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Mary Hades #0.5
My Daylight Monsters
I always thought my demons came out in the day, rather than at night. I’ve never been scared of the dark. I’ve only ever been scared of real things: getting ill, having injections, physical pain… death. Those are my monsters, not ghosts or vampires or whatever else can hide under your bed at night.
I was wrong.
The dark makes everything worse.
When Mary’s psychiatrist advises a short stay at a psychiatric unit, her worst nightmares are confirmed. How can she get better in a place that fills her with dread? When she meets the other patients, she begins to gather some hope, until she realises that the death toll in the hospital is rising without explanation. Something sinister stalks the corridors and maybe she is the only one who can stop it…
Mary has to confront the Things that she sees if they are to stand a chance. But will she survive a confrontation with death itself?
I was wrong.
The dark makes everything worse.
When Mary’s psychiatrist advises a short stay at a psychiatric unit, her worst nightmares are confirmed. How can she get better in a place that fills her with dread? When she meets the other patients, she begins to gather some hope, until she realises that the death toll in the hospital is rising without explanation. Something sinister stalks the corridors and maybe she is the only one who can stop it…
Mary has to confront the Things that she sees if they are to stand a chance. But will she survive a confrontation with death itself?
124 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
42 people are currently reading
1178 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Dalton
65 books336 followersSarah grew up in the middle of nowhere in the countryside of Derbyshire and as a result has an over-active imagination. She has been an avid reader for most of her life, taking inspiration from the stories she read as a child, and the novels she devoured as an adult.
Sarah mainly writes speculative fiction for a Young Adult audience and has had pieces of short fiction published in the Medulla Literary Review, PANK magazine, Apex Magazine and the British Fantasy Society publication Dark Horizons. Her short story ‘Vampires Wear Chanel’ is featured in the Wyvern Publication Fangtales.
She is the author of the popular YA dystopia series 'Blemished' and the gothic novella 'My Daylight Monsters'. She is currently working on a YA Fantasy series titled 'White Hart'.
Follow Sarah on twitter @sarahdalton
Sarah mainly writes speculative fiction for a Young Adult audience and has had pieces of short fiction published in the Medulla Literary Review, PANK magazine, Apex Magazine and the British Fantasy Society publication Dark Horizons. Her short story ‘Vampires Wear Chanel’ is featured in the Wyvern Publication Fangtales.
She is the author of the popular YA dystopia series 'Blemished' and the gothic novella 'My Daylight Monsters'. She is currently working on a YA Fantasy series titled 'White Hart'.
Follow Sarah on twitter @sarahdalton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
February 1, 2015
This would be a perfect October dark night read. Mary Hades' parents and doctor decide she needs some time in the local psychiatric hospital. Reading as Mary's character I wondered why? She seemed stable to me. Then she starts admitting to seeing a "skeleton man."
Once Mary realizes something is off about the hospital she starts "cheeking" her meds.
She and her roommate Lacey decide to dig deeper and find out what's going on.
This is a novella that turned into a series of books. I'm intrigued enough to watch where the author goes with these.
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"So, kiddo, what's it like in the loony bin? What have you been getting up to? Nurse Ratched been sending you for the ECT yet?" Dad says. Mum shoots him a hard stare the could kill the happiest unicorn in the world stone dead with pure fear.
Once Mary realizes something is off about the hospital she starts "cheeking" her meds.
She and her roommate Lacey decide to dig deeper and find out what's going on.
This is a novella that turned into a series of books. I'm intrigued enough to watch where the author goes with these.
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2018
Good ghost story
My Daylight Monsters by Sarah Dalton is a very good story about a gal that sees things that aren't there but they tell her what is going to happen. Her family then put her in a mental hospital. This is the suspenseful story of what happens there! Pretty good!
My Daylight Monsters by Sarah Dalton is a very good story about a gal that sees things that aren't there but they tell her what is going to happen. Her family then put her in a mental hospital. This is the suspenseful story of what happens there! Pretty good!
November 3, 2020
“I see people with things wrong with them, bones and wounds and deathly pale skin. They deliver messages to me. They help me stop bad things from happening.”
This was an okay story, but I didn’t love it.
Mary was an okay character, and I did feel a little sorry for her that she was being admitted to a mental health care facility. I have to say that she sounded like she needed admitting though based on the things she claimed to see, especially as she insisted that they weren’t hallucinations, they were ‘visions’ (and thus real).
