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The Killing Jar
“I try not to think about it, what I did to that boy.”
Seventeen-year-old Kenna Marsden has a secret.
She’s haunted by a violent tragedy she can’t explain. Kenna’s past has kept people—even her own mother—at a distance for years. Just when she finds a friend who loves her and life begins to improve, she’s plunged into a new nightmare. Her mom and twin sister are attacked, and the dark powers Kenna has struggled to suppress awaken with a vengeance.
On the heels of the assault, Kenna is exiled to a nearby commune, known as Eclipse, to live with a relative she never knew she had. There, she discovers an extraordinary new way of life as she learns who she really is, and the wonders she’s capable of. For the first time, she starts to feel like she belongs somewhere. That her terrible secret makes her beautiful and strong, not dangerous. But the longer she stays at Eclipse, the more she senses there is something malignant lurking underneath it all. And she begins to suspect that her new family has sinister plans for her…
Seventeen-year-old Kenna Marsden has a secret.
She’s haunted by a violent tragedy she can’t explain. Kenna’s past has kept people—even her own mother—at a distance for years. Just when she finds a friend who loves her and life begins to improve, she’s plunged into a new nightmare. Her mom and twin sister are attacked, and the dark powers Kenna has struggled to suppress awaken with a vengeance.
On the heels of the assault, Kenna is exiled to a nearby commune, known as Eclipse, to live with a relative she never knew she had. There, she discovers an extraordinary new way of life as she learns who she really is, and the wonders she’s capable of. For the first time, she starts to feel like she belongs somewhere. That her terrible secret makes her beautiful and strong, not dangerous. But the longer she stays at Eclipse, the more she senses there is something malignant lurking underneath it all. And she begins to suspect that her new family has sinister plans for her…
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 12, 2016
26 people are currently reading
3458 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bosworth
9 books625 followersAuthor and screenwriter, Jennifer Bosworth, grew up in a small town where there was nothing to do but read and get into trouble. She did plenty of both, which led her to a career writing about people who get into trouble. Jennifer and her husband recently escaped from Los Angeles and are now hiding out in Portland, Oregon with a couple of long-legged dogs. In her spare time she can be found watching horror movies and dreaming of starting her own hippie commune, where there will be many goats. Learn more about her and view her short films at jenniferbosworth.com or just Google her and see what happens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
November 17, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication Date: January 12, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
“I try not to think about it, what I did to that boy.”
Seventeen-year-old Kenna Marsden has a secret.
She’s haunted by a violent tragedy she can’t explain. Kenna’s past has kept people—even her own mother—at a distance for years. Just when she finds a friend who loves her and life begins to improve, she’s plunged into a new nightmare. Her mom and twin sister are attacked, and the dark powers Kenna has struggled to suppress awaken with a vengeance.
On the heels of the assault, Kenna is exiled to a nearby commune, known as Eclipse, to live with a relative she never knew she had. There, she discovers an extraordinary new way of life as she learns who she really is, and the wonders she’s capable of. For the first time, she starts to feel like she belongs somewhere. That her terrible secret makes her beautiful and strong, not dangerous. But the longer she stays at Eclipse, the more she senses there is something malignant lurking underneath it all. And she begins to suspect that her new family has sinister plans for her…
What I Liked:
That first line of the synopsis is the first line of this book. Creepy, no? It gave me chills! What a way to set the tone, which Bosworth definitely did. This book was intriguing, twisted, and very, very creepy. I still have chills!
Kenna has an ability that no one knows about, except her mother. Not even her twin sister Erin knows about what Kenna can do. It's dangerous, and powerful, and addictive, and Kenna can't control it. One day, Kenna's power manifests in a terrifying and obvious way, and her mother takes her far away from prying eyes into Eclipse, a commune of people in the mountains nearby. It seems like a cult at first, but Kenna flourishes in the new paradise, and begins to see her curse as a gift. But is the paradise really a paradise? How will Kenna choose where to stay?
To be honest, I didn't closely read the synopsis of this book, so I pretty much went in blind. It's been YEARS since I read Struck, and I've had this book added to my TBR since March 2013. So when I saw it available for review, I didn't think twice - I requested a review copy, never mind what the book was actually about. As it would turn out, this book is a creepy paranormal normals that had me in chills from the start.
Kenna has always known that she is different. She did something awful when she was ten, and since then, she's been trying to keep things under control. At Escape, everyone is like her. She learns to control her ability, and to nurture and use it. She's never felt so happy or accepted. But she knows, underneath everything, that something is very wrong. I liked Kenna - she isn't timid or afraid, likely because she's spent her lifetime guarding herself, putting up her armor.
The secondary characters are really well-written as well; Kenna's mother has been hiding Kenna's ability, and it has to do with something in her mother's past. Erin, Kenna's twin sister, has been sick by unknown causes since she was born. Every little bump or fall could break bones. Erin is happy and sunshine-y to Kenna's sullen and sober nature. Then there is Blake, Kenna's neighbor and adorable best friend. He's sweet and kind and confident but not arrogant or alpha-male-y.
Then there are those at Eclipse - Rebekah, the leader; Cyrus, the handsome hippie cowboy/Southern boy. Joanna, who seems to hate Kenna from the start. Everyone welcomes Kenna into Eclipse, but the truth about everything starts to knock on Kenna's door, and from an unexpected source.
The paranormal aspect of this book is twisted and intriguing, but mostly twisted. I don't want to state things specifically, especially since I've been skirting around Kenna's ability (on purpose), but woah. I definitely got a cult vibe, even from the start, when Kenna was swept up by the paradise of it all. Cool place, but... eerie.
Quite possibly one of my favorite things about this books is how QUICKLY I read it. I could believe I was a fourth into the book, halfway through the book, three-fourth finished... then it was over. This book captivated me, had my full attention. This hasn't happened in a while! And by now means is it a tiny book!
The ending is probably everything I expected and hoped for, with the exception of one thing (and I'll get to that below). I am (overall) pleased with the ending, especially for a standalone novel. Bosworth has really told an engrossing and fascinating story about a cult-like group and the paranormal!
What I Did Not Like:
There is an aspect of the ending that I thought would make an appearance, but didn't. I expected what Kenna did when she was ten to come back in the end, in some way. Like, that would come full circle, like an absolution sort of thing, or SOMETHING. I expected that event to circle back somehow. So I was slightly disappointed when it wasn't even mentioned, in the climax or ending. But I suppose that's okay!
Would I Recommend It:
If you like creepy paranormal novels, I highly recommend this one. It's definitely not for everyone (I don't usually read books with a cult aspect, but I didn't even read the synopsis to know about that aspect), and I will say that the romance isn't as *there* as I would have liked (you have to read the book to know what I mean). But still, the book was a very good read, and I'm glad I gave it a shot, after all these years.
Rating:
3.5 stars -> rounded up to 4 stars. I liked this one more than I liked Struck! I can't get over how creepy it was, how I got chills from reading it. It's not SCARY, but it's creepy (if you catch the difference). Worth the read, especially given how fast it reads!
The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication Date: January 12, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
“I try not to think about it, what I did to that boy.”
Seventeen-year-old Kenna Marsden has a secret.
She’s haunted by a violent tragedy she can’t explain. Kenna’s past has kept people—even her own mother—at a distance for years. Just when she finds a friend who loves her and life begins to improve, she’s plunged into a new nightmare. Her mom and twin sister are attacked, and the dark powers Kenna has struggled to suppress awaken with a vengeance.
On the heels of the assault, Kenna is exiled to a nearby commune, known as Eclipse, to live with a relative she never knew she had. There, she discovers an extraordinary new way of life as she learns who she really is, and the wonders she’s capable of. For the first time, she starts to feel like she belongs somewhere. That her terrible secret makes her beautiful and strong, not dangerous. But the longer she stays at Eclipse, the more she senses there is something malignant lurking underneath it all. And she begins to suspect that her new family has sinister plans for her…
What I Liked:
That first line of the synopsis is the first line of this book. Creepy, no? It gave me chills! What a way to set the tone, which Bosworth definitely did. This book was intriguing, twisted, and very, very creepy. I still have chills!
Kenna has an ability that no one knows about, except her mother. Not even her twin sister Erin knows about what Kenna can do. It's dangerous, and powerful, and addictive, and Kenna can't control it. One day, Kenna's power manifests in a terrifying and obvious way, and her mother takes her far away from prying eyes into Eclipse, a commune of people in the mountains nearby. It seems like a cult at first, but Kenna flourishes in the new paradise, and begins to see her curse as a gift. But is the paradise really a paradise? How will Kenna choose where to stay?
To be honest, I didn't closely read the synopsis of this book, so I pretty much went in blind. It's been YEARS since I read Struck, and I've had this book added to my TBR since March 2013. So when I saw it available for review, I didn't think twice - I requested a review copy, never mind what the book was actually about. As it would turn out, this book is a creepy paranormal normals that had me in chills from the start.
Kenna has always known that she is different. She did something awful when she was ten, and since then, she's been trying to keep things under control. At Escape, everyone is like her. She learns to control her ability, and to nurture and use it. She's never felt so happy or accepted. But she knows, underneath everything, that something is very wrong. I liked Kenna - she isn't timid or afraid, likely because she's spent her lifetime guarding herself, putting up her armor.
The secondary characters are really well-written as well; Kenna's mother has been hiding Kenna's ability, and it has to do with something in her mother's past. Erin, Kenna's twin sister, has been sick by unknown causes since she was born. Every little bump or fall could break bones. Erin is happy and sunshine-y to Kenna's sullen and sober nature. Then there is Blake, Kenna's neighbor and adorable best friend. He's sweet and kind and confident but not arrogant or alpha-male-y.
Then there are those at Eclipse - Rebekah, the leader; Cyrus, the handsome hippie cowboy/Southern boy. Joanna, who seems to hate Kenna from the start. Everyone welcomes Kenna into Eclipse, but the truth about everything starts to knock on Kenna's door, and from an unexpected source.
The paranormal aspect of this book is twisted and intriguing, but mostly twisted. I don't want to state things specifically, especially since I've been skirting around Kenna's ability (on purpose), but woah. I definitely got a cult vibe, even from the start, when Kenna was swept up by the paradise of it all. Cool place, but... eerie.
