them sane. But when Hannah is kidnapped by the mysterious new gardener and taken to a place known as Freak House, she finds courage within her she didn’t know she possessed. Because the inhabitants of Freak House, which include Jack (her kidnapper, and a powerful fire starter with a shady past), a mad scientist, his somber niece and a mute servant, all believe that Hannah is Lady Violet, the earl’s daughter with a dangerous gift. In order to protect her friend and investigate her new captor’s true motives, Hannah must keep up the charade as long as possible. Because there’s no telling what the residents of Freak House will do when they discover they took the wrong girl. If you like stories that feature the underdog, want a mystery involving mistaken identity, dark pasts, and Gothic allure, THEN THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!
#whynotreadwithalex #thewronggirl #cjarcher #freakhouse #freakhousetrilogy #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #books #reading #getcaughtreading #thriller #gothic #gothicstyle #gothicnovel #paranormal #mystery #kidnapped #feminist #feministbooks #feminism #victorianhouse #attic #girlintheattic #freebooks #applebooks #kindleunlimited #youngadult #fiction
https://www.instagram.com/p/CR_H2LTLD5H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Gothic Thriller
Age: 14+
Quote: “I’d had enough of being told what to do and how to conduct myself. Enough of being told to accept my condition and situation, that I ought to consider myself lucky. I wasn’t lucky. I was a prisoner.”
My Thoughts: I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fantasy. Seriously. I stumbled upon this book by chance and now I’m completely obsessed with how C. J. Archer writes—can’t wait to dive into all of her other stories!
The Wrong Girl is a Gothic romance novel in which the protagonist is the mysterious girl kept out of sight in the attic. Hannah Smith is the narcoleptic companion of Lady Violet, the earl’s odd daughter with a strange affliction of her own. The two girls have spent most of their lives locked away, with only each other’s company and the limited view of the gardens from their small attic window to keep them sane. But when Hannah is kidnapped by the mysterious new gardener and taken to a place known as Freak House, she finds courage within her she didn’t know she possessed. Because the inhabitants of Freak House, which include Jack (her kidnapper, and a powerful fire starter with a shady past), a mad scientist, his somber niece and a mute servant, all believe that Hannah is Lady Violet, the earl’s daughter with a dangerous gift. In order to protect her friend and investigate her new captor’s true motives, Hannah must keep up the charade as long as possible. Because there’s no telling what the residents of Freak House will do when they discover they took the wrong girl. If you like stories that feature the underdog, want a mystery involving mistaken identity, dark pasts, and Gothic allure, THEN THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!
#whynotreadwithalex #thewronggirl #cjarcher #freakhouse #freakhousetrilogy #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #books #reading #getcaughtreading #thriller #gothic #gothicstyle #gothicnovel #paranormal #mystery #kidnapped #feminist #feministbooks #feminism #victorianhouse #attic #girlintheattic #freebooks #applebooks #kindleunlimited #youngadult #fiction
https://www.instagram.com/p/CR_H2LTLD5H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What is it with some authors that they need to portray their female protagoist as being weak to the attraction of a man who just kidnapped them. Snatched from behind, drugged and taken against her will and yet Hannah still goes all googly-eyed at the sight of her attacker. Seriously! It's been a while since I was 18 years old but I'm pretty sure most sensible 18 year olds would be able to restrain themselves from acting on their hormones in a similar situation. I found it very irritation and did stop me enjoying the books as much as I could.
There really is no need for a romance, the story could be told better without. Othe reasons could be used for the affects that occur when Hannah and Jack touch without it needing to be sexual.
Anyway enouhg of what irritated me, the story I enjoyed and I feel it has set up the trilogy nicely. The writing style I found easy to read and the length of the book was perfect.
There really is no need for a romance, the story could be told better without. Othe reasons could be used for the affects that occur when Hannah and Jack touch without it needing to be sexual.
Anyway enouhg of what irritated me, the story I enjoyed and I feel it has set up the trilogy nicely. The writing style I found easy to read and the length of the book was perfect.
Probably more like 2.5.
I didn't care for the first chapter at all, the foreshadowing about Violet being involved in the abduction was heavy handed and I didn't feel much accord between these two girls who are supposed to be the bestest of friends. But I determined to go at least 50 pages and it got better. I didn't mind Hannah trying to navigate her situation and I was genuinely curious what was going on. And I was hoping for a bit of melodrama when truths come out. And I got some of that.
But then after the reveals that she is Hannah and not Violet the story switches gears to the climax involving some thief. I don't think the story did enough to make me care about the thievery. And then the climax involves some guy we'd never seen before and I didn't have much of a reason to care about him at all. It felt more like set-up for future books than a legitimate climax to this one.
Maybe I missed it, but I don't remember ever getting answers about what was in the stolen papers. And, yes, this Tate guy has answers. But I never got invested enough to want to know those answers. Ok, there are some answers I want to know. Like why Violet was locked in the attic and if she was someone unique or just some girl. But about what makes Jack supposedly different than Hannah and how Tate knew them as babes or what August is up to in this? Nope, don't care.
I didn't care for the first chapter at all, the foreshadowing about Violet being involved in the abduction was heavy handed and I didn't feel much accord between these two girls who are supposed to be the bestest of friends. But I determined to go at least 50 pages and it got better. I didn't mind Hannah trying to navigate her situation and I was genuinely curious what was going on. And I was hoping for a bit of melodrama when truths come out. And I got some of that.
But then after the reveals that she is Hannah and not Violet the story switches gears to the climax involving some thief. I don't think the story did enough to make me care about the thievery. And then the climax involves some guy we'd never seen before and I didn't have much of a reason to care about him at all. It felt more like set-up for future books than a legitimate climax to this one.
Maybe I missed it, but I don't remember ever getting answers about what was in the stolen papers. And, yes, this Tate guy has answers. But I never got invested enough to want to know those answers. Ok, there are some answers I want to know. Like why Violet was locked in the attic and if she was someone unique or just some girl. But about what makes Jack supposedly different than Hannah and how Tate knew them as babes or what August is up to in this? Nope, don't care.
It was pretty good. Not really much to comment on. I would continue series, but only because the books are short. The mystery element is not all that strong, but I did enjoy the characters.