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eli_cart's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
adia_vannfrolo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
boygeniussy's review
adventurous
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
They placed this book in the "queer romance" section at my store, and I didn’t realize that was by mistake until the last two chapters.
sunshine1183's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book by Zoe and Amy. The back and forth perspectives from Audrey and Ivy kept the pace moving well. I felt engaged with the characters and thought the suspense built at just the right pace while leaving me guessing and wanting more. If you are a fan of YA or Mysteries I think you will really enjoy this book as I did!
ineslts's review against another edition
5.0
Alright, first of all I have to admit that there was a second there, near the end, when I thought this was a great book that was going to leave me lacking in the end. I was thankfully wrong.
Seems pretty simple at the start and it gives you clues all the way through if you're paying attention! Wonderful and intriguing read, I already have the next one on the way.
I really don't think there's anything I can say that won't be even a bit of a spoiler, so...
Remember now... Don't cross the magpies.
Seems pretty simple at the start and it gives you clues all the way through if you're paying attention! Wonderful and intriguing read, I already have the next one on the way.
I really don't think there's anything I can say that won't be even a bit of a spoiler, so...
Remember now... Don't cross the magpies.
michellepage92's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
It’s a good YA mystery. A teenage would definitely enjoy this story. The book was engaging and the plot is nicely thought through.
teeny_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.0
This has been on my TBR for the longestttttt time, so I'm glad I finally got round to it!
I really enjoyed the vibe of this book it felt very, teenage detective drama, sort of Good Girls Guide To Murder type style. It made me think teen drama and mystery in a magicless hogwarts with secret societies.
Really enjoyed the writing style of the book and the lay out, it was super easy to read and good enough that you kept reading.
My only issue was that it felt like it kept building building building but didn't really go anywhere, so I'm glad there's a 2nd book to read and hopefully I'll get the answers I need!
I really enjoyed the vibe of this book it felt very, teenage detective drama, sort of Good Girls Guide To Murder type style. It made me think teen drama and mystery in a magicless hogwarts with secret societies.
Really enjoyed the writing style of the book and the lay out, it was super easy to read and good enough that you kept reading.
My only issue was that it felt like it kept building building building but didn't really go anywhere, so I'm glad there's a 2nd book to read and hopefully I'll get the answers I need!
yazpike's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.75
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
It's quite a miracle that I didn't end up reading this book BEFORE the buddy read with the Book Box Club girls started. The moment I unwrapped the book I already felt the need to read it, especially since every Amy McCulloch book I've read so far has been quite entertaining and enjoyable. However, I tested my patience and like a good girl I waited for this week to start reading. But once one member of the club raced ahead and finished today, I knew I wanted to follow.
I'm in my thirties right now, but I've grown up with the boarding school books my mom gave me. And this book totally reminded me what I enjoyed so much about them. It already started with the school itself and the atmosphere. It was quite clear that this boarding school is for the elite, for the rich and wealthy. We get detailed, and yet never boring, descriptions of what sounds like a huge castle, with all the secret nooks and hiding places I'd dreamed would be there.
On top of that the book finds a really nice balance between the murder mystery, the who's behind the podcast mystery and the day-to-day drama so typical for teenage girls. Through the eyes of Audrey, the new American girl, and Ivy, the perfect scholarship student, we not only experience the search for answers, but we also see their personalities clash, with each other and with others. Although, the book never just pits girls against girls. At some really crucial moments, the book picks girl-bonding over fights and bullying. It made the story both realistic and inspiring.
It also helps that Audrey and Ivy are two really different girls. Audrey is in every way the typical rich American girl and therefore always feels a little out of a place. Ivy however is a total overachiever, determined to protect the school and everything she has worked for. Both are far from perfect. They have their flaws, they make mistakes and therefore they also feel quite realistic. Maybe they're not the easiest to really like, but especially once they find each other I couldn't help rooting for them.
But, after that finale and after that cliffhanger? I need the second book like...NOW!
I'm in my thirties right now, but I've grown up with the boarding school books my mom gave me. And this book totally reminded me what I enjoyed so much about them. It already started with the school itself and the atmosphere. It was quite clear that this boarding school is for the elite, for the rich and wealthy. We get detailed, and yet never boring, descriptions of what sounds like a huge castle, with all the secret nooks and hiding places I'd dreamed would be there.
On top of that the book finds a really nice balance between the murder mystery, the who's behind the podcast mystery and the day-to-day drama so typical for teenage girls. Through the eyes of Audrey, the new American girl, and Ivy, the perfect scholarship student, we not only experience the search for answers, but we also see their personalities clash, with each other and with others. Although, the book never just pits girls against girls. At some really crucial moments, the book picks girl-bonding over fights and bullying. It made the story both realistic and inspiring.
It also helps that Audrey and Ivy are two really different girls. Audrey is in every way the typical rich American girl and therefore always feels a little out of a place. Ivy however is a total overachiever, determined to protect the school and everything she has worked for. Both are far from perfect. They have their flaws, they make mistakes and therefore they also feel quite realistic. Maybe they're not the easiest to really like, but especially once they find each other I couldn't help rooting for them.
But, after that finale and after that cliffhanger? I need the second book like...NOW!
cladis's review against another edition
5.0
I can’t believe I’ll have to wait until the writer release the second book. I’d like to kill her and kiss her at the same time!!!