Quite possibly one of my favorite things about this books is how QUICKLY I read it. I could believe I was a fourth into the book, halfway through the book, three-fourth finished... then it was over. This book captivated me, had my full attention. This hasn't happened in a while! And by now means is it a tiny book!
The ending is probably everything I expected and hoped for, with the exception of one thing (and I'll get to that below). I am (overall) pleased with the ending, especially for a standalone novel. Bosworth has really told an engrossing and fascinating story about a cult-like group and the paranormal!
What I Did Not Like:
There is an aspect of the ending that I thought would make an appearance, but didn't. I expected what Kenna did when she was ten to come back in the end, in some way. Like, that would come full circle, like an absolution sort of thing, or SOMETHING. I expected that event to circle back somehow. So I was slightly disappointed when it wasn't even mentioned, in the climax or ending. But I suppose that's okay!
Would I Recommend It:
If you like creepy paranormal novels, I highly recommend this one. It's definitely not for everyone (I don't usually read books with a cult aspect, but I didn't even read the synopsis to know about that aspect), and I will say that the romance isn't as *there* as I would have liked (you have to read the book to know what I mean). But still, the book was a very good read, and I'm glad I gave it a shot, after all these years.
Rating:
3.5 stars -> rounded up to 4 stars. I liked this one more than I liked Struck! I can't get over how creepy it was, how I got chills from reading it. It's not SCARY, but it's creepy (if you catch the difference). Worth the read, especially given how fast it reads!
April 22, 2018
Thank you Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
What a surprisingly great read! I personally would place this as a NA or even YA read (although parts of it seemed a bit mature, but maybe I'm too old fashioned). I'm trying to not be vague but I feel if you know as little as possible about the plot before reading, it will enhance your experience.
I'm going to be honest, I requested this book because the MC's name happens to also be my oldest daughter's name. :) (I can be a bit petty and shallow, I know). We begin with the mystery of an event in Kenna's past that has haunted her for years. Her family has pulled back a bit from her and she's pretty much hit rock bottom. Just as things begin to look up for her, another horrible incident happens and affects her whole family. Due to this, Kenna goes to live on a commune (cult?) to live with her grandmother, who shares a deep connection with Kenna that is slowly revealed to the reader. She is around similar, like-minded people for the first time in her life and begins to learn more about herself and family. An evil plot is revealed and we race along with Kenna until the very end.
THINGS I LIKED: The plot was EXTREMELY fast moving. I was flipping pages more quickly than typical of me. It kept me focused and intrigued until the very end. I especially liked the character and development of Kenna's grandmother. I liked the supernatural aspect of this story as well; it enhanced the creepy, dark undertone of the book.
THINGS I DISLIKED: So many questions were left unanswered at the end! Is there going to be a sequel?
Overall, I enjoyed this much more than expected and would be interested in checking out more work from this author.
What a surprisingly great read! I personally would place this as a NA or even YA read (although parts of it seemed a bit mature, but maybe I'm too old fashioned). I'm trying to not be vague but I feel if you know as little as possible about the plot before reading, it will enhance your experience.
I'm going to be honest, I requested this book because the MC's name happens to also be my oldest daughter's name. :) (I can be a bit petty and shallow, I know). We begin with the mystery of an event in Kenna's past that has haunted her for years. Her family has pulled back a bit from her and she's pretty much hit rock bottom. Just as things begin to look up for her, another horrible incident happens and affects her whole family. Due to this, Kenna goes to live on a commune (cult?) to live with her grandmother, who shares a deep connection with Kenna that is slowly revealed to the reader. She is around similar, like-minded people for the first time in her life and begins to learn more about herself and family. An evil plot is revealed and we race along with Kenna until the very end.
THINGS I LIKED: The plot was EXTREMELY fast moving. I was flipping pages more quickly than typical of me. It kept me focused and intrigued until the very end. I especially liked the character and development of Kenna's grandmother. I liked the supernatural aspect of this story as well; it enhanced the creepy, dark undertone of the book.
THINGS I DISLIKED: So many questions were left unanswered at the end! Is there going to be a sequel?
Overall, I enjoyed this much more than expected and would be interested in checking out more work from this author.
December 17, 2015
've started and restarted this review many times and the truth of the matter is, I have no idea what my complete and finals thoughts are on this book.
It was such a strange and thrilling mix of fantasy, romance, and mystery, let alone the twists and turns and the complete feeling of bizarreness that was this read, and because of the mix, I still can't quite grasp all my emotions on how I feel about it.
To say it was anything but the norm is an understatement. To say it was slightly dark, mysterious, and unusual is better, but still doesn't grasp all this book as to offer.
It isn't perfect or even well plotted at times but it still drew me in and made me want to keep reading yet it was down right strange but in a good way that messed with your head just slightly enough to keep you guessing and shaking your head at all the weirdness happening in Kenna's life and family.
Do you see my dilemma?
Was this a good read? Yes it was albeit strange and not what I was expecting but as we all know, that isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially in this very saturated genre of sameness. But still unusual but fun.
Overall if you are looking for something completely out there and completely unbelievable but still entertaining because of it, then this is the read for you.
*An ARC copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
It was such a strange and thrilling mix of fantasy, romance, and mystery, let alone the twists and turns and the complete feeling of bizarreness that was this read, and because of the mix, I still can't quite grasp all my emotions on how I feel about it.
To say it was anything but the norm is an understatement. To say it was slightly dark, mysterious, and unusual is better, but still doesn't grasp all this book as to offer.
It isn't perfect or even well plotted at times but it still drew me in and made me want to keep reading yet it was down right strange but in a good way that messed with your head just slightly enough to keep you guessing and shaking your head at all the weirdness happening in Kenna's life and family.
Do you see my dilemma?
Was this a good read? Yes it was albeit strange and not what I was expecting but as we all know, that isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially in this very saturated genre of sameness. But still unusual but fun.
Overall if you are looking for something completely out there and completely unbelievable but still entertaining because of it, then this is the read for you.
*An ARC copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
May 24, 2016
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life
I was looking for something a little different and this one fit the bill. It had a paranormal theme that I don't remember seeing before. I really liked the narration a lot and think that it added quite a bit to the story and I am really glad that I chose to listen to this story. This was never a book that totally sucked me in to the point that I didn't want to put it down but I did really enjoy in the end.
Kenna isn't like everyone else. She has a special ability that her mother has made her promise to keep a secret. She knows that it is very important that she never use her powers again after the unfortunate incident with the neighbor boy. Her family consists of her mother, herself, and her twin sister, who is in ill health. She is also very close to her neighbor, Blake.
Kenna's world is turned upside down when she comes home from an outing with Blake to find her mother and sister in a desperate situation. Kenna uses the abilities that she has tried so hard to keep secret in order to save the pair. In doing so, she does things that she didn't even know was possible and attracts a lot of attention. Her mother knows that Kenna will need outside help so she takes her to Eclipse.
Once Kenna arrives at Eclipse, the book takes on a different tone and instead of everything being unknown we start to learn some of what is really going on. The group at Eclipse seem like a type of cult and I was never really sure who Kenna should trust. There are a few twists and turns in the story as things progressed and the ending of the story proved to be very exciting.
I liked the characters in this story well enough. Kenna was a good character but she did drive me a little crazy with some of her thinking. Nothing that drove me too nuts or anything but I did wish that she would focus on what was really important. Blake was a great character and I wish that we had seen a little more of him in the story. He was a really great guy to Kenna. Her mother kept a lot of secrets from Kenna but she did seem to do so because she thought it was for the best. The characters at Eclipse added an element of the unknown to the story.
I really enjoyed Saskia Maarleveld's narration of this story. This is the first audiobook narrated by Ms. Maarleveld that I have had the chance to listen to but I would like to listen to her work again in the future. She really seemed to grasp Kenna's emotions and presented them well in the story. At times, her narration really added to the suspense of the story. I am pretty sure that I enjoyed this story a little more because of her narration.
I would recommend this to fans of YA paranormal stories. This story has a unique focus and everything is really wrapped up nicely. This is the first book by Jennifer Bosworth that I have read but I will definitely look for her work again.
I received a review copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Media, LLC via Audiobook Jukebox for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
I thought this was good overall. I loved the narration and the story was good. I was never so hooked that it was hard to stop but it kept me interested. There were a few moments that I couldn't believe how clueless Kenna was but the general premise was entertaining.
I was looking for something a little different and this one fit the bill. It had a paranormal theme that I don't remember seeing before. I really liked the narration a lot and think that it added quite a bit to the story and I am really glad that I chose to listen to this story. This was never a book that totally sucked me in to the point that I didn't want to put it down but I did really enjoy in the end.
Kenna isn't like everyone else. She has a special ability that her mother has made her promise to keep a secret. She knows that it is very important that she never use her powers again after the unfortunate incident with the neighbor boy. Her family consists of her mother, herself, and her twin sister, who is in ill health. She is also very close to her neighbor, Blake.
Kenna's world is turned upside down when she comes home from an outing with Blake to find her mother and sister in a desperate situation. Kenna uses the abilities that she has tried so hard to keep secret in order to save the pair. In doing so, she does things that she didn't even know was possible and attracts a lot of attention. Her mother knows that Kenna will need outside help so she takes her to Eclipse.
Once Kenna arrives at Eclipse, the book takes on a different tone and instead of everything being unknown we start to learn some of what is really going on. The group at Eclipse seem like a type of cult and I was never really sure who Kenna should trust. There are a few twists and turns in the story as things progressed and the ending of the story proved to be very exciting.
I liked the characters in this story well enough. Kenna was a good character but she did drive me a little crazy with some of her thinking. Nothing that drove me too nuts or anything but I did wish that she would focus on what was really important. Blake was a great character and I wish that we had seen a little more of him in the story. He was a really great guy to Kenna. Her mother kept a lot of secrets from Kenna but she did seem to do so because she thought it was for the best. The characters at Eclipse added an element of the unknown to the story.
I really enjoyed Saskia Maarleveld's narration of this story. This is the first audiobook narrated by Ms. Maarleveld that I have had the chance to listen to but I would like to listen to her work again in the future. She really seemed to grasp Kenna's emotions and presented them well in the story. At times, her narration really added to the suspense of the story. I am pretty sure that I enjoyed this story a little more because of her narration.
I would recommend this to fans of YA paranormal stories. This story has a unique focus and everything is really wrapped up nicely. This is the first book by Jennifer Bosworth that I have read but I will definitely look for her work again.