“I’m not crazy,” I say. “I’m really not. They’re real. I swear.”
The storyline in this was about Mary being admitted to the mental health care facility, and what then happened to her there. There was one scary story someone told her that was alright, but the rest just bored me. Playing truth or dare is hardly original, and people dying at a psychiatric institute isn’t unheard of either, especially in supposedly scary stories.
“You were hallucinating, weren’t you?” he asks.
“No.” I’m not lying, I’m really not. The Things are not hallucinations. They are visions. Why won’t anyone believe me?
The ending to this was okay, but I was mainly glad the book was over.
6 out of 10
This was an okay story, but I didn’t love it.
Mary was an okay character, and I did feel a little sorry for her that she was being admitted to a mental health care facility. I have to say that she sounded like she needed admitting though based on the things she claimed to see, especially as she insisted that they weren’t hallucinations, they were ‘visions’ (and thus real).
“I’m not crazy,” I say. “I’m really not. They’re real. I swear.”
The storyline in this was about Mary being admitted to the mental health care facility, and what then happened to her there. There was one scary story someone told her that was alright, but the rest just bored me. Playing truth or dare is hardly original, and people dying at a psychiatric institute isn’t unheard of either, especially in supposedly scary stories.
“You were hallucinating, weren’t you?” he asks.
“No.” I’m not lying, I’m really not. The Things are not hallucinations. They are visions. Why won’t anyone believe me?
The ending to this was okay, but I was mainly glad the book was over.
6 out of 10
May 17, 2020
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Opinião:
Já andava para ler Mary Hades há algum tempo, mas optei mesmo por começar pelo "volume 0.5" para ter uma introdução à história.
Após um evento traumático, a Mary partilha com algumas pessoas que tem visões com umas criaturas horrendas, é então que dá entrada num hospital psiquiátrico. Porém ela não tem nenhum desequilíbrio mental e é neste edifício que acaba por ter um melhor entendimento do seu dom, bem como descobre outras capacidades.
Na verdade as criaturas são projecções do cérebro da Mary, como forma de avisá-la que algo de grave vai acontecer. Ela tem vindo a ver algo ocasionalmente pelo hospital, pelo que pressente que algo de errado se está a passar por lá.
Ela decide então investigar e descobre que muitos pacientes estão a morrer de modo inesperado, ultimamente. Cabe-lhe a ela resolver este mistério.
Esta é uma breve história que ficou muito interessante. Na minha opinião, ficou uma boa introdução, deu-me mais contexto e deixa antever alguns aspectos que me parecem essenciais para a história principal.
Ficou bastante original o modo que o organismo da Mary arranjou para que ela fique consciente da iminência de perigo, de como ela tem as visões, e que realmente ao aparecerem, aquelas coisas tragam algum tipo de aviso consigo. Se são aterrorizantes? Imenso, mas é diferente do que "já vi" antes.
Sinceramente agradou-me imenso, pelo que saio desta leitura com vontade de prosseguir imediatamente para o volume 1. Quantos de vocês optaram por começar alguma saga pelos volumes introdutórios, em vez de iniciar logo no volume principal?
Opinião:
Já andava para ler Mary Hades há algum tempo, mas optei mesmo por começar pelo "volume 0.5" para ter uma introdução à história.
Após um evento traumático, a Mary partilha com algumas pessoas que tem visões com umas criaturas horrendas, é então que dá entrada num hospital psiquiátrico. Porém ela não tem nenhum desequilíbrio mental e é neste edifício que acaba por ter um melhor entendimento do seu dom, bem como descobre outras capacidades.
Na verdade as criaturas são projecções do cérebro da Mary, como forma de avisá-la que algo de grave vai acontecer. Ela tem vindo a ver algo ocasionalmente pelo hospital, pelo que pressente que algo de errado se está a passar por lá.
Ela decide então investigar e descobre que muitos pacientes estão a morrer de modo inesperado, ultimamente. Cabe-lhe a ela resolver este mistério.
Esta é uma breve história que ficou muito interessante. Na minha opinião, ficou uma boa introdução, deu-me mais contexto e deixa antever alguns aspectos que me parecem essenciais para a história principal.
