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_angelamarie27's review
5.0
This is probably my favorite of Savage's books and if you love dark YA, In Her Skin is definitely for you. I'm not sure what I loved most about the book because everything was so well done. The characters were developed and I loved the dynamic between Jo and Temple. The plot was dark, twisting, and manipulative in the best way possible, making you fly through the pages to find out what happens next (Seriously, it usually takes me about a month to read a book and I read this in three days). Also, if you're local to Boston the setting is a bonus that will help you immerse yourself even more in this great book.
So if you're into young adult books with wild (and dark) plot twists that will absolutely blow your brains out, then I definitely recommed In Her Skin!
Side note: I loved her other novels too, this is just my favorite.
So if you're into young adult books with wild (and dark) plot twists that will absolutely blow your brains out, then I definitely recommed In Her Skin!
Side note: I loved her other novels too, this is just my favorite.
jess_mango's review
4.0
In Her Skin is a creepy teen thriller set in Boston. Though the main characters are 16 year old girls this is definitely a book that could be enjoyed by adults as well. Our narrator is Jolene Chastain, a Florida native who took a bus to Boston after her mother died. Jo has been homeless living in Tent City waiting for her next con. When she sees an obviously well-off girl at the library, Jo sees a potential chance to better her own circumstances.
There are lots of Boston references in this one: Boston Public Library, Steinert Hall, Public Gardens, the Christian Science Center's Mapparium and more. my one issue with the Boston references was the family's address of 999 Commonwealth Ave. 999 is a commercial/office building at Boston University's West Campus, it's definitely not a swanky brownstone. ( Sorry, BU nerd here. I spent a lot of time on that stretch of Comm Ave. ) From the descriptions, the family definitely lives closer to the start of Comm Ave down by the Public Garden and Arlington St.
I received this book in a book gift exchange at my book club's holiday party a couple of years ago and I am glad that I finally got to read it.
There are lots of Boston references in this one: Boston Public Library, Steinert Hall, Public Gardens, the Christian Science Center's Mapparium and more. my one issue with the Boston references was the family's address of 999 Commonwealth Ave. 999 is a commercial/office building at Boston University's West Campus, it's definitely not a swanky brownstone. ( Sorry, BU nerd here. I spent a lot of time on that stretch of Comm Ave. ) From the descriptions, the family definitely lives closer to the start of Comm Ave down by the Public Garden and Arlington St.
I received this book in a book gift exchange at my book club's holiday party a couple of years ago and I am glad that I finally got to read it.
abbyreads2's review
3.0
It was decent. Maybe this type of books are just not my style. I liked the way it was written though it was quite confusing at times. I was confused a lot really. I expected something big and there wasn't anything. The only suspense was whether she would get away or not for me. I had already known what had happened to Vivi like the minute the family went to the police station.
jpetal's review
3.0
quick, enjoyable read. i liked the author’s writing style quite a bit. the ‘twist’ was a bit predictable to me though, and the ending seemed to unfold very quickly, even in comparison to the rest of the story.
nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
What a twisty ride this book was! Kim Savage knows how to take you on a journey with her books—and you’re not always sure you’re going to end up somewhere pretty. That was definitely the case with this one.
What Fed My Addiction:
Life hijack. I don’t know what it is, but I’m always fascinated by stories where the main character takes over someone else’s life. In this case, Jo sees an opportunity to pretend to be Vivienne, a girl who was kidnapped from an affluent family years ago. Since Vivi’s parents died, Jo thinks she can convince their close friends to believe that she’s Vivienne and that she’s escaped from her kidnapper after years of being hidden away.
Not so smart plan. Jo isn’t nearly as smart as she thinks she is, and things start to go wrong pretty early on. Sometimes it might bother me to have a main character who thinks she’s smarter than she really is, but I felt like it worked in this story. You sort of saw the whole world unraveling around Jo, and you couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for her, even though she brought it all on herself.
Sad background. Jo isn’t exactly a likable character, but like I said, I still felt sorry for her. She’d been through a lot in her life, and I was genuinely hoping she’d find some sort of happy ending.
Interesting POV. The book was told with an interesting mix of first and second person POV. Jo is essentially telling the story to Temple Lovecraft, her new “sister,” in her head. (She refers to Temple as “you” throughout the book.) Again, this is one of those things that might work well or might fall flat. I ended up liking it.
Super quick read. This book is made up of three parts, and the game gets changed in each of them. That keeps you flipping the pages, and I flew through the book (which is a big plus for me lately, since I’ve felt a little stuck in my reading).
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Predicted some of the twists. I figured out what was going on with the Lovecrafts pretty early on—or, at least, I had a pretty good idea. I was still a bit shocked to find out the details, but I wasn’t all that surprised at the actual reveal. After that point, I did find some of the Lovecrafts actions and plans surprising, though. And part of the ending was surprising, as well as sort of sad.
Pacing in the middle. There was a point, after the big reveal and before Jo realizes that she’s in a desperate situation, that things lagged a little. But this was pretty minor. Like I said, I flew through the book.
Overall, I’d say this was a creepy and enjoyable read. If you like twisty stories that get a little dark, this one will be perfect for you! 4/5 Stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Rock Star Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
What a twisty ride this book was! Kim Savage knows how to take you on a journey with her books—and you’re not always sure you’re going to end up somewhere pretty. That was definitely the case with this one.
What Fed My Addiction:
Life hijack. I don’t know what it is, but I’m always fascinated by stories where the main character takes over someone else’s life. In this case, Jo sees an opportunity to pretend to be Vivienne, a girl who was kidnapped from an affluent family years ago. Since Vivi’s parents died, Jo thinks she can convince their close friends to believe that she’s Vivienne and that she’s escaped from her kidnapper after years of being hidden away.