I received a review copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Media, LLC via Audiobook Jukebox for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
I thought this was good overall. I loved the narration and the story was good. I was never so hooked that it was hard to stop but it kept me interested. There were a few moments that I couldn't believe how clueless Kenna was but the general premise was entertaining.
July 15, 2016
3.5 stars
The Killing Jar, Jennifer Bosworth’s sophomore novel, is a big step up from her debut, Struck. I vaguely remember Struck as a bland, uneventful, unmemorable book, but The Killing Jar has a bit more flavor to it. It’s not the novel it could have been with some careful planning, but it’s still a good choice for those who prefer their paranormal YA to be a bit on the creepy side.
The idea behind The Killing Jar is fairly unusual and therefore very interesting. While it’s not uncommon to have a heroine with unique paranormal abilities, Kenna’s were interesting enough to keep me frightened and fascinated from the very start. The Killing Jar starts out strong, with a big, shocking, bloody scene, and the thrills that follow barely leave us time to breathe. However, creating such an interesting paranormal background isn’t without its problems. Bosworth failed to fully explain her world, its origin and potential consequences. When all was said and done, too many things were left unexplored, which left me feeling just a tiny bit cheated.
Kenna’s relationship with everyone around her is extremely complicated. She loves her twin sister and they depend on each other, but they don’t truly get along. Her mother is a liar with an agenda who blames Kenna for everything that ever went wrong. Even with Blake, Kenna doesn’t quite know where she stands or what she wants. She likes him, but she is quick to forget him when a more mysterious, more appealing boy comes her way.
This leads me to my biggest problem with The Killing Jar: none of the characters were actually likeable. The only one I kind of liked, Kenna’s best friend and maybe boyfriend Blake, acted like a doormat when it came to Kenna, which made me lose all respect. Kenna herself made far too many mistakes and crossed too many lines. It may be that I’m too unforgiving, but I found that her path to redemption simply wasn’t enough.
Overall, The Killing Jar is a decent book that could have been so much better with a bit more thought and a few well placed explanations. Despite several problems, the story flows very easily and is compulsively readable – perfect for hot summer days.
The Killing Jar, Jennifer Bosworth’s sophomore novel, is a big step up from her debut, Struck. I vaguely remember Struck as a bland, uneventful, unmemorable book, but The Killing Jar has a bit more flavor to it. It’s not the novel it could have been with some careful planning, but it’s still a good choice for those who prefer their paranormal YA to be a bit on the creepy side.
The idea behind The Killing Jar is fairly unusual and therefore very interesting. While it’s not uncommon to have a heroine with unique paranormal abilities, Kenna’s were interesting enough to keep me frightened and fascinated from the very start. The Killing Jar starts out strong, with a big, shocking, bloody scene, and the thrills that follow barely leave us time to breathe. However, creating such an interesting paranormal background isn’t without its problems. Bosworth failed to fully explain her world, its origin and potential consequences. When all was said and done, too many things were left unexplored, which left me feeling just a tiny bit cheated.
Kenna’s relationship with everyone around her is extremely complicated. She loves her twin sister and they depend on each other, but they don’t truly get along. Her mother is a liar with an agenda who blames Kenna for everything that ever went wrong. Even with Blake, Kenna doesn’t quite know where she stands or what she wants. She likes him, but she is quick to forget him when a more mysterious, more appealing boy comes her way.
This leads me to my biggest problem with The Killing Jar: none of the characters were actually likeable. The only one I kind of liked, Kenna’s best friend and maybe boyfriend Blake, acted like a doormat when it came to Kenna, which made me lose all respect. Kenna herself made far too many mistakes and crossed too many lines. It may be that I’m too unforgiving, but I found that her path to redemption simply wasn’t enough.
Overall, The Killing Jar is a decent book that could have been so much better with a bit more thought and a few well placed explanations. Despite several problems, the story flows very easily and is compulsively readable – perfect for hot summer days.
Want to read
March 27, 2014Temp cover? this better be the cover! it's fucking beautiful and creepy. It reminds me of the Silence of the Lambs DVD cover art.
October 26, 2022
Great cover! Quick read that kept me interested but this book is for a much younger audience than myself. 3.5 stars!
December 5, 2015
First off, that cover is gorgeous and I was instantly drawn to the image and the title.
I loved Kenna. Her inner monologue kept me interested and quickly turning pages. There were a lot of characters in this book, but we don't really get to meet them. Everyone is kept at arm's length and it help me to picture the setting for Eclipse.
The creepy plot line was captivating. There was a real sense of urgency in the story and the way it unfolded captured it perfectly. I feel like the why wasn't explained quite as well as it could have been. Normally that would really irritate me, but I liked the slight haziness.
**Huge thanks to Macmillan for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
I loved Kenna. Her inner monologue kept me interested and quickly turning pages. There were a lot of characters in this book, but we don't really get to meet them. Everyone is kept at arm's length and it help me to picture the setting for Eclipse.
The creepy plot line was captivating. There was a real sense of urgency in the story and the way it unfolded captured it perfectly. I feel like the why wasn't explained quite as well as it could have been. Normally that would really irritate me, but I liked the slight haziness.
**Huge thanks to Macmillan for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
January 19, 2016
4.5
This had a fantastic opener, and was pretty damn solid throughout. Really enjoyed this, and now it makes me want to dig out my copy of Struck, Jennifer's debut, which has been sitting around on my shelves since it came out, and see if it's as good.
This had a fantastic opener, and was pretty damn solid throughout. Really enjoyed this, and now it makes me want to dig out my copy of Struck, Jennifer's debut, which has been sitting around on my shelves since it came out, and see if it's as good.
January 24, 2016
Weird book, really, really weird. Interesting, definitely different, no connections to the characters though. Did I mention it's really weird?
May 1, 2017
Originally Posted On The Sassy Book Geek
*** Thank you to Netgalley and Farrar, Straus, Giroux / Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review ***
This was an exceptionally fantastic book, I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it! I went into it not expecting a whole lot but oh boy did it take me on an unexpected journey.
Let's Talk About That Plot:
I'm going to start off by saying the overall storyline is a bit weird, but definitely in a good way I promise! There's a bit of supernatural phenomena and a little bit of a cult aspect added. They made for a very intriguing plot though. It made the book extremely different and unique. If there's one thing I adore in a book it's being slightly weird and 100% unique.
Plus the bits of supernatural flare really add to the overall creepy atmosphere of the book, I felt myself getting pretty worked up throughout some parts. I got super anxious to know what was going on! It also gets pretty....twisted is a good way of putting it. Some stuff that happens is pretty messed up.....This book is one that will more than likely give you chills, definitely gets pretty creepy while reading.
The pacing is also perfect, it wasn't rushed and it wasn't dragging on. There was NEVER a dull moment. I read half of this book in one sitting, the book had me in its grip and refused to let go! There was plot twist after plot twist, not major ones but many minor ones in a row. It definitely kept me reading, I HAD to know what was going to happen next until I finally reached the end of the book .
Another thing I adored was the mythology created for the story, it was fascinating. My yearning to learn more about it and understand it is really what drove me to read on. Although there wasn't much world building to speak of since this is more of a contemporary with fantastical/supernatural elements. Maybe more of an urban fantasy?
A small complaint I have about the plot was that I felt some of the plot twists/reveals were a little predictable. Not anything irritatingly obvious however. Some things took Kenna (the MC) way too long to figure out, I mean she didn't understand until things were staring her right in the face, especially towards the end of the book. Most of the reveals though were surprising enough to keep the book entertaining.
Let's Talk About Those Characters:
Kenna is the main character of this story and she has a very unique secret she lives with. I won't spoil anything, I feel the less you know about the plot and Kenna the more interesting it will be for you to read it.
Kenna made for a pretty decent protagonist, she wasn't afraid of anything and she was smart as well. She wasn't a damsel and she sure as hell didn't wait around for any boys to come save her or her family. I just didn't LOVE her because I felt she was a little too....dreary. I get that it's part of her personality but it's not something I exactly treasure in my heroines. Although it did make her all the more realistic.
Most of the secondary characters were pretty interesting, I like how ALL of them were equally developed. Very minor characters still had personalities described as much as the more major ones, and I REALLY liked it. I mean I like to know details about other characters just as much. Mostly I'm talking about the Eclipse people.
Although they didn't have much of a role in the story expect to ...well be there.
Kenna's mom is pretty centeral to the whole mystery aspect of the plot as well as Kenna's grandmother. So they made for some well developed characters.
There's also Erin, Kenna's twin, and Blake Kenna's neighbor and love interest. Erin is the perfect opposite of Kenna and I thought she was super....cute. Yeah, cute is the best way of describing her. I loved her about as much as Kenna did!
Blake was adorable as well, he was the super sweet boy-next-door. That's kind of all I have to say about him. Sometimes I thought he might have been TOO shy, timid, and cuteys. Overall I liked him as the love interest.
Let's Talk About The Romance:
There's a love triangle.
I know what you're thinking, "Oh no, not again!" But hear me out. It's really not that bad. Most of the time love triangles are annoying, but I didn't mind this one because I REALLY liked both love interests.
Cyrus, the hippie/cowboy who is all ruggedly handsome and muscly and Blake the timid and adorable boy-next-door.
I really liked the both and it IS NOT a central plot element, the love triangle or even the romance for that matter is NOT dwelled on.
Overall I quite enjoyed it and I really liked how the romance played out.
Other Thoughts:
I adore the cover of this book and I actually really just like the name as well. And what makes me love both of these things even MORE is how they tie SO WELL into the actually book's storyline! I don't know what it is about that but when it happens it makes me really excited when everything clicks together like that!
In Conclusion:
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and kept me reading. The overall plot elements were very compelling and it ended very satisfactorily.
Recommend?
You bet I do! If you're looking for a book that's very different and unique I'd give this one a try. Also if you enjoy books with supernatural elements and a slightly creepy tone, I'd check this one out.
Actually I just think you should give this one a try anyways, you might be surprised like me and enjoy it immensely!
Pre-Review
More of a 3.5 rating!
So this was an exceptionally good book and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was really surprising actually since I didn't expect to love it so much. Don't let the 3.5 stars fool you, if I thought a book was bad I'd give it a 2 and below star rating.
First off I LOVE that the title and cover of this book fit the story PERFECTLY, I don't know what it is but when that happens I go absolutely crazy with book happiness.