Ficou bastante original o modo que o organismo da Mary arranjou para que ela fique consciente da iminência de perigo, de como ela tem as visões, e que realmente ao aparecerem, aquelas coisas tragam algum tipo de aviso consigo. Se são aterrorizantes? Imenso, mas é diferente do que "já vi" antes.
Sinceramente agradou-me imenso, pelo que saio desta leitura com vontade de prosseguir imediatamente para o volume 1. Quantos de vocês optaram por começar alguma saga pelos volumes introdutórios, em vez de iniciar logo no volume principal?
February 14, 2015
**A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
This was so bloody creepy!
My Daylight Monsters was a brilliant book. it really drew me in, I read it in one sitting. This is exactly why I'd never allow myself to be admitted to a psychiatric facility. Even if you're perfectly sane, the more you try to convince someone you're fine the crazier you seem. That in itself is terrifying.
While I really liked Mary, the whole cast of characters were unique and each was interesting in their own way.
This was so bloody creepy!
My Daylight Monsters was a brilliant book. it really drew me in, I read it in one sitting. This is exactly why I'd never allow myself to be admitted to a psychiatric facility. Even if you're perfectly sane, the more you try to convince someone you're fine the crazier you seem. That in itself is terrifying.
While I really liked Mary, the whole cast of characters were unique and each was interesting in their own way.
October 13, 2013
'At 2am, a veil lifts. But what happens when you don't know the time? What happens when the light never goes off? That's what it's like, in the white room. It's limbo. It's neither real nor fantasy. It's not life and it's not death. Time doesn't matter here. I'm not sure what does, really.'
My thoughts
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, and I read it as part of a Halloween horror book challenge. I found this book to be incredibly interesting, as I've never read a book set in a psychiatric hospital before. I recently watched a horror film set in an old psychiatric hospital,and this was fresh in my mind when I read this, which definitely added to the creepy atmosphere. The descriptions of the hospital and characters are very vivid; I was able to imagine everything, and again, this added to the eerie feeling I got from this book.
Although this only a short book, there's a lot packed into the pages. The pacing is great; it's fast paced without giving away too much too soon. When I've read novellas before, I've found that there didn't seem to be enough time to get to know the characters and get a feel for the setting before the book ended. However, this wasn't the case with this book; the pacing of the book allowed enough time to really get a good image of the setting and characters.
The characters were great in this book. Mary is incredibly brave, she's dealing with a lot of her own problems, but she still feels the need to help the other patients in the hospital. I loved this about her, since she could have just kept her head down until she left the hospital and forget all about the other patients. I also loved the character of Lacey, Marys' roommate. The relationship that they develop over a few short days is great, they laugh and joke together which is incredible, given the situation that they're in.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. For such a short story, the Author has really created something special. The only downside for me is that I want there to be a sequel so I can see what happens to Mary. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a quick and enjoyable read.
My thoughts
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, and I read it as part of a Halloween horror book challenge. I found this book to be incredibly interesting, as I've never read a book set in a psychiatric hospital before. I recently watched a horror film set in an old psychiatric hospital,and this was fresh in my mind when I read this, which definitely added to the creepy atmosphere. The descriptions of the hospital and characters are very vivid; I was able to imagine everything, and again, this added to the eerie feeling I got from this book.
Although this only a short book, there's a lot packed into the pages. The pacing is great; it's fast paced without giving away too much too soon. When I've read novellas before, I've found that there didn't seem to be enough time to get to know the characters and get a feel for the setting before the book ended. However, this wasn't the case with this book; the pacing of the book allowed enough time to really get a good image of the setting and characters.
The characters were great in this book. Mary is incredibly brave, she's dealing with a lot of her own problems, but she still feels the need to help the other patients in the hospital. I loved this about her, since she could have just kept her head down until she left the hospital and forget all about the other patients. I also loved the character of Lacey, Marys' roommate. The relationship that they develop over a few short days is great, they laugh and joke together which is incredible, given the situation that they're in.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. For such a short story, the Author has really created something special. The only downside for me is that I want there to be a sequel so I can see what happens to Mary. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a quick and enjoyable read.
April 29, 2015
4.5 stars, but I’ve rounded up...
I received a copy of My Daylight Monsters from the author in exchange for an honest review. A copy of this review is also on my blog: www.bookblogbird.weebly.com
A while back I read Mary Hades by Sarah Dalton. My Daylight Monsters is actually a novella that prologues Mary Hades. Mary Hades works just fine on its own and I really enjoyed it, but I kind of wish I’d thought to read this book first as it gives a lot of background to Mary’s ability and everything she went through.
