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pey333's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Homophobia, Death of parent, Suicide, Fire/Fire injury, and Car accident
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Stalking
dundiesbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.5
Obwohl es nicht ganz mein Genre ist, hat mir die Geschichte größtenteils gefallen. Vor allem, weil die Charaktere das Herz des ganzen bilden und real und nachvollziehbar wirken. Genau die richtige Mischung aus Herz mystery und minimalem Gruselfaktor. Ich mochte die Stimmen, obwohl die beiden Mädels recht ähnlich klangen und ich manchmal nicht sicher war, welche Person gerade erzählt. Ansonsten fand ich die verschiedenen Blickwinkel gut. + + + SPOILER + + +Nur der vom Raum hat nicht wirklich viel beigetragen und die super kurzen Abschnitte haben manchmal eher verwirrt. + + + SPOILER ENDE + + +
Ich würde gerne eine spin-off story von Layla und Mira hören, die keine Horrorelemente beinhaltet.
Ich würde gerne eine spin-off story von Layla und Mira hören, die keine Horrorelemente beinhaltet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, and Death
Moderate: Blood, Homophobia, Car accident, Body horror, Mental illness, Suicide, Religious bigotry, and Biphobia
kayladaila's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, Death, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Stalking, Panic attacks/disorders, Lesbophobia, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, and Biphobia
mari1532's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I would like to thank Netgalley and RB Media for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I first heard about this book on Instagram and after reading the synopsis and a few reviews I was desperate to get my hands on a copy of this book.
Synopsis: Mira and Layla are best friends and high school seniors taking a road trip for spring break to check out the colleges to which they have applied. Visiting New York, and Nashville, they are headed to Chicago before returning home.
Mira's motivation for the trip is to help Layla make an impression with her dream university which has waitlisted her for their photography program while in Chicago.
Layla's goal is to get Mira out of the house and perhaps take her mind off her grief.
However, fate has different plans for Mira and Layla. When their car breaks down just outside the little town in Indiana they are forced to stay at the Wildwood Motel while Mira's car is repaired. When strange things start to happen to Mira the girls must solve the mystery of what is happening with the help of another hotel guest and a few hotel employees. As Mira and Layla begin to unravel the menacing history of Room 9 it might already be too late.
Thoughts: The last hour of this book was insane in the best possible way for a book with a mystery component. I sat with my mouth agape as the plot unfolded and I can honestly say that until events unfolded I had no idea what was coming.
This book is a bit of a slow burn with regard to the resolution of the mystery, but it did not feel as if the plot was dragging along to the resolution. The dual viewpoints of Layla and Mira's experiences really held my attention. I also really liked how Metoui was able to weave typical teenage worries with, the experience of being children of immigrant parents, and the struggles of coming into one's own. Layla and Mira felt three-dimensional and were well-constructed characters that you were rooting for throughout the book. It was also really great how in the audiobook they were each given their own voice actor. Both of whom really brought the characters to life.
If you enjoy suspense-filled, mystery books with teenage angst and a friends-to-lovers story arch I highly recommend this book.
I first heard about this book on Instagram and after reading the synopsis and a few reviews I was desperate to get my hands on a copy of this book.
Synopsis: Mira and Layla are best friends and high school seniors taking a road trip for spring break to check out the colleges to which they have applied. Visiting New York, and Nashville, they are headed to Chicago before returning home.
Mira's motivation for the trip is to help Layla make an impression with her dream university which has waitlisted her for their photography program while in Chicago.
Layla's goal is to get Mira out of the house and perhaps take her mind off her grief.
However, fate has different plans for Mira and Layla. When their car breaks down just outside the little town in Indiana they are forced to stay at the Wildwood Motel while Mira's car is repaired. When strange things start to happen to Mira the girls must solve the mystery of what is happening with the help of another hotel guest and a few hotel employees. As Mira and Layla begin to unravel the menacing history of Room 9 it might already be too late.
Thoughts: The last hour of this book was insane in the best possible way for a book with a mystery component. I sat with my mouth agape as the plot unfolded and I can honestly say that until events unfolded I had no idea what was coming.
This book is a bit of a slow burn with regard to the resolution of the mystery, but it did not feel as if the plot was dragging along to the resolution. The dual viewpoints of Layla and Mira's experiences really held my attention. I also really liked how Metoui was able to weave typical teenage worries with, the experience of being children of immigrant parents, and the struggles of coming into one's own. Layla and Mira felt three-dimensional and were well-constructed characters that you were rooting for throughout the book. It was also really great how in the audiobook they were each given their own voice actor. Both of whom really brought the characters to life.
If you enjoy suspense-filled, mystery books with teenage angst and a friends-to-lovers story arch I highly recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Grief, Child death, and Death of parent
goatsinspace's review against another edition
2.75
This is an intriguing horror mystery that weaves together elements of the paranormal, grief, and friendship in a captivating young adult book. Set during a college tour road trip, the story follows two Arab-American best friends, Mira and Layla, as they find themselves stranded at an eerie motel in Indiana. Mira senses something amiss in Room 9, haunted by nightmares of her deceased brother. On the other hand, Layla, preoccupied with her feelings for Mira, doesn't notice anything suspicious. As they uncover the motel's dark history and learn about the deaths that occurred in that exact room, Mira becomes increasingly at risk of becoming the next victim.
One of the strengths of the book is its portrayal of the complexities faced by Arab American teens with immigrant parents. The insight into their struggle to hold onto traditions in a foreign land while feeling disconnected from their mother country resonates deeply. The exploration of grief, stemming from the loss of a sibling and a parent, adds emotional depth to the narrative, although it may be challenging for some readers. It certainly was for me.
The use of black and white photos in the story enhances the eerie atmosphere and brings an artistic element to the book. The small-town setting contributes to the overall creep factor, adding to the mystery and suspense. It's important to note that A Guide to the Dark delves into darker themes and doesn't offer a happy ending. The horror elements and emotional depth make this a compelling yet unsettling read.
Overall, a thought-provoking and captivating tale that combines elements of ghostly mystery, horror, and coming-of-age struggles. It's a tough yet rewarding read that offers unique perspectives and leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
One of the strengths of the book is its portrayal of the complexities faced by Arab American teens with immigrant parents. The insight into their struggle to hold onto traditions in a foreign land while feeling disconnected from their mother country resonates deeply. The exploration of grief, stemming from the loss of a sibling and a parent, adds emotional depth to the narrative, although it may be challenging for some readers. It certainly was for me.
The use of black and white photos in the story enhances the eerie atmosphere and brings an artistic element to the book. The small-town setting contributes to the overall creep factor, adding to the mystery and suspense. It's important to note that A Guide to the Dark delves into darker themes and doesn't offer a happy ending. The horror elements and emotional depth make this a compelling yet unsettling read.
Overall, a thought-provoking and captivating tale that combines elements of ghostly mystery, horror, and coming-of-age struggles. It's a tough yet rewarding read that offers unique perspectives and leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death of parent and Child death
Minor: Car accident and Abandonment
Drowning
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