The plot was a little odd but I really like weird plots in books because it breaks the mold, it's different and unique. This book is definitely different and unique.
There isn't much world building to speak of since it's kind of a contemporary, but there's ton of GREAT mythology in the story. It's very fascinating and my yearning to understand said mythology really kept me reading.
The pacing is pretty fast and there wasn't ever a really dull moment, plot twist beyond plot twist was thrown at you. Not major ones but little, tiny plot twists. It definitely kept me reading, I absolutely had to know what was going to happen next.
A few minor complaints were that I didn't really feel overly attached to any of the characters, not even the main character, Kenna. Were they bad? No, not by any means but they failed to really impress me.
A few of the many plot twists were kind of predictable, ESPECIALLY towards the end of the book. I saw a lot of that coming and Kenna didn't seem to figure a lot of it out on her own, kind of annoying but not anything super irritating.
*** Thank you to Netgalley and Farrar, Straus, Giroux / Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review ***
This was an exceptionally fantastic book, I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it! I went into it not expecting a whole lot but oh boy did it take me on an unexpected journey.
Let's Talk About That Plot:
I'm going to start off by saying the overall storyline is a bit weird, but definitely in a good way I promise! There's a bit of supernatural phenomena and a little bit of a cult aspect added. They made for a very intriguing plot though. It made the book extremely different and unique. If there's one thing I adore in a book it's being slightly weird and 100% unique.
Plus the bits of supernatural flare really add to the overall creepy atmosphere of the book, I felt myself getting pretty worked up throughout some parts. I got super anxious to know what was going on! It also gets pretty....twisted is a good way of putting it. Some stuff that happens is pretty messed up.....This book is one that will more than likely give you chills, definitely gets pretty creepy while reading.
The pacing is also perfect, it wasn't rushed and it wasn't dragging on. There was NEVER a dull moment. I read half of this book in one sitting, the book had me in its grip and refused to let go! There was plot twist after plot twist, not major ones but many minor ones in a row. It definitely kept me reading, I HAD to know what was going to happen next until I finally reached the end of the book .
Another thing I adored was the mythology created for the story, it was fascinating. My yearning to learn more about it and understand it is really what drove me to read on. Although there wasn't much world building to speak of since this is more of a contemporary with fantastical/supernatural elements. Maybe more of an urban fantasy?
A small complaint I have about the plot was that I felt some of the plot twists/reveals were a little predictable. Not anything irritatingly obvious however. Some things took Kenna (the MC) way too long to figure out, I mean she didn't understand until things were staring her right in the face, especially towards the end of the book. Most of the reveals though were surprising enough to keep the book entertaining.
Let's Talk About Those Characters:
Kenna is the main character of this story and she has a very unique secret she lives with. I won't spoil anything, I feel the less you know about the plot and Kenna the more interesting it will be for you to read it.
Kenna made for a pretty decent protagonist, she wasn't afraid of anything and she was smart as well. She wasn't a damsel and she sure as hell didn't wait around for any boys to come save her or her family. I just didn't LOVE her because I felt she was a little too....dreary. I get that it's part of her personality but it's not something I exactly treasure in my heroines. Although it did make her all the more realistic.
Most of the secondary characters were pretty interesting, I like how ALL of them were equally developed. Very minor characters still had personalities described as much as the more major ones, and I REALLY liked it. I mean I like to know details about other characters just as much. Mostly I'm talking about the Eclipse people.
Although they didn't have much of a role in the story expect to ...well be there.
Kenna's mom is pretty centeral to the whole mystery aspect of the plot as well as Kenna's grandmother. So they made for some well developed characters.
There's also Erin, Kenna's twin, and Blake Kenna's neighbor and love interest. Erin is the perfect opposite of Kenna and I thought she was super....cute. Yeah, cute is the best way of describing her. I loved her about as much as Kenna did!
Blake was adorable as well, he was the super sweet boy-next-door. That's kind of all I have to say about him. Sometimes I thought he might have been TOO shy, timid, and cuteys. Overall I liked him as the love interest.
Let's Talk About The Romance:
There's a love triangle.
I know what you're thinking, "Oh no, not again!" But hear me out. It's really not that bad. Most of the time love triangles are annoying, but I didn't mind this one because I REALLY liked both love interests.
Cyrus, the hippie/cowboy who is all ruggedly handsome and muscly and Blake the timid and adorable boy-next-door.
I really liked the both and it IS NOT a central plot element, the love triangle or even the romance for that matter is NOT dwelled on.
Overall I quite enjoyed it and I really liked how the romance played out.
Other Thoughts:
I adore the cover of this book and I actually really just like the name as well. And what makes me love both of these things even MORE is how they tie SO WELL into the actually book's storyline! I don't know what it is about that but when it happens it makes me really excited when everything clicks together like that!
In Conclusion:
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and kept me reading. The overall plot elements were very compelling and it ended very satisfactorily.
Recommend?
You bet I do! If you're looking for a book that's very different and unique I'd give this one a try. Also if you enjoy books with supernatural elements and a slightly creepy tone, I'd check this one out.
Actually I just think you should give this one a try anyways, you might be surprised like me and enjoy it immensely!
Pre-Review
More of a 3.5 rating!
So this was an exceptionally good book and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was really surprising actually since I didn't expect to love it so much. Don't let the 3.5 stars fool you, if I thought a book was bad I'd give it a 2 and below star rating.
First off I LOVE that the title and cover of this book fit the story PERFECTLY, I don't know what it is but when that happens I go absolutely crazy with book happiness.
The plot was a little odd but I really like weird plots in books because it breaks the mold, it's different and unique. This book is definitely different and unique.
There isn't much world building to speak of since it's kind of a contemporary, but there's ton of GREAT mythology in the story. It's very fascinating and my yearning to understand said mythology really kept me reading.
The pacing is pretty fast and there wasn't ever a really dull moment, plot twist beyond plot twist was thrown at you. Not major ones but little, tiny plot twists. It definitely kept me reading, I absolutely had to know what was going to happen next.
A few minor complaints were that I didn't really feel overly attached to any of the characters, not even the main character, Kenna. Were they bad? No, not by any means but they failed to really impress me.
A few of the many plot twists were kind of predictable, ESPECIALLY towards the end of the book. I saw a lot of that coming and Kenna didn't seem to figure a lot of it out on her own, kind of annoying but not anything super irritating.
February 3, 2016
Two and a half stars: A creepy, suspenseful read that needs more depth and development.
Kenna is hiding a terrible secret. When she was ten, she killed the boy next door with her touch. He deserved to die because he was a monster. When her mother found out, she warned Kenna that she has a power that she can never let anyone know about. For seven years, Kenna struggles to be normal, but she isn't. She fears touch, and she is always suppressing the her power, until the day things come to head. When Kenna's mom and vulnerable twin are attacked, Kenna reaches once again for that power. Finally, Kenna's mom takes her to a reclusive community, Eclipse, where Kenna meets her grandmother and people like her in order for Kenna to get answers. Will Kenna learn to control her power? Will she ever be normal?
What I Liked:
*The Killing Jar is a book I am struggling to review. On one hand, I enjoyed the creepy mystery and the suspense, but on the other, I had some issues. First, let's talk about the positives. This is certainly a unique and interesting book, unlike anything I have read before. It features a strange cultish community with dark, mysterious powers. It was a book that immediately grabbed me, and kept me reading until the final pages. It was exciting and suspenseful and original.
*The paranormal angle is not one I have read before. I am not going to go into lengthy details as I don't want to spoil it, but it is based around a moth myth, and it involves feeding off of life energy. I was intrigued by the paranormal part, and I wanted to know more.
*The book has a dark, creepy vibe to it, which pulled me in. I loved the atmospheric tension, and I especially enjoyed delving into the strange and mysterious community called Eclipse.
*While I struggled connecting with the main character, Kenna, I found myself drawn to the strange Kalyptra who reside at Eclipse. Think of a self reliant, hippie commune sequestered in the mountains. They live a simple, happy life with plenty of good food, music and a strong sense of community.
*The pacing of the story is fast and it moves right along. I appreciated that it never dragged, and that I was always wanting to know more. This was a book that I read in one sitting.
*The writing is wonderful. I liked the rich descriptions and the lovely metaphors. I especially enjoyed all the delicious details when it came to the food.
*The ending is exciting with all of the big twists and revelations. After the dust settles, there is an Epilogue that concludes the book without a cliffhanger. This appears to be a stand alone.
And The Not So Much:
*My biggest frustration with the book was the lack of detail and depth. As Kenna immerses herself into the Kalyptra society, she starts learning about her powers and who she is. Her grandmother holds the answers, but she keeps refusing to share her knowledge. There are all these almost reveals, and then the grandmother puts her foot down and tells Kenna that she won't share all the information until Kenna agrees to completely become Kalyptra. Basically, the reader is left floundering about trying to make sense of the scraps of information thrown out. Then there is a big reveal at the end that changes everything. However, I was still frustrated by the lack of detail regarding how the Kalyptra came to be, and how the grandmother went about gathering the people who lived in Eclipse. I was extremely frustrated with the lack of information, it held the book back.
*My second issue was that I didn't connect with Kenna, the main character. At the beginning, she is the gray girl, depressed and shut off. She does grow and change, but I just never felt a connection with her or liked her. I also struggled with the way she was treated by her mother and grandmother. It wasn't a wonder that she was so closed off.
*There is a bit of romance, and there is the development of a love triangle, sort of, but I never felt like the romance that was thrown in was developed well. The boy Kenna really likes is her long time best friend and neighbor, but he is left behind, and his time in the book is limited.
*I didn't like the way Kenna's mother withheld information. She should have explained things to Kenna, and even when Kenna returns home, she still isn't straightforward with her. I was left wondering how Kenna's mother felt about her own mother and the Kalyptra. Furthermore, I didn't understand the significance of her tattoo, and I was also left wondering about Kenna's father. Again, lack of information held the story back.
*Even though the ending ties off the story lines, there were too many things that didn't work. Especially the way they explained it to the authorities. I didn't feel like that was realistic at all. This is a book that would have benefited by adding another fifty pages or so in order to better explain things.