The story opens as Mary arrives at the psychiatric ward of her local hospital. She is being admitted voluntarily as she is hoping to get to the bottom of the visions of ‘skull men’ she’s been having. As her stay progresses, she starts to realise the true nature of her visions, makes some friends and tries to get to the bottom of the mysterious increase in deaths on the palliative care ward....
I really enjoyed this novella. It was a fairly quick read, the plot rattled along nicely and included the creepiest ghost story I’ve read for a while. Mary is a very realistic, likeable MC, and I liked the other people she meets on the ward a lot. The Evil Baddie is suitably creepy, too!
Sarah Dalton writes fluently and engagingly and I’ll certainly be reading more of her work in the future.
I received a copy of My Daylight Monsters from the author in exchange for an honest review. A copy of this review is also on my blog: www.bookblogbird.weebly.com
A while back I read Mary Hades by Sarah Dalton. My Daylight Monsters is actually a novella that prologues Mary Hades. Mary Hades works just fine on its own and I really enjoyed it, but I kind of wish I’d thought to read this book first as it gives a lot of background to Mary’s ability and everything she went through.
The story opens as Mary arrives at the psychiatric ward of her local hospital. She is being admitted voluntarily as she is hoping to get to the bottom of the visions of ‘skull men’ she’s been having. As her stay progresses, she starts to realise the true nature of her visions, makes some friends and tries to get to the bottom of the mysterious increase in deaths on the palliative care ward....
I really enjoyed this novella. It was a fairly quick read, the plot rattled along nicely and included the creepiest ghost story I’ve read for a while. Mary is a very realistic, likeable MC, and I liked the other people she meets on the ward a lot. The Evil Baddie is suitably creepy, too!
Sarah Dalton writes fluently and engagingly and I’ll certainly be reading more of her work in the future.
March 10, 2015
Actual rating - 3.5
Mary was an okay character, and I did feel sorry for her because of what she was going through, but I didn't love her character.
Her roommate Lacey really annoyed me at the start, as she was nosey and would not shut up! I could understand why she was so nosey when it came to Mary later on in the book though.
This was an interesting novella, and I'm looking forward to reading the main book.
Mary was an okay character, and I did feel sorry for her because of what she was going through, but I didn't love her character.
Her roommate Lacey really annoyed me at the start, as she was nosey and would not shut up! I could understand why she was so nosey when it came to Mary later on in the book though.
This was an interesting novella, and I'm looking forward to reading the main book.
February 4, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
This was a fantastic read; one of my favourite books this year!
Oddly enough, one of my friends was asking me about mental disorders the other day. She read an article about how some mental illnesses are more commonly known than others. My Daylight Monsters explores a variety of mental illnesses suffered by teenagers in a rehabilitation centre; from depression, anorexia and drug addiction to unexplainable mental breakdowns. Everyone committed has a story, and as the book progresses we learn about the other patients as well as Mary's personal dilemmas.
I might be morbid but I loved the mystery and thrill that accompanied this tale. The unusually frequent deaths, Mary's weird spirit-friend Johnny and the bad vibes of the psychiatric ward gave me the shivers. When Mo was telling his ghost story I was unintentionally biting my finger. I expect to have several sleepless nights, freaking out in the darkness but this story was completely worth it!
I adored the way it was written, how real the characters felt and the spine tingling feeling I got during the final few chapters. Most highly recommended!
Favourite Quotes:
Mum puts a hand on my shoulder. "You won't be in for long. Just until you're better, I promise."
"What's better?" I mumble, "How will I know?" Will someone tell me?"You'll know, sweetheart. You'll know."
Group therapy. It must be one of the most depressing, frustrating, pointless, soul-destroyingly awful things I've ever done in my entire life.
"Then tell me."
I sit up and face her. "You'll think I'm crazy."
She gives me an overdramatic shrug. "We're in a psychiatric ward, Mary. I already think you're bloody mental..."
That's the thing about hospitals, what I've always hated. We give up control of our life and hand it over to someone else. Most of the time it's a good thing. We need these people and their expertise. But what if they don't want to make us better? What then?
This was a fantastic read; one of my favourite books this year!