Not so smart plan. Jo isn’t nearly as smart as she thinks she is, and things start to go wrong pretty early on. Sometimes it might bother me to have a main character who thinks she’s smarter than she really is, but I felt like it worked in this story. You sort of saw the whole world unraveling around Jo, and you couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for her, even though she brought it all on herself.
Sad background. Jo isn’t exactly a likable character, but like I said, I still felt sorry for her. She’d been through a lot in her life, and I was genuinely hoping she’d find some sort of happy ending.
Interesting POV. The book was told with an interesting mix of first and second person POV. Jo is essentially telling the story to Temple Lovecraft, her new “sister,” in her head. (She refers to Temple as “you” throughout the book.) Again, this is one of those things that might work well or might fall flat. I ended up liking it.
Super quick read. This book is made up of three parts, and the game gets changed in each of them. That keeps you flipping the pages, and I flew through the book (which is a big plus for me lately, since I’ve felt a little stuck in my reading).
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Predicted some of the twists. I figured out what was going on with the Lovecrafts pretty early on—or, at least, I had a pretty good idea. I was still a bit shocked to find out the details, but I wasn’t all that surprised at the actual reveal. After that point, I did find some of the Lovecrafts actions and plans surprising, though. And part of the ending was surprising, as well as sort of sad.
Pacing in the middle. There was a point, after the big reveal and before Jo realizes that she’s in a desperate situation, that things lagged a little. But this was pretty minor. Like I said, I flew through the book.
Overall, I’d say this was a creepy and enjoyable read. If you like twisty stories that get a little dark, this one will be perfect for you! 4/5 Stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Rock Star Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
silly_goosie's review
3.0
3.5 stars
Definitely a book without boring parts! I loved the perspective which, for me, added to the ‘darkness’ of it all.
Personally I felt as though the plot twist came too early in the book, or that it didn’t have proper build up. And I think the story could have gone darker. But there were definitely some “ooh!!” and “what??!” moments!
Also: I wish we got to know a bit more about Wolf, but I suppose the mystery aspect was part of the charm.
Definitely a book without boring parts! I loved the perspective which, for me, added to the ‘darkness’ of it all.
Personally I felt as though the plot twist came too early in the book, or that it didn’t have proper build up. And I think the story could have gone darker. But there were definitely some “ooh!!” and “what??!” moments!
Also: I wish we got to know a bit more about Wolf, but I suppose the mystery aspect was part of the charm.
erinld2005's review
5.0
Thank you to Farrar, Straus, and Giroux for provding a free copy of In Her Skin By: Kim Savage in exchange for an honest review.
http://angelerin.blogspot.com/2018/02/beautiful-broken-girls-and-in-her-skin.html
Omg, I loved In Her Skin! This is my favorite Kim Savage book so far. Everything about this book is so well done. The story, the characters (Especially Jo and Temple), the writing, and THAT ENDING! The entire book is fast-paced and the pages just flew by as I raced to the end to see what would happen. I definitely recommend this one if you like dark and twisted novels like I do. I have to say I was not expecting In Her Skin to be so disturbing (Um, all of the characters are a bit creepy lol!), but I am certainly not disappointed! I highly recommend giving this one a read if you are looking for a gripping novel that is a bit sinister. If you liked After the Woods then you HAVE to read this one also. I can NOT wait for the next novel by Kim Savage.
#DisturbingGrippingCreepy
http://angelerin.blogspot.com/2018/02/beautiful-broken-girls-and-in-her-skin.html
Omg, I loved In Her Skin! This is my favorite Kim Savage book so far. Everything about this book is so well done. The story, the characters (Especially Jo and Temple), the writing, and THAT ENDING! The entire book is fast-paced and the pages just flew by as I raced to the end to see what would happen. I definitely recommend this one if you like dark and twisted novels like I do. I have to say I was not expecting In Her Skin to be so disturbing (Um, all of the characters are a bit creepy lol!), but I am certainly not disappointed! I highly recommend giving this one a read if you are looking for a gripping novel that is a bit sinister. If you liked After the Woods then you HAVE to read this one also. I can NOT wait for the next novel by Kim Savage.
#DisturbingGrippingCreepy
kikiwest's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sarahlopod's review
4.0
This review can also be found on my blog.
cw: domestic abuse, self-harm
The only people who talk about dead like it’s something pretty and fanciful are people who haven’t seen it up close.
I’ll admit that although I found the premise somewhat interesting, most of the reason I picked up this one was because it took place in Boston. That aspect was really fun, since I recognized most of the places mentioned and could really imagine myself there. The writing itself was interesting, too. It was a mixture of first and second person and worked really well for the story. Kim Savage ended up keeping me on my toes and I absolutely inhaled the last half or so in one sitting. My only complaint was that it felt kind of queerbait-y and I ended up pretty frustrated by that.
cw: domestic abuse, self-harm
The only people who talk about dead like it’s something pretty and fanciful are people who haven’t seen it up close.
I’ll admit that although I found the premise somewhat interesting, most of the reason I picked up this one was because it took place in Boston. That aspect was really fun, since I recognized most of the places mentioned and could really imagine myself there. The writing itself was interesting, too. It was a mixture of first and second person and worked really well for the story. Kim Savage ended up keeping me on my toes and I absolutely inhaled the last half or so in one sitting. My only complaint was that it felt kind of queerbait-y and I ended up pretty frustrated by that.