The Killing Jar is a book that I am conflicted over. I enjoyed the uniqueness and originality of the story, it was unlike anything I have read. I also appreciated the mystery and the suspense. However, I found the lack of depth and detail, especially when it came to the origin of the Kalyptra, held this book back. If you are one that wants to try something different, pick this one up. It certainly was different.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Kenna is hiding a terrible secret. When she was ten, she killed the boy next door with her touch. He deserved to die because he was a monster. When her mother found out, she warned Kenna that she has a power that she can never let anyone know about. For seven years, Kenna struggles to be normal, but she isn't. She fears touch, and she is always suppressing the her power, until the day things come to head. When Kenna's mom and vulnerable twin are attacked, Kenna reaches once again for that power. Finally, Kenna's mom takes her to a reclusive community, Eclipse, where Kenna meets her grandmother and people like her in order for Kenna to get answers. Will Kenna learn to control her power? Will she ever be normal?
What I Liked:
*The Killing Jar is a book I am struggling to review. On one hand, I enjoyed the creepy mystery and the suspense, but on the other, I had some issues. First, let's talk about the positives. This is certainly a unique and interesting book, unlike anything I have read before. It features a strange cultish community with dark, mysterious powers. It was a book that immediately grabbed me, and kept me reading until the final pages. It was exciting and suspenseful and original.
*The paranormal angle is not one I have read before. I am not going to go into lengthy details as I don't want to spoil it, but it is based around a moth myth, and it involves feeding off of life energy. I was intrigued by the paranormal part, and I wanted to know more.
*The book has a dark, creepy vibe to it, which pulled me in. I loved the atmospheric tension, and I especially enjoyed delving into the strange and mysterious community called Eclipse.
*While I struggled connecting with the main character, Kenna, I found myself drawn to the strange Kalyptra who reside at Eclipse. Think of a self reliant, hippie commune sequestered in the mountains. They live a simple, happy life with plenty of good food, music and a strong sense of community.
*The pacing of the story is fast and it moves right along. I appreciated that it never dragged, and that I was always wanting to know more. This was a book that I read in one sitting.
*The writing is wonderful. I liked the rich descriptions and the lovely metaphors. I especially enjoyed all the delicious details when it came to the food.
*The ending is exciting with all of the big twists and revelations. After the dust settles, there is an Epilogue that concludes the book without a cliffhanger. This appears to be a stand alone.
And The Not So Much:
*My biggest frustration with the book was the lack of detail and depth. As Kenna immerses herself into the Kalyptra society, she starts learning about her powers and who she is. Her grandmother holds the answers, but she keeps refusing to share her knowledge. There are all these almost reveals, and then the grandmother puts her foot down and tells Kenna that she won't share all the information until Kenna agrees to completely become Kalyptra. Basically, the reader is left floundering about trying to make sense of the scraps of information thrown out. Then there is a big reveal at the end that changes everything. However, I was still frustrated by the lack of detail regarding how the Kalyptra came to be, and how the grandmother went about gathering the people who lived in Eclipse. I was extremely frustrated with the lack of information, it held the book back.
*My second issue was that I didn't connect with Kenna, the main character. At the beginning, she is the gray girl, depressed and shut off. She does grow and change, but I just never felt a connection with her or liked her. I also struggled with the way she was treated by her mother and grandmother. It wasn't a wonder that she was so closed off.
*There is a bit of romance, and there is the development of a love triangle, sort of, but I never felt like the romance that was thrown in was developed well. The boy Kenna really likes is her long time best friend and neighbor, but he is left behind, and his time in the book is limited.
*I didn't like the way Kenna's mother withheld information. She should have explained things to Kenna, and even when Kenna returns home, she still isn't straightforward with her. I was left wondering how Kenna's mother felt about her own mother and the Kalyptra. Furthermore, I didn't understand the significance of her tattoo, and I was also left wondering about Kenna's father. Again, lack of information held the story back.
*Even though the ending ties off the story lines, there were too many things that didn't work. Especially the way they explained it to the authorities. I didn't feel like that was realistic at all. This is a book that would have benefited by adding another fifty pages or so in order to better explain things.
The Killing Jar is a book that I am conflicted over. I enjoyed the uniqueness and originality of the story, it was unlike anything I have read. I also appreciated the mystery and the suspense. However, I found the lack of depth and detail, especially when it came to the origin of the Kalyptra, held this book back. If you are one that wants to try something different, pick this one up. It certainly was different.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
March 4, 2016
An ARC of this title was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review, however, is based up on the audiobook version. My thoughts are my own. This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
I've been such a mood reader these days, and it means I miss release dates on a lot of the review books I have in my possession. I either wait until I do feel like reading a story - to give it the fairest chance possible - or until it's released on audiobook. Such is the case with The Killing Jar, which drew me in with the promise of a cult-like situation and a stunning cover. I was cleaning my shelves the other day and found the ARC and read a few pages to see if it was worth keeping for a rainy day, and from the few pages I read, I was intrigued. And as I've mentioned, my library just did a mass upload and I grabbed the audiobook for this novel since my curiosity had been piqued by my little sneak peek.
That said, the story as a whole was a little disappointing. It started off strange and only got weirder. I like weird, but I like when I get answers, too, and those were far and few between for the majority of this novel. It's a commune, so obviously things are going to be a little hush-hush, but when I already know what's going on and the main character just keeps on mucking things up with bad decision after bad decision because no one will tell her anything, I tend to get frustrated.
So…yeah. Disappointing on a lot of levels, but especially where the romance is concerned. The narrator is one I'm not familiar with but she did a good job with the material she was given.
I've been such a mood reader these days, and it means I miss release dates on a lot of the review books I have in my possession. I either wait until I do feel like reading a story - to give it the fairest chance possible - or until it's released on audiobook. Such is the case with The Killing Jar, which drew me in with the promise of a cult-like situation and a stunning cover. I was cleaning my shelves the other day and found the ARC and read a few pages to see if it was worth keeping for a rainy day, and from the few pages I read, I was intrigued. And as I've mentioned, my library just did a mass upload and I grabbed the audiobook for this novel since my curiosity had been piqued by my little sneak peek.
That said, the story as a whole was a little disappointing. It started off strange and only got weirder. I like weird, but I like when I get answers, too, and those were far and few between for the majority of this novel. It's a commune, so obviously things are going to be a little hush-hush, but when I already know what's going on and the main character just keeps on mucking things up with bad decision after bad decision because no one will tell her anything, I tend to get frustrated.
So…yeah. Disappointing on a lot of levels, but especially where the romance is concerned. The narrator is one I'm not familiar with but she did a good job with the material she was given.
September 20, 2016
Family politics abound and loyalties are tested in this engaging read. A creepy paranormal story rooted in a teen's desire to be normal. Great characters all around, but the Kalyptra were super fascinating individuals...albeit with a sinister undercurrent.
January 25, 2016
My feelings are all over the place with this one.
For the most part of the story I was confused, even more than Kenna. I got frustrated with how much was kept from her and how much was hinted at but people would never just come out and say the whole thing. Yes, it helped with the mystery aspect of the story, but at the same time, it kind of made things drag on too long and when some things were explained I was still confused about it.
The Killing Jar wasn't a bad read, Kenna's ability had me intrigued and I liked the writing. It was interesting, and I held on with the hope of eventually understanding the eclipse and Kalyptra and everything else, but it just didn't give me the delivery I was hoping for in the end.
For the most part of the story I was confused, even more than Kenna. I got frustrated with how much was kept from her and how much was hinted at but people would never just come out and say the whole thing. Yes, it helped with the mystery aspect of the story, but at the same time, it kind of made things drag on too long and when some things were explained I was still confused about it.
The Killing Jar wasn't a bad read, Kenna's ability had me intrigued and I liked the writing. It was interesting, and I held on with the hope of eventually understanding the eclipse and Kalyptra and everything else, but it just didn't give me the delivery I was hoping for in the end.
January 23, 2022
A young adult novel about a cult of energy vampires who worship a giant moth? Yes, please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2019
DnF @ 73%
I know I've come so far but I just can't any more. I don't care about the characters at all, no one is likable.
I know I've come so far but I just can't any more. I don't care about the characters at all, no one is likable.
January 4, 2016
I had very mixed feelings about this book. I think the thing I enjoyed most about it was how seriously twisted it was. It was very dark, and I liked that! But sadly, that was where the enjoyment ended.
There was a scene in the beginning pissed me off to the point that I very nearly DNFed it. I wanted to throw my Kindle against a wall! Erin has a cat (named Clint Eastwood...and it's a female. Wtf....) that has kittens. As soon as the words "He liked to watch things die. But then he went too far" were followed by the introduction of the cat and her kittens, I knew. I almost put the book down right then and there. The boy that Kenna killed DROWNED A WHOLE FUCKING LITTER OF BABY KITTENS and Kenna found them with "their bodies limp and their fur matted with mud," and Clint Eastwood's "mangled body" "mutilated" with "her head missing entirely" by the riverbed. NOT. OKAY. I was fucking sobbing because it's so horrible...I mean, I understand that killers often start with animals, but that took it too far for me. I can't STAND cat killing in books, even worse when it's newborn kittens. I don't care if you think me weak for that, I just can't handle it. That is not something I want to read about, or hear about, or think about.
Thus, I was already unhappy with this book going in (that scene was literally in the first five pages). I'm sure that lessened my overall enjoyment of the rest of the book, but I was a bit underwhelmed. I had trouble connecting to Kenna or any of the other characters. I didn't care much for Kenna's family, or either of the love interests. Blake and Cyrus were hard to tell apart because they were both so bland. The love triangle was annoying, and I didn't care about the romance between Kenna and either of the boys.
I did quite like the idea of the Kalyptra, and the way they lived was interesting. I like that there's a certain mystery surrounding it, I was intrigued to know more about them. It got a bit weird in the end for me, though, and I wasn't satisfied with the ending. I think it's just the fact that the final scene happened so fast and felt anticlimactic. I wanted more somehow.
All in all, I don't really know how I felt about this book. It was f*cking weird, but I liked the twisted quality. It was unique, that's for sure!
This review was originally posted on Novel Heartbeat. To see a breakdown of my assessment, please visit the full review here.
January 4, 2016
Where do I start with? Well I'll say this was definitely a book I've never read before. It was bizarre, creepy, and down right depressing. Given its beautiful cover, I wanted to like this one so bad. Sadly, with its depressing attitude of people and their strange behavior, it was too much out of my element for me to enjoy.