Oddly enough, one of my friends was asking me about mental disorders the other day. She read an article about how some mental illnesses are more commonly known than others. My Daylight Monsters explores a variety of mental illnesses suffered by teenagers in a rehabilitation centre; from depression, anorexia and drug addiction to unexplainable mental breakdowns. Everyone committed has a story, and as the book progresses we learn about the other patients as well as Mary's personal dilemmas.
I might be morbid but I loved the mystery and thrill that accompanied this tale. The unusually frequent deaths, Mary's weird spirit-friend Johnny and the bad vibes of the psychiatric ward gave me the shivers. When Mo was telling his ghost story I was unintentionally biting my finger. I expect to have several sleepless nights, freaking out in the darkness but this story was completely worth it!
I adored the way it was written, how real the characters felt and the spine tingling feeling I got during the final few chapters. Most highly recommended!
Favourite Quotes:
Mum puts a hand on my shoulder. "You won't be in for long. Just until you're better, I promise."
"What's better?" I mumble, "How will I know?" Will someone tell me?"You'll know, sweetheart. You'll know."
Group therapy. It must be one of the most depressing, frustrating, pointless, soul-destroyingly awful things I've ever done in my entire life.
"Then tell me."
I sit up and face her. "You'll think I'm crazy."
She gives me an overdramatic shrug. "We're in a psychiatric ward, Mary. I already think you're bloody mental..."
That's the thing about hospitals, what I've always hated. We give up control of our life and hand it over to someone else. Most of the time it's a good thing. We need these people and their expertise. But what if they don't want to make us better? What then?
October 27, 2013
I got his book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side.
Firstly I would like to thank Sarah Dalton, author of My Daylight Monsters, for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.
Oh my God, what a great read but terrifying as well. I really enjoyed this story a lot and the horror scenes really scared me like hell. I couldn't sleep that night, fearing that the same Things will haunt me too. It’s that scary, folks. Try it and you’ll know. I would have loved if this would have been a full-length novel instead of a novella but the author managed to pour her heart and soul within these few pages and make it a fast-paced and totally intriguing read.
Here we meet Mary (protagonist) who on the basis of the prescription of her doctor visits a psychiatric ward of a hospital for a couple of days and the horrific moments of her life takes place there. With the increase in the death toll of the patients and her own hallucinations and visions she is torn between the actual fact and her delusions. Is she really crazy or there is something that haunts the ward and the corridors at night?
The author really did a great job and kept the readers confused as well. Sometimes I felt that she may really be crazy but the other times I believed her. The dialogues are really crisp and clear and totally soul touching. I have read and reviewed the Blemished Trilogy of this author and became a fan of her writing and I’m glad to say that she did it again; she mesmerized me by her awesome writing style. There is suspense and thick mystery that will make you chomp on your nails in fear and anticipation. The ending was really unpredictable and I loved the little shocking surprises that the author presented me with on intervals. Overall a great and must read for ya all and I’m sure it will spook you and will chill you up to the very core.
Firstly I would like to thank Sarah Dalton, author of My Daylight Monsters, for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.
Oh my God, what a great read but terrifying as well. I really enjoyed this story a lot and the horror scenes really scared me like hell. I couldn't sleep that night, fearing that the same Things will haunt me too. It’s that scary, folks. Try it and you’ll know. I would have loved if this would have been a full-length novel instead of a novella but the author managed to pour her heart and soul within these few pages and make it a fast-paced and totally intriguing read.
Here we meet Mary (protagonist) who on the basis of the prescription of her doctor visits a psychiatric ward of a hospital for a couple of days and the horrific moments of her life takes place there. With the increase in the death toll of the patients and her own hallucinations and visions she is torn between the actual fact and her delusions. Is she really crazy or there is something that haunts the ward and the corridors at night?
The author really did a great job and kept the readers confused as well. Sometimes I felt that she may really be crazy but the other times I believed her. The dialogues are really crisp and clear and totally soul touching. I have read and reviewed the Blemished Trilogy of this author and became a fan of her writing and I’m glad to say that she did it again; she mesmerized me by her awesome writing style. There is suspense and thick mystery that will make you chomp on your nails in fear and anticipation. The ending was really unpredictable and I loved the little shocking surprises that the author presented me with on intervals. Overall a great and must read for ya all and I’m sure it will spook you and will chill you up to the very core.
