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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
It was a short and quick read, but I didn't really get anything out of it. The ending honestly saved this book from being a full on 2 star read. It definitely wasn't what I thought was going to happen and I liked that it wasn't predictable.
I couldn't get into the story. It was boring through out for me. I hated the characters, though I do feel like they weren't meant to be exactly likeable. But like I said, I did enjoy the ending.
⭐⭐⭐💫
UNNATURAL DEEDS by Cyn Balog
Victoria Zell doesn't have friends, but she doesn't care---she has Andrew, her homeschool bf, Andrew. When Zachary Zimmeron shows up, things change. She's acting out, cutting class with him---slowly he's overshadowing Andrew. She cannot get enough of him. As she works to find out more about him and his family, her own secrets and past is revealed.
UNNATURAL DEEDS is a YA mystery/thriller. This book is set up in a way where you don't know who's d*ad as Victoria is telling Andrew what happened (is it her? Z? Andrew himself?)...that's what really kept me hooked. I wanted to know who and why. And of course the whodunit.
I did struggle with this one a bit. It wasn't nearly as well-written as other novels by this author. I don't know how to explain it---I guess I didn't like the snippits at the beginning of the chapters and the way they kept beating around the bush instead of telling me what I wanted to know. Despite that, when everything was revealed, and the explained further, I shed a tear. I was shocked. I know Cyn Balog always serves the most unhinged of twists, but I think this one was the most twisted of all.
UNNATURAL DEEDS by Cyn Balog
Victoria Zell doesn't have friends, but she doesn't care---she has Andrew, her homeschool bf, Andrew. When Zachary Zimmeron shows up, things change. She's acting out, cutting class with him---slowly he's overshadowing Andrew. She cannot get enough of him. As she works to find out more about him and his family, her own secrets and past is revealed.
UNNATURAL DEEDS is a YA mystery/thriller. This book is set up in a way where you don't know who's d*ad as Victoria is telling Andrew what happened (is it her? Z? Andrew himself?)...that's what really kept me hooked. I wanted to know who and why. And of course the whodunit.
I did struggle with this one a bit. It wasn't nearly as well-written as other novels by this author. I don't know how to explain it---I guess I didn't like the snippits at the beginning of the chapters and the way they kept beating around the bush instead of telling me what I wanted to know. Despite that, when everything was revealed, and the explained further, I shed a tear. I was shocked. I know Cyn Balog always serves the most unhinged of twists, but I think this one was the most twisted of all.
Weeeeeeell, this reminded a lot of Gone Girl. I love Vic's character. Seeing her slowly unravel was so thrilling. Yes, I expected a lot more violence but the overall story was still satisfying. Still unsure if the attraction between Z and Vic was real or just imagined.
2.5 stars? It's not bad but it's not great. Pretty quick, easy read.
Could not even make it past chapter 5. I'm so done with the enigmatic boy who the MC obsesses over. The boy who charms the adults while pulling all kinds of stunts behind their backs. And of course it never works out that way for the girl. Just done. I thought I could power through for the big, plot-twist ending, but you know what? I don't care.
Okay so first of all this book was just a huge train wreck (like wtf did I even read?). We’re flung into Vic meeting Z and the man was just a walking red flag. However, Vic doesn’t care. I don’t really blame her because the whole school loves Z. There was this one chapter where the halls were just gloomy and the school was practically dead because Z wasn’t there.
The whole book was a mess waiting to happen and I don’t appreciate the cop out with having.
Overall just a huge disappointment and wouldn’t recommend to anyone.
The whole book was a mess waiting to happen and I don’t appreciate the cop out with having
Spoiler
mental illness explain everything. It cheapens the plot and makes me question Vic‘s parents. Furthermore why is the book implying that Z wanted to change Vic or help her? Z is just as messed upOverall just a huge disappointment and wouldn’t recommend to anyone.
Right from the start you know this is not going to be a happy story and that there is not likely to be a happy ending. As Victoria explains to Andrew what happened when she met Z, she leaves small clues that point to it not ending happily. This story is written as if you are listening to Victoria explain her time with Z to her boyfriend Andrew, as if to justify why she was ever pulled in by him. It’s an intriguing tale that draws a picture of a lopsided relationship with a dangerous end, this book will definitely leave you confused as to what Z actually has planned.
It took me a bit to become interested in this story. I don’t know if it’s because I was only reading a couple pages at a time or if the story just didn’t grab me right away, but I am glad I stuck with it. I was very curious to find out what had happened and the end was a complete surprise for me!
It took me a bit to become interested in this story. I don’t know if it’s because I was only reading a couple pages at a time or if the story just didn’t grab me right away, but I am glad I stuck with it. I was very curious to find out what had happened and the end was a complete surprise for me!
Psst! Guys! You really have to meet ...
... Because in case you didn't know, Z is your sun, your light, your LIFE.
"By the end of that first day without Z, the whole school fell into a general malaise. Students moved through the halls slower and didn't smile as much. Everyone looked doubly hard at Z's desk, as if staring could will him back. He was the sun, and his disappearance had sent us all out of orbit. And so, as the planet closest to him, I felt even more purposeless."
Who is Z, you're asking? Their guru? Their METH DEALER? What - naaaah, he's just that intriguing and oh so mysterious new guy *cough* every YA ever *cough* whom everyone loves because of REASONS.
I kid, I kid. There're reasons.
① He's got such an awesome sense of humor :
"Torture animals?"
I should have known he'd joke around."
O_o
"Friday, as he set up the Bunsen burner, he said, "I wish I had a can of hair spray. I should have warned you that I'm kind of a pyromaniac. (...)
He continued, "Tip : When you're with me, always scope out the nearest fire exit." (...)
"You know that song? 'The Roof Is on Fire'? That's my favorite song. For obvious -"
Oh my God, I'm laughing so hard there. He's just so funny!
② He's just so intense, ya know?
"Oh, there is nothing as intense as the way he looks at you. When he does, it's like you've been touched, maybe not by the hand of God, but by one of God's fingers."
Blah, if that's the fingers then. Small player.
"I looked into his eyes as he repeated, again and again, that it was under control. You know I don't believe in witchcraft or hocus-pocus or junk like that [Twilight, though?] But in that moment, I knew that magic existed. Those eyes could make me believe anything. Anything. The world is flat? OK. Have a bridge for sale? Sign me up."
You, girl, have a problem.
③ He's so respectful of other human beings and, you know, like, so fun to have around because he really cares, see what I mean?
"Instead, Z said, "I'm hungry. Let's get food." I didn't have to agree. It wasn't a question. He was just going to do it, and I suppose if I was against it, I'd have to jump out at a spotlight."
I know what you think - he didn't ask her but SEE! That's where you're wrong about him! He obviously did know before even asking her! How freaking AWESOME is that?!
④ He's so interesting, people can't help but be affected. Because of course.
"Brainy Gerri never wore anything other than the school's regulation pink blouse, buttoned to the very top. Today though, her two top buttons were undone."
TODAY THOUGH.
"Some of the guys had taken to chewing gum."
That is MIND-BLOWING stuff there. I am in AWE of that guy, really.
Honestly? There's just something so appalling in seeing the main character fall head over heels for this imposture. Sure, from the *not so discreet* insinuations we understand that something bad is going to happen (sorry, this is YA thriller : something really really really bad is gonna happen - the badder kind of bad, like, so bad) but what baffles me is the fact that she fell (and the whole school with her) in the FIRST PLACE?! Like HOW? Alright, it tries to do something interesting by twisting the trope of the hot new guy (who is - shocking - actually a creepy dude, BOO!) but how can I feel invested if that's obvious from the start? I mean, Victoria's just so naive? O_o Also, she doesn't like other girls, so, you know, I don't like her. BIM!
► UNBELIEVABLE. BORING. RIDICULOUS.
Oooooops. Better leave then. DNF 37%.
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Victoria has been the new girl in school for a while and most of the students just ignore her. When the newest student arrives and quickly starts to bond with her, she begins to wonder if having a friend at school is a possibility. Unfortunately, she is forced to lie to everyone around her in order to learn more about Z. Now, a person is dead and Victoria wants to tell Andrew what happened.
Unnatural Deeds is a stand-alone mystery told through news articles, police interviews and Victoria’s story. The multiple points of views keep the story fresh and the pages turning. Balog has created a situation that is confusing at the beginning and slowly unravels itself. It isn’t a long book, so readers do not need to commit too much time to discover the truth. A good read that should be considered for everyone’s to read list.
Unnatural Deeds is a stand-alone mystery told through news articles, police interviews and Victoria’s story. The multiple points of views keep the story fresh and the pages turning. Balog has created a situation that is confusing at the beginning and slowly unravels itself. It isn’t a long book, so readers do not need to commit too much time to discover the truth. A good read that should be considered for everyone’s to read list.