Kenna was born with special powers where she can suck the life out of people just by touching them. All her life she's grown up like this fearing any touch will kill people so she's grown up with very low self-esteem. It also doesn't help that she has to help her mother take care of her dying twin sister. One day a disaster happens, and so her mother whisks her off to a grandmother she doesn't even know to help her with her ability. This is where things get really weird for me and I ended up disliking it more.
I hate to say this, but none of the characters were likeable. Save for maybe Blake, though he was just a fly on the wall that did not get much attention. Kenna was a miserable main character who didn't know herself, her sister acted ungrateful, her mother showed no emotions of love towards Kenna, and her grandmother was a power hungry, crazy lady. I felt a disconnect with all of them and I frankly didn't care what would happen to the characters. This book seriously made me feel depressed because nothing good was coming out of it. When something good was about to happen, another horrible obstacle came about. Plus the place where Kenna was sent to live with her grandmother was indeed a cult. Let's just say they were very weird, crazy hippie type people. I think most of them had the best of intentions, and some were kind, but when it came down to it they were another cult of bad people.
There were a few things I did like about this book, though. I enjoyed reading about the whole mystery of Kenna's gift. How was it that she and her grandmother came to be with their powers? That part definitely intrigued me because it seemed a kind of cool to have a power no else had. Also, the way Kenna's grandmother, Rebekah acted suspicious around her really piqued my curiosity as to why she was being so secretive about their upbringing. The other part that was fun to read was when Kenna realized how was she going to get herself out of danger. This really picked up the pace of the book and I needed to know what was going to happen next.
Overall, I did not really enjoy this book. It was far too depressing, there was no connection to the characters, and the love interests did not bode well for me. However, I did like the ending. I liked that in this case there was no happily ever after. It would seem unrealistic if there was one. I liked that it left things for Kenna and her family to heal and begin to trust one another again. Although it was not my cup of tea I still recommend it to anyone that likes reading paranormal stories, or stories with cults in them. It definitely has that mystery factor in it.
Kenna was born with special powers where she can suck the life out of people just by touching them. All her life she's grown up like this fearing any touch will kill people so she's grown up with very low self-esteem. It also doesn't help that she has to help her mother take care of her dying twin sister. One day a disaster happens, and so her mother whisks her off to a grandmother she doesn't even know to help her with her ability. This is where things get really weird for me and I ended up disliking it more.
I hate to say this, but none of the characters were likeable. Save for maybe Blake, though he was just a fly on the wall that did not get much attention. Kenna was a miserable main character who didn't know herself, her sister acted ungrateful, her mother showed no emotions of love towards Kenna, and her grandmother was a power hungry, crazy lady. I felt a disconnect with all of them and I frankly didn't care what would happen to the characters. This book seriously made me feel depressed because nothing good was coming out of it. When something good was about to happen, another horrible obstacle came about. Plus the place where Kenna was sent to live with her grandmother was indeed a cult. Let's just say they were very weird, crazy hippie type people. I think most of them had the best of intentions, and some were kind, but when it came down to it they were another cult of bad people.
There were a few things I did like about this book, though. I enjoyed reading about the whole mystery of Kenna's gift. How was it that she and her grandmother came to be with their powers? That part definitely intrigued me because it seemed a kind of cool to have a power no else had. Also, the way Kenna's grandmother, Rebekah acted suspicious around her really piqued my curiosity as to why she was being so secretive about their upbringing. The other part that was fun to read was when Kenna realized how was she going to get herself out of danger. This really picked up the pace of the book and I needed to know what was going to happen next.
Overall, I did not really enjoy this book. It was far too depressing, there was no connection to the characters, and the love interests did not bode well for me. However, I did like the ending. I liked that in this case there was no happily ever after. It would seem unrealistic if there was one. I liked that it left things for Kenna and her family to heal and begin to trust one another again. Although it was not my cup of tea I still recommend it to anyone that likes reading paranormal stories, or stories with cults in them. It definitely has that mystery factor in it.
June 8, 2017
The Killing Jar was so utterly terrifying and so enjoyable at the same time. I don't usually like horror/paranormal books, but this was great! Jennifer Bosworth was able to create this amazing sense of mystery and suspense that I loved.
when we first saw Kenna take the anima out of Jason and Thomas, I was more than a little freaked out. I mean, sure, they did terrible things, but I don't think anyone deserves to literally have the life sucked out of them. as the book went on, I became more comfortable with the idea of anima, as it seemed like the Kalyptra were able to survive without taking the lives of humans and animals.
one thing I didn't understand was the anima of the plant that made Kenna see things. I thought she was living in an imaginary world while under the influence of the anima, but the cut she got still remained somehow. another thing I didn't understand was the connection between Bully and Kenna. to me, it seemed like there were only a few moments between them and I didn't realize Bully was so important to her
something that really upset me was when
was Joanna the only Kalyptra that knew what Rebekkah did? I cannot believe that all of the other kind, caring, and humorous Kalyptra would want to keep living like that by
when we first saw Kenna take the anima out of Jason and Thomas, I was more than a little freaked out. I mean, sure, they did terrible things, but I don't think anyone deserves to literally have the life sucked out of them. as the book went on, I became more comfortable with the idea of anima, as it seemed like the Kalyptra were able to survive without taking the lives of humans and animals.
one thing I didn't understand was the anima of the plant that made Kenna see things. I thought she was living in an imaginary world while under the influence of the anima, but the cut she got still remained somehow. another thing I didn't understand was the connection between Bully and Kenna. to me, it seemed like there were only a few moments between them and I didn't realize Bully was so important to her
something that really upset me was when
was Joanna the only Kalyptra that knew what Rebekkah did? I cannot believe that all of the other kind, caring, and humorous Kalyptra would want to keep living like that by
October 31, 2015
ARC via Readingteen.net
3 Star
“I’ll be here when you wake, so you won’t be afraid to dream alone. To dream alone” (ARC).
Let me tell you a quick little something about how I like my creepy. I like it cold, served with kisses that taste a whole lot like danger. I like it when I see every single terrible part of what makes the antagonist so terrifying. I like my creepy with a dash of cinnamon (so I can feel the burn) and a little bit of maple syrup (so that I can taste the fear in the November leaves).
THE KILLING JAR by Jennifer Bosworth gave me creepy in moderation, and with a book title like THE KILLING JAR I have to say I expected a little more.
The story begins with death. Kenna has a secret, and as she learns more about her own dark past she delves deeper into her family history and what it really means to bear her last name, as well as the consequences that come with it. Kenna killed a boy when she was a child, and because of it she is not allowed to touch anyone, or allow anyone to touch her, for fear of taking their life as well.
In all honesty, there wasn’t a specific aspect of the book that I was entirely opposed to. I wasn’t a fan of Kenna. Or her mom. Or the boy Kenna sort of has a crush on. Or that other boy that Kenna sort of has a crush on. The overall character building felt. . .hollow. And I suppose because I wanted to love it with all my teen-angsty-ness, that when it fell short I just lost interest.
The plot of THE KILLING JAR was not fast-moving. It wasn’t slow-moving. It was juuuust right. And this, my friends, is what saved it from being a two-star novel.
I feel like this should have totally been my kind of novel. I wish it was fleshed out a little more. I want to know the characters a little more and know the reasons behind what they’re doing. Not save it all for a grand-final last minuet thing.
I suppose you’re wondering what it was that I did like. The grandmother. I love her. I can’t say pretty much anything about her, but I feel like she was the character that was most explored and the association and creep-factor with her just just stellar. (can I have a novella just on her back story? I would so buy that.)
3 Star
“I’ll be here when you wake, so you won’t be afraid to dream alone. To dream alone” (ARC).
Let me tell you a quick little something about how I like my creepy. I like it cold, served with kisses that taste a whole lot like danger. I like it when I see every single terrible part of what makes the antagonist so terrifying. I like my creepy with a dash of cinnamon (so I can feel the burn) and a little bit of maple syrup (so that I can taste the fear in the November leaves).
THE KILLING JAR by Jennifer Bosworth gave me creepy in moderation, and with a book title like THE KILLING JAR I have to say I expected a little more.
The story begins with death. Kenna has a secret, and as she learns more about her own dark past she delves deeper into her family history and what it really means to bear her last name, as well as the consequences that come with it. Kenna killed a boy when she was a child, and because of it she is not allowed to touch anyone, or allow anyone to touch her, for fear of taking their life as well.
In all honesty, there wasn’t a specific aspect of the book that I was entirely opposed to. I wasn’t a fan of Kenna. Or her mom. Or the boy Kenna sort of has a crush on. Or that other boy that Kenna sort of has a crush on. The overall character building felt. . .hollow. And I suppose because I wanted to love it with all my teen-angsty-ness, that when it fell short I just lost interest.
The plot of THE KILLING JAR was not fast-moving. It wasn’t slow-moving. It was juuuust right. And this, my friends, is what saved it from being a two-star novel.
I feel like this should have totally been my kind of novel. I wish it was fleshed out a little more. I want to know the characters a little more and know the reasons behind what they’re doing. Not save it all for a grand-final last minuet thing.
I suppose you’re wondering what it was that I did like. The grandmother. I love her. I can’t say pretty much anything about her, but I feel like she was the character that was most explored and the association and creep-factor with her just just stellar. (can I have a novella just on her back story? I would so buy that.)
December 18, 2015
When I started reading The Killing Jar I immediately thought this is my kind of book! The prologue was awesome. It grabbed my attention right away. I couldn’t wait to read the entire book.
As I continued reading I found myself enjoying it, but I had so many questions. I was also very confused by so many things. I am not a fan of the whole back and forth when it comes to secrets. Kenna’s mother obviously had a lot of secrets. She kept Kenna in the dark when it came to what she really is, and who her family is. I was a little annoyed with everyone dropping hints, but not really revealing anything. Even when she is with her mother, she still doesn’t really ask her anything. I mean, if it were me I would have hundreds of questions. Nothing is really revealed till the very end (which I expected after going through so many ALMOST reveals).
Obviously I was curious enough to finish reading till the end, but I was also very annoyed. And even finishing the book, I still don’t quite understand what Eclipse is, and how their gifts work.
I did like Kenna as a character. She was lost. She had every right to be. Nothing was really explained to her. She kills a boy, and instead of her mother telling her the truth, and explaining things she just continued to keep her distance from everyone and limited her interactions with people. Kenna has a friend named Blake, which eventually forms into a sweet romance, but even him she keeps at a distant. There is a slight love triangle that quickly dies. Actually, not sure if I would even consider it a love triangle. I honestly didn’t feel any chemistry between any of the guys and Kenna.