October 15, 2013
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book had an great atmosphere, equal parts spooky and intriguing. There were a few spelling and grammar errors, but these were easy to overlook because of the engaging story and characters.
Our story follows Mary as she is committed to a mental ward after a traumatic incident leaves her seeing visions. Mary is naturally apprehensive about this but soon befriends her room-mate Lacey as well as maybe developing feelings for another patient.
But things are not what they seem, patients from the terminally ill ward are dying at an alarming rate and when one of the psychiatric patients passes away it can no longer be written off as a coincidence. Mary must battle her fears to uncover who has been murdering patients, but who will believe a crazy girl? Will she lose more friends? Or will she be losing her own life?
An interesting look at friendship, mental illness and the abuse of power.
Although I wouldn't say this is my favourite book I've read this year it is still very good and worth a read. Especially as it's a novella and therefore a quick read. One thing I did love was how very British it was, it's rare you read a book with such an English feel; loved all the slang used and accents really gave characters a unique voice. All in all a spooky story decently written, I look forward to reading more books by Ms Dalton and hope she continues the series.
This book had an great atmosphere, equal parts spooky and intriguing. There were a few spelling and grammar errors, but these were easy to overlook because of the engaging story and characters.
Our story follows Mary as she is committed to a mental ward after a traumatic incident leaves her seeing visions. Mary is naturally apprehensive about this but soon befriends her room-mate Lacey as well as maybe developing feelings for another patient.
But things are not what they seem, patients from the terminally ill ward are dying at an alarming rate and when one of the psychiatric patients passes away it can no longer be written off as a coincidence. Mary must battle her fears to uncover who has been murdering patients, but who will believe a crazy girl? Will she lose more friends? Or will she be losing her own life?
An interesting look at friendship, mental illness and the abuse of power.
Although I wouldn't say this is my favourite book I've read this year it is still very good and worth a read. Especially as it's a novella and therefore a quick read. One thing I did love was how very British it was, it's rare you read a book with such an English feel; loved all the slang used and accents really gave characters a unique voice. All in all a spooky story decently written, I look forward to reading more books by Ms Dalton and hope she continues the series.
October 15, 2013
My Daylight Monsters is a truly gripping novella; it's almost 'quiet horror' but definitely has not only it's horrifying moments but a kind of insidious chill that creeps through your veins as the plot progresses.
The plot is truly engrossing. By day, I'm actually an NHS administrator, and I have genuinely broached the subject before with (open minded!) colleagues that we might be 'medicating the ghosts' out of people. This instantly sprung to mind when I read My Daylight Monsters, and as such it really appealed to me. I spent a lot of the story musing over whether the protagonist, Mary, was a medium or a mentalist!
I also like the whole premise of the 'modern day' psychiatric hospital, with mental health/illness being such a pertinent topic these days, especially with young adults, and I really enjoyed the portrayal of what people see as 'loonies' as normal teenagers, just with their own problems. Mental health problems don't mean someone is weird or strange, and I enjoyed Dalton's portrayal of the teenagers as just normal, troubled kids, despite their diagnoses.
It's a fabulous mix of entertainment and a social/moral message. I'm not sure if that was what Dalton was aiming for but whether intended or accidental - bravo. I would sincerely recommend this thought provoking, enjoyable read to anyone!
The plot is truly engrossing. By day, I'm actually an NHS administrator, and I have genuinely broached the subject before with (open minded!) colleagues that we might be 'medicating the ghosts' out of people. This instantly sprung to mind when I read My Daylight Monsters, and as such it really appealed to me. I spent a lot of the story musing over whether the protagonist, Mary, was a medium or a mentalist!
I also like the whole premise of the 'modern day' psychiatric hospital, with mental health/illness being such a pertinent topic these days, especially with young adults, and I really enjoyed the portrayal of what people see as 'loonies' as normal teenagers, just with their own problems. Mental health problems don't mean someone is weird or strange, and I enjoyed Dalton's portrayal of the teenagers as just normal, troubled kids, despite their diagnoses.
It's a fabulous mix of entertainment and a social/moral message. I'm not sure if that was what Dalton was aiming for but whether intended or accidental - bravo. I would sincerely recommend this thought provoking, enjoyable read to anyone!
January 26, 2015
I am absolutely loving this series. I am sad to admit that I did not come back to read this until I found out about it AFTER I read the last book. Of course! Even reading this late I have been able to fill in some holes that I had, and answer some questions. Nothing vital but there were some curiosities, like how Mary and Lacey met. I was extremely curious about the fire that Mary is in and of course how she comes about to get her "gift".
