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3.2 AVERAGE
3.2 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 Stars
I have seen a lot of backlash towards Andrew Neiderman for ghost writing V.C. Andrew's books. I am well aware that V.C. Andrews passed away years ago and I am not comparing this book to any of hers or her writing, I simply read it and the review below is based on its own merits.
I wouldn't normally read a ghost written V.C. Andrew's but something about the description drew me in and I’m glad it did. This is a slow burn of a story with a twist at the end, part of which I figured out and one that I didn't. This held my attention and curiosity throughout the book and even though they are lengthy each chapter whizzed by as I read more and more until it was done.
The story is well written and engaging, I found it difficult to put down. At times I did find it a little slow going...as it is told first person perspective and the person is eight and nine months for almost half the book...but please persist as it is a good read. There was also a snippet of Book II and I look forward to reading that as well.
Spoiler
Definitely a very different take on an abduction story?? Believable characters well-drawn, including the voice of a child. There's a lot to take in at the end but ultimately it's a satisfying - and unexpected - conclusion.I have rounded up because of the one star ratings by people who haven't read the book. They are certainly entitled to their opinions and reasons why as am I.
Disclosure:
Thank you NetGalley, V.C. Andrews and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.
#NetGalley
dark
tense
medium-paced
It was a bit of a complicated book and I wished for more back story and logic. Andrew's books although are not my favorite are what I palette cleansers because I dont get attached to any characters.
-ARC provided by Simon and Schuster in exchange for honest review-
After her mother's tragic death in a fire, young Saffron finds herself at the gates of a new life with his father. While waiting for the train that will make possible this new start, Saffron father's dissappears and this mysterious lady offers herself as Saffron's caretaker. She takes her to her house. In some moments it feels like the lady was waiting for her to arrive. She buys her new clothes and shoes, cuts her hair in an attempt to get rid of the smells, and memories, of her former life, making no visible efforts to find Saffron's father's whereabouts. The relationship between them is constantly strained. The umbrella lady seems to be losing her patience and the little girl lack of trust is palpable.
The only news the girl receives from his father are these laconic letters of doubtable origin, without a return address, in which he states that he will be back for Saffron once he is established in a new home.
Hours become days, and days become months. Months became years. With a minimum contact with the outside world , homeschooled by the Umbrella Lady, Saffron keeps the faith and trusts that, one day, her father will come to take her with him and to start their delayed new life.
This was a very pleasant reading for me, although deeply emotional. I really liked her literary style, the characters building and how she is able to put you in alert all the time. I fell that something terrible was about to happen the whole time. The tension is building up throughout the book but at the same time is over there, like a crouching animal about to attack very constant and steadfast.
The atmosphere is incredibly suspenseful and the ending, at least for me, completely unexpected
After her mother's tragic death in a fire, young Saffron finds herself at the gates of a new life with his father. While waiting for the train that will make possible this new start, Saffron father's dissappears and this mysterious lady offers herself as Saffron's caretaker. She takes her to her house. In some moments it feels like the lady was waiting for her to arrive. She buys her new clothes and shoes, cuts her hair in an attempt to get rid of the smells, and memories, of her former life, making no visible efforts to find Saffron's father's whereabouts. The relationship between them is constantly strained. The umbrella lady seems to be losing her patience and the little girl lack of trust is palpable.
The only news the girl receives from his father are these laconic letters of doubtable origin, without a return address, in which he states that he will be back for Saffron once he is established in a new home.
Hours become days, and days become months. Months became years. With a minimum contact with the outside world , homeschooled by the Umbrella Lady, Saffron keeps the faith and trusts that, one day, her father will come to take her with him and to start their delayed new life.
This was a very pleasant reading for me, although deeply emotional. I really liked her literary style, the characters building and how she is able to put you in alert all the time. I fell that something terrible was about to happen the whole time. The tension is building up throughout the book but at the same time is over there, like a crouching animal about to attack very constant and steadfast.
The atmosphere is incredibly suspenseful and the ending, at least for me, completely unexpected