This is one of those books that needed a hundred pages or more to really explain things, and trap readers into Kenna’s world. Though it’s interesting enough to read till the end, it’s just an okay read.
You can probably read it in one sitting.
I wish I could say more, but I honestly don’t know what else to say.
As I continued reading I found myself enjoying it, but I had so many questions. I was also very confused by so many things. I am not a fan of the whole back and forth when it comes to secrets. Kenna’s mother obviously had a lot of secrets. She kept Kenna in the dark when it came to what she really is, and who her family is. I was a little annoyed with everyone dropping hints, but not really revealing anything. Even when she is with her mother, she still doesn’t really ask her anything. I mean, if it were me I would have hundreds of questions. Nothing is really revealed till the very end (which I expected after going through so many ALMOST reveals).
Obviously I was curious enough to finish reading till the end, but I was also very annoyed. And even finishing the book, I still don’t quite understand what Eclipse is, and how their gifts work.
I did like Kenna as a character. She was lost. She had every right to be. Nothing was really explained to her. She kills a boy, and instead of her mother telling her the truth, and explaining things she just continued to keep her distance from everyone and limited her interactions with people. Kenna has a friend named Blake, which eventually forms into a sweet romance, but even him she keeps at a distant. There is a slight love triangle that quickly dies. Actually, not sure if I would even consider it a love triangle. I honestly didn’t feel any chemistry between any of the guys and Kenna.
This is one of those books that needed a hundred pages or more to really explain things, and trap readers into Kenna’s world. Though it’s interesting enough to read till the end, it’s just an okay read.
You can probably read it in one sitting.
I wish I could say more, but I honestly don’t know what else to say.
January 13, 2016
MY THOUGHTS
Kenna and her twin, Erin, have a deep affection for each other, to the point where Kenna would kill anyone who hurts her sister, and she has. While her mother tends her bakery, Kenna makes sure Erin is safe since she has several debilitating diseases that make her extremely fragile. Gifted with a rare sort of power, Kenna finds she can draw on other’s life source and becomes almost intoxicated by the act. When she finds that she can no longer control her acts, her mother takes her to a mysterious commune in the mountains near her house.
Eclipse has been a closed off society that everyone in the town knows about but since it is locked up and staunchly defended, no one bothers them. Kenna and Erin have no idea that their grandmother actually runs this place until Kenna loses control and forces her mother to seek help from them. OK, I am leaving out those details about what happens because it is too spoilery. Let’s just say things turn dark and evil and this is the only solution to Kenna’s “issues”.
Overall, this is a striking story that helped me out of a serious reading slump. It is creepy, almost horror-driven, but I actually didn’t find it that scary. The writing that supports the tale is just amazing. Everything flows perfectly and I really didn’t want it to end, but I am glad that the conclusion was focused and complete. Parents: Probably not safe for younger teens since there are sexual situations, violence, drug/alcohol use and some language, although you are going to love it.
Kenna and her twin, Erin, have a deep affection for each other, to the point where Kenna would kill anyone who hurts her sister, and she has. While her mother tends her bakery, Kenna makes sure Erin is safe since she has several debilitating diseases that make her extremely fragile. Gifted with a rare sort of power, Kenna finds she can draw on other’s life source and becomes almost intoxicated by the act. When she finds that she can no longer control her acts, her mother takes her to a mysterious commune in the mountains near her house.
Eclipse has been a closed off society that everyone in the town knows about but since it is locked up and staunchly defended, no one bothers them. Kenna and Erin have no idea that their grandmother actually runs this place until Kenna loses control and forces her mother to seek help from them. OK, I am leaving out those details about what happens because it is too spoilery. Let’s just say things turn dark and evil and this is the only solution to Kenna’s “issues”.
Overall, this is a striking story that helped me out of a serious reading slump. It is creepy, almost horror-driven, but I actually didn’t find it that scary. The writing that supports the tale is just amazing. Everything flows perfectly and I really didn’t want it to end, but I am glad that the conclusion was focused and complete. Parents: Probably not safe for younger teens since there are sexual situations, violence, drug/alcohol use and some language, although you are going to love it.
September 7, 2015
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After accidentally killing a neighbor boy at a young age, Kenna learned that she has special abilities. Kenna is able to steal the life from living things. It's an ability that Kenna is alone with. Her mother and twin sister don't share this mysterious gift, making Kenna feel frustrated and sometimes isolated.
It isn't until Kenna grows up that she discovers a whole community of people who share these same abilities, including her maternal grandmother. At first, Kenna is hesitant, yet excited to know others like her, but over time she questions many things about the community's practices.
It is hard for me to clearly pinpoint what I didn't like about this book. I think many small factors come into play here.
My biggest pet peeve is how wishy washy EVERYONE'S feelings were. Did Kenna like her mom? Did she want to live at home or at Eclipse? I think she flip flopped about 5 times. Which love interest did she want? Did her grandmother love her, or hate her? Did her mom want her at home or not at home? Was her sister sick or not sick? I could never wrap my head around ANY of these characters or their motivations. I found it very frustrating.
The book is well-written. It has an interesting premise. And from the looks of many other reviews, people are liking it. I may just be the odd man here. It just didn't grab me.
After accidentally killing a neighbor boy at a young age, Kenna learned that she has special abilities. Kenna is able to steal the life from living things. It's an ability that Kenna is alone with. Her mother and twin sister don't share this mysterious gift, making Kenna feel frustrated and sometimes isolated.
It isn't until Kenna grows up that she discovers a whole community of people who share these same abilities, including her maternal grandmother. At first, Kenna is hesitant, yet excited to know others like her, but over time she questions many things about the community's practices.
It is hard for me to clearly pinpoint what I didn't like about this book. I think many small factors come into play here.
My biggest pet peeve is how wishy washy EVERYONE'S feelings were. Did Kenna like her mom? Did she want to live at home or at Eclipse? I think she flip flopped about 5 times. Which love interest did she want? Did her grandmother love her, or hate her? Did her mom want her at home or not at home? Was her sister sick or not sick? I could never wrap my head around ANY of these characters or their motivations. I found it very frustrating.
The book is well-written. It has an interesting premise. And from the looks of many other reviews, people are liking it. I may just be the odd man here. It just didn't grab me.
February 3, 2016
Originally posted on my blog, With Her Head in a Book.
I received an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
The Killing Jar is sure to attract readers with its eye-catching artistic cover. I absolutely adore the cover, especially since it is so fitting to the novel. The book is an interesting twist on the genre that I had not been expecting upon reading the synopsis (in my opinion not a single summary of the novel was very accurate). In some ways, I am glad I did not know precisely what the book was going to be about. This is one of those books that it is better to know less or risk dampening your reading experience. Then again, if I had been told something closer to reality, I might have skipped on this read entirely. Honestly, I was a bit undecided about whether or not to pick up The Killing Jar in the first place, but I could tell there was something unique about this novel that might just make it worth the read. And there is - something many readers have been looking for.
Kenna has a big secret that no one can learn about - not her best friend, her sister, or the detectives that are starting to dig into her past following the attack on her family. She is sent away to a nearby reclusive town known as Eclipse when things take an even darker turn. Everyone living in the town is known as the Kalyptra because of their vampire-like power to cull the life out of the living. . .and Kenna is one of them. There is also a love triangle.
The synopsis makes her secret out to be a big deal: it is not and everyone finds out rather quickly what she is hiding which truly ruined that aspect of the novel. But that is not something critical to the enjoyment of the book unless you are a person, like me, who cares about those details that typically ruin a good movie or book.
The day after Kenna moves into Eclipse, she is introduced to a barrage of people - most who only exist in this one scene and disappear until the ending. This is a big annoyance to me. What is the point in having characters we never get to see again? If it was simply to show how many people live in the town, we could be told there are others that live in the community and be done with it. Honestly, one of the weirdest moments is when Many of the secondary characters are well written, but nearly all of the other characters fade away into the background.
Happy to say, Kenna made for an enjoyable protagonist. Music is in her blood and lives between her fingers. She longs for the things we all dream of, making her relatable. Curiosity is her biggest strength and weakness, though. It is what gets her into trouble, but also saves her life enough times to start counting. She is not afraid of much and asks the questions others will not. She is not a damsel in distress as she does not wait around for any boys to come save her and her family. But I did not love her. Why? While this is simply apart of who she is, sometimes she is a bit too bleak and depressing though that makes her all the more realistic.
Perhaps that bleakness stems from how all the characters are. After reflecting on the novel, I cannot quite get a grasp on how each character felt toward one another excluding a few clear cut instances. Kenna, for example, flip flops between where is home and where her heart lies. I cannot even tell how she felt about her mom or Grandmother, and I do not think she ever really makes up her mind on which guy she really likes. Her mother was just as indecisive toward Kenna as well - does she want her around or not? Whose side is Joanna on anyway? I could not figure out the reasons behind any characters’ actions or motivations because of this.
The love triangle is a lot like any other love triangle. I would have rather gone without the triangle or even entirely removed both romantic interests because they did not add to the book. Blake, her best friend, is too accepting of the events in the novel as if he does not have any preference or care in the world. Cyrus, on the other hand, is the tall, dark, and handsome new guy in Eclipse that is about a hundred years past his expiration date. Hot, right? He serves as Kenna’s guide when she first arrives in town, but he soon loses his purpose when the big master plan is revealed. Both guys are made up of the silliest stereotypical traits (popular boy from school that happens to live next door and lustrous hippie cowboy ) which would be okay if the characters were not so flat. Kenna also quickly and easily loses her feelings for both boys, even the one she is been crushing on for years. Seems a little ridiculous and pointless.
There are occasionally dark and off putting scenes that might disturb some readers unless you are a seasoned horror addict like me. A variety of gory deaths and crude descriptions roughens up the novel while characters set the mood by being vague and easily misunderstood. It is a big game of “what is real?” The opening is the exact opposite of creepy, though. Kenna is playing at a music festival, living her every day normal life and avoiding the past that haunts her, and there is an obviously suspicious man in the crowd staring her down. The novel itself could have existed in nearly any place or time and that is easy to do considering Kenna and her family are set away from the center of town and Eclipse is even further away filled with a group of magical-realistic people. The seclusion is unnerving. The society is suspiciously friendly. Most of the suspense is built in the secrets that are withheld from Kenna by her mother and grandmother. No one wants to let Kenna in on what is happening to her and there will be dire consequences for that.