If you've read the stories this is a great filler and brings you more of Mary and the other fantastic characters. Being able to read about them again was great. But especially Mary. There's just something about Mary (ha) that I really enjoy reading about. And Sarah Dalton has a great way of mixing the creepy with slowly building intensity. This is probably the creepiest book that I've read in a while and since I LOVE horror that is saying something! But if you do not love horror, do not let that push you away. This IS creepy but it's not bloody and definitely doesn't have the characteristics of the horrors of today.
Mary really grew with this one and her character makes even more sense! I enjoyed this so much I am now tempted to go back and re-read everything!
There were only a few characters that I did not fully connect with (hence the 4.5 instead of a full 5) but I completely recommend this series. It's deliciously creepy!
If you've read the stories this is a great filler and brings you more of Mary and the other fantastic characters. Being able to read about them again was great. But especially Mary. There's just something about Mary (ha) that I really enjoy reading about. And Sarah Dalton has a great way of mixing the creepy with slowly building intensity. This is probably the creepiest book that I've read in a while and since I LOVE horror that is saying something! But if you do not love horror, do not let that push you away. This IS creepy but it's not bloody and definitely doesn't have the characteristics of the horrors of today.
Mary really grew with this one and her character makes even more sense! I enjoyed this so much I am now tempted to go back and re-read everything!
There were only a few characters that I did not fully connect with (hence the 4.5 instead of a full 5) but I completely recommend this series. It's deliciously creepy!
February 10, 2015
This book was provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
'My Daylight Monster' was a quick, but surprisingly dark, read. The characters are very interesting, especially considering the setting; in a psychiatric ward. I really liked the idea of Mary being able to see ghosts and couldn't believe it when I found out that the "things" she was seeing were really a manifestation of her own foreboding. I wasn't sure about Johnny throughout the book, and I'm still not sure if he was really bad or good or a little mixture of both. I'm pretty upset Lacey died, as she was my favourite character, better than even Mary herself. I wish the next novel; in the series was focused more around another psychiatric ward or the same area so we get to see Mo again, but reading the synopsis of the next book that's not going to happen.
Overall this was an enjoyable read that had a creepy atmosphere, leaving the reader's questioning what is really possible in the world and whether what they see is really real.
'My Daylight Monster' was a quick, but surprisingly dark, read. The characters are very interesting, especially considering the setting; in a psychiatric ward. I really liked the idea of Mary being able to see ghosts and couldn't believe it when I found out that the "things" she was seeing were really a manifestation of her own foreboding. I wasn't sure about Johnny throughout the book, and I'm still not sure if he was really bad or good or a little mixture of both. I'm pretty upset Lacey died, as she was my favourite character, better than even Mary herself. I wish the next novel; in the series was focused more around another psychiatric ward or the same area so we get to see Mo again, but reading the synopsis of the next book that's not going to happen.
Overall this was an enjoyable read that had a creepy atmosphere, leaving the reader's questioning what is really possible in the world and whether what they see is really real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2015
**I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.**
What an amazingly spooky and intense thriller of a book. (Now I am done with all the cheese I promise) I love this book! I was not expecting this book or series to take as dark a turn as it did. However the mystery and said dark events were handled so well. I Am really glad I read this before the first book as it provided me the base upon Lacey and Mary's relationship. I found myself cheering for the characters and hoping for their stories to work out in the end. I felt for Mary and her parents, I felt for Mary's friends in the ward, and I felt for all the lost souls. This is a fantastically spooky book that will make you want to leave the light on just a bit longer and snuggle deep down into the safety of your comforter.
What an amazingly spooky and intense thriller of a book. (Now I am done with all the cheese I promise) I love this book! I was not expecting this book or series to take as dark a turn as it did. However the mystery and said dark events were handled so well. I Am really glad I read this before the first book as it provided me the base upon Lacey and Mary's relationship. I found myself cheering for the characters and hoping for their stories to work out in the end. I felt for Mary and her parents, I felt for Mary's friends in the ward, and I felt for all the lost souls. This is a fantastically spooky book that will make you want to leave the light on just a bit longer and snuggle deep down into the safety of your comforter.
September 9, 2015
"I always thought my demons came out in the day, rather than at night. I've never been scared of the dark."
I received this book from the author from the YA spring fling.
This book feels like a combination of Fallen and The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer to me.This is all your cliche stuff about going insane but then you're not. One thing these books with repeating theme thought me is. . . DON'T TRUST YOUR PSYCHIATRIST!! they're the one who wants to get you.
p.s the only thing i like about this book is the fact that I thought this certain person will be a love interest but noooope
October 19, 2013
I have to admit I didn't have any real expectations of this book. I didn't know the author and am not a huge fan of horror. Instead I found that once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. While some of the plot twists were expected, others were not. More importantly, I found myself caught up in the story to the point that I realized my pulse was pounding and I was genuinely worried for the protagonist even though logic told me that she would be fine. If you want a quick, scary read, this is a great place to visit.
August 23, 2015
3'5, aunque estaría bastante cerca del 4
Aunque al principio me costó un poquito pillar la historia de Mary, al final conseguí conectar con ella y con todos los personajes para encontrarme con un historia misteriosa y que en alguna ocasión me ha llegado a poner los pelos de punta, sobre todo al leerlo por la noche. Al tratarse de una historia cortita, nos encontramos que una vez estamos ya dentro de los personajes y de los sucesos, avanzamos en la lectura incluso si nosotros no queremos.
Reseña: http://tortugalectora.blogspot.com/20...
Aunque al principio me costó un poquito pillar la historia de Mary, al final conseguí conectar con ella y con todos los personajes para encontrarme con un historia misteriosa y que en alguna ocasión me ha llegado a poner los pelos de punta, sobre todo al leerlo por la noche. Al tratarse de una historia cortita, nos encontramos que una vez estamos ya dentro de los personajes y de los sucesos, avanzamos en la lectura incluso si nosotros no queremos.
Reseña: http://tortugalectora.blogspot.com/20...
July 3, 2015
Good novella to start the series off. I knew what was happening to her because I saw the description to Mary Hades #1 before I saw this one on Net Galley. So make sure you don't make the same mistake! But, considering that, it was still an interesting book. I like Mary, Lacey, Johnny, and Mo as characters. I have Mary Hades #1 for review, as well, so I will be starting it right now!
July 1, 2015
La verdad es que este libro me pareció bastante interesante. Es para jóvenes adultos, pero incluso a mí me pareció entretenido y bien construido. El tema en sí me gustó bastante y me enganchó el tinte de terror psicológico (eso sí, muy light).
tbr-later
July 31, 201531 July 2015: $0.99 on Kindle
September 13, 2017
My Daylight Monsters is the prequel novella for the Mary Hades series by Sarah Dalton. Seventeen year old Mary Hades is admitted to the psychiatric wars of the local hospital for the "hallucinations" that she has been seeing. When the medications make her numb and withdrawn, one of the other patients recommends that she stop taking them. As Mary's head clear, She realizes that something is actually amiss in the hospital. The patients in the end of life care wars across the hall are dying off far too quickly, and the green eyes boy she keeps seeing is a patient who died a few months previous to her arrival. Rather than hide, Mary sets out to discover what is happening. 4 stars.
January 6, 2022
"I always thought my demons came out in the day, rather than at night. I've never been scared of the dark. I've only ever been scared of real things: getting ill, having injections, physical pain... death. Those are my monsters, not ghosts or vampires or whatever else can hide under your bed at night. I guess serial killers could get you in the dark, but they can get you in the light just as easily."
I read this in one sitting and although sitting in a cafe with awful Christmas music, I was so involved in the story I really didn't notice. It was a quick read with great writing and felt emotional and relatable dealing with mental health and trauma and how to work through them, with the addition of ghosts and fantastic dark humour. I instantly liked Mary's character and her hate for hospitals, Lacey I took a bit longer to warm up to but I loved her not long after. I also really liked Mo's character, he was the more calm to Lacey's hype. I love how Mary explores how much of a sheltered life she'd been having when meeting the other ward members and the slamming realisation of the reality of her and their own situation, it really grounds the novel so it doesn't ignore the issues placed for the gothic story of ghosts and murder. After reading this, I can't wait to start reading the series itself!
I read this in one sitting and although sitting in a cafe with awful Christmas music, I was so involved in the story I really didn't notice. It was a quick read with great writing and felt emotional and relatable dealing with mental health and trauma