You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
Although somewhat slow to start (and, I think, hurt somewhat by the occasional mentions of COVID-19, though that might just be a 'me' thing), The Ivies was a quick read with twists, turns, and relevant commentaries on privilege and wealth that kept me turning the pages until well into the night.
The ending was a real letdown, however. Our protagonist doesn't go through any real growth or learn any lessons—she starts the story an outsider so desperate to belong that she'll disguise her personality and attach herself to those who clearly don't care for her, and she ends it that way, too, without ever coming into her own. Furthermore, the resolution of the murder mystery was unsatisfying compared to what it could have been. We're presented with an array of red herrings and potential killers (a blackmailed adviser or a furious university reject, both with means and motives), only to be told that it was actually... the victim's boyfriend, who did it to gain an edge in his college admissions essay by writing about her murder. I understand the point the author was trying to make about his entitlement, but the weak motivation and aftermath just left me cold.
The ending was a real letdown, however. Our protagonist doesn't go through any real growth or learn any lessons—she starts the story an outsider so desperate to belong that she'll disguise her personality and attach herself to those who clearly don't care for her, and she ends it that way, too, without ever coming into her own. Furthermore, the resolution of the murder mystery was unsatisfying compared to what it could have been. We're presented with an array of red herrings and potential killers (a blackmailed adviser or a furious university reject, both with means and motives), only to be told that it was actually... the victim's boyfriend, who did it to gain an edge in his college admissions essay by writing about her murder. I understand the point the author was trying to make about his entitlement, but the weak motivation and aftermath just left me cold.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
fast-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
I've never seen any body mention this book before I picked it up in book shop, but honestly such a good book, with so many plot twist that I didn't see coming it was an amazing read.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
it started off super strong but tapered off towards the end for sure
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rating: 4.5 stars.
An intricate murder plot involving a group of girls who protect themselves with the secrets they've manipulated. These girls are the Ivies.
Truly captivating read, the characters could be real with their life-like attitudes and I think that's where the true darkness seeps in.
I felt like Avery would be Heather if this was 1988 and the movie was 'Heathers'. The plot was woven like notes on a cork board in the FBI office. It was fascinating to sleuth through the story. Really a captivating read.
An intricate murder plot involving a group of girls who protect themselves with the secrets they've manipulated. These girls are the Ivies.
Truly captivating read, the characters could be real with their life-like attitudes and I think that's where the true darkness seeps in.
I felt like Avery would be Heather if this was 1988 and the movie was 'Heathers'. The plot was woven like notes on a cork board in the FBI office. It was fascinating to sleuth through the story. Really a captivating read.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was an AWESOME book -- perfect for anyone who liked A Good Girl's Guide To Murder, Truly Devious, and/or One Of Us Is Lying -- I clearly cannot get enough of the YA murder books.
Prep school + conniving teenagers + murder + rich kids vs. poor kid + a cute crush + red herrings galore + a smart feminist protagonist --- this was SO enjoyable.
* thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Crown Publishing for the eARC for review.
Pub date: 5/25/21
Prep school + conniving teenagers + murder + rich kids vs. poor kid + a cute crush + red herrings galore + a smart feminist protagonist --- this was SO enjoyable.
* thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Crown Publishing for the eARC for review.
Pub date: 5/25/21