One of my favorite things about books (but simultaneously one of the most hated) is when an author writes mouth-watering descriptions about food. . .over and over. The Killing Jar is subjected to this treatment. If there is one thing the Kalyptra can do well it is apparently throwing a feast. “Spicy carrot soup. Salad with peaches and goat cheese. Rosemary bread and roasted turkey, sauteed mushrooms over mashed potatoes, flaky, lemony trout, and asparagus and zucchini slathered in butter” not to mention the endless wine. We have not even gotten to desert, yet. (Sign me up for the Kalyptra life.) And like Kenna, I just want to eat and eat and eat their dishes. . .except “there was so much food” in one scene that “it took almost two hours to eat it all.” How do you eat for two hours straight? Forget the twisted vampire power - give me an endless stomach.
The book is not perfect and some plot points seemed silly and out of place for the moment. I took five days to finish the novel which, to me, seemed to drag on and on, yet I was still decently captivated while reading. Every time I sat down to read, I burned through a fifth of the book, but I could not wait to shelve this novel as “read.” Many of the twists and plot points were predictable and ruined much of the suspense that had been built up. I still have a few questions at the completion of the novel and if it is one thing I hate it is not having some sort of answer to big questions. Tie up those loose ends!
The Killing Jar is an okay book, but it would not be at the top of my recommended list. Desperate for a twist on vampires? Want a creepy book? Some magic realism? Alright, maybe give The Killing Jar a shot if you are looking for those three things, but I have got another book in mind that probably would be more fulfilling.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Writing Style: 2/5
All Around Idea: 3/5
Total: 2.5/5
I received an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
The Killing Jar is sure to attract readers with its eye-catching artistic cover. I absolutely adore the cover, especially since it is so fitting to the novel. The book is an interesting twist on the genre that I had not been expecting upon reading the synopsis (in my opinion not a single summary of the novel was very accurate). In some ways, I am glad I did not know precisely what the book was going to be about. This is one of those books that it is better to know less or risk dampening your reading experience. Then again, if I had been told something closer to reality, I might have skipped on this read entirely. Honestly, I was a bit undecided about whether or not to pick up The Killing Jar in the first place, but I could tell there was something unique about this novel that might just make it worth the read. And there is - something many readers have been looking for.
Kenna has a big secret that no one can learn about - not her best friend, her sister, or the detectives that are starting to dig into her past following the attack on her family. She is sent away to a nearby reclusive town known as Eclipse when things take an even darker turn. Everyone living in the town is known as the Kalyptra because of their vampire-like power to cull the life out of the living. . .and Kenna is one of them. There is also a love triangle.
The synopsis makes her secret out to be a big deal: it is not and everyone finds out rather quickly what she is hiding which truly ruined that aspect of the novel. But that is not something critical to the enjoyment of the book unless you are a person, like me, who cares about those details that typically ruin a good movie or book.
The day after Kenna moves into Eclipse, she is introduced to a barrage of people - most who only exist in this one scene and disappear until the ending. This is a big annoyance to me. What is the point in having characters we never get to see again? If it was simply to show how many people live in the town, we could be told there are others that live in the community and be done with it. Honestly, one of the weirdest moments is when Many of the secondary characters are well written, but nearly all of the other characters fade away into the background.
Happy to say, Kenna made for an enjoyable protagonist. Music is in her blood and lives between her fingers. She longs for the things we all dream of, making her relatable. Curiosity is her biggest strength and weakness, though. It is what gets her into trouble, but also saves her life enough times to start counting. She is not afraid of much and asks the questions others will not. She is not a damsel in distress as she does not wait around for any boys to come save her and her family. But I did not love her. Why? While this is simply apart of who she is, sometimes she is a bit too bleak and depressing though that makes her all the more realistic.
Perhaps that bleakness stems from how all the characters are. After reflecting on the novel, I cannot quite get a grasp on how each character felt toward one another excluding a few clear cut instances. Kenna, for example, flip flops between where is home and where her heart lies. I cannot even tell how she felt about her mom or Grandmother, and I do not think she ever really makes up her mind on which guy she really likes. Her mother was just as indecisive toward Kenna as well - does she want her around or not? Whose side is Joanna on anyway? I could not figure out the reasons behind any characters’ actions or motivations because of this.
The love triangle is a lot like any other love triangle. I would have rather gone without the triangle or even entirely removed both romantic interests because they did not add to the book. Blake, her best friend, is too accepting of the events in the novel as if he does not have any preference or care in the world. Cyrus, on the other hand, is the tall, dark, and handsome new guy in Eclipse that is about a hundred years past his expiration date. Hot, right? He serves as Kenna’s guide when she first arrives in town, but he soon loses his purpose when the big master plan is revealed. Both guys are made up of the silliest stereotypical traits (popular boy from school that happens to live next door and lustrous hippie cowboy ) which would be okay if the characters were not so flat. Kenna also quickly and easily loses her feelings for both boys, even the one she is been crushing on for years. Seems a little ridiculous and pointless.
There are occasionally dark and off putting scenes that might disturb some readers unless you are a seasoned horror addict like me. A variety of gory deaths and crude descriptions roughens up the novel while characters set the mood by being vague and easily misunderstood. It is a big game of “what is real?” The opening is the exact opposite of creepy, though. Kenna is playing at a music festival, living her every day normal life and avoiding the past that haunts her, and there is an obviously suspicious man in the crowd staring her down. The novel itself could have existed in nearly any place or time and that is easy to do considering Kenna and her family are set away from the center of town and Eclipse is even further away filled with a group of magical-realistic people. The seclusion is unnerving. The society is suspiciously friendly. Most of the suspense is built in the secrets that are withheld from Kenna by her mother and grandmother. No one wants to let Kenna in on what is happening to her and there will be dire consequences for that.
One of my favorite things about books (but simultaneously one of the most hated) is when an author writes mouth-watering descriptions about food. . .over and over. The Killing Jar is subjected to this treatment. If there is one thing the Kalyptra can do well it is apparently throwing a feast. “Spicy carrot soup. Salad with peaches and goat cheese. Rosemary bread and roasted turkey, sauteed mushrooms over mashed potatoes, flaky, lemony trout, and asparagus and zucchini slathered in butter” not to mention the endless wine. We have not even gotten to desert, yet. (Sign me up for the Kalyptra life.) And like Kenna, I just want to eat and eat and eat their dishes. . .except “there was so much food” in one scene that “it took almost two hours to eat it all.” How do you eat for two hours straight? Forget the twisted vampire power - give me an endless stomach.
The book is not perfect and some plot points seemed silly and out of place for the moment. I took five days to finish the novel which, to me, seemed to drag on and on, yet I was still decently captivated while reading. Every time I sat down to read, I burned through a fifth of the book, but I could not wait to shelve this novel as “read.” Many of the twists and plot points were predictable and ruined much of the suspense that had been built up. I still have a few questions at the completion of the novel and if it is one thing I hate it is not having some sort of answer to big questions. Tie up those loose ends!
The Killing Jar is an okay book, but it would not be at the top of my recommended list. Desperate for a twist on vampires? Want a creepy book? Some magic realism? Alright, maybe give The Killing Jar a shot if you are looking for those three things, but I have got another book in mind that probably would be more fulfilling.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Writing Style: 2/5
All Around Idea: 3/5
Total: 2.5/5
October 9, 2018
The Killing Jar is light YA horror, perfect if you want something creepy but not actually terrifying. Kenna has a secret ability to draw the life from living things and when she was 10, accidentally killed a boy. Now a teenager she has her music, her twin sister, and a sort of boyfriend. But when the past comes back to haunt her and her family is attacked, she flees to a sort of commune where she can be safe with people like her. Of course, all is not as it seems and things get strange.
I was not at all surprised by the reveal at the end of the book when we fully unveil what is going on, but I still enjoyed the journey. The mythology is interesting and not something I have read previously. It does feel quite YA with some teen stupidity and a love triangle, but overall I still enjoyed it and found it to be mildly creepy. The commune feels like what you might imagine a cult-like hippie commune to be and there are clear similarities to drug use in those circumstances since when this life energy is consumed, it has a drug-like effect. Overall, enjoyable and perfect for October.
I was not at all surprised by the reveal at the end of the book when we fully unveil what is going on, but I still enjoyed the journey. The mythology is interesting and not something I have read previously. It does feel quite YA with some teen stupidity and a love triangle, but overall I still enjoyed it and found it to be mildly creepy. The commune feels like what you might imagine a cult-like hippie commune to be and there are clear similarities to drug use in those circumstances since when this life energy is consumed, it has a drug-like effect. Overall, enjoyable and perfect for October.
June 7, 2017
Exiled to a mysterious commune called Eclipse where the residents are all glowing, young and beautiful, Kenna is at first beguiled by the lifestyle.
Here she can be herself and accept her strange powers. And like a moth to a flame, Kenna is drawn to the light or "anima" that glows brightly inside special glass jars. When released, the light feeds a never ending hunger which grows stronger with each day.
What I liked about this book was the wonderful descriptive prose that flows easily and beautifully ... it's like a psychedelic trip of colors sound and light.
There's such a buildup that the inevitable big reveal was almost sadly ridiculous and not terribly horrifying. Everyone got their just desserts, some more cruelly than others.
I struggled to finish this book and only found the last third truly engaging. It was annoying to be toyed with hint after hint that never materialized into any real answers.
All I know is that moths will always freak me the hell out....even without reading this book!
Here she can be herself and accept her strange powers. And like a moth to a flame, Kenna is drawn to the light or "anima" that glows brightly inside special glass jars. When released, the light feeds a never ending hunger which grows stronger with each day.
What I liked about this book was the wonderful descriptive prose that flows easily and beautifully ... it's like a psychedelic trip of colors sound and light.
There's such a buildup that the inevitable big reveal was almost sadly ridiculous and not terribly horrifying. Everyone got their just desserts, some more cruelly than others.
I struggled to finish this book and only found the last third truly engaging. It was annoying to be toyed with hint after hint that never materialized into any real answers.
All I know is that moths will always freak me the hell out....even without reading this book!
August 24, 2022
4 stars- English Ebook
Review follows later.
Review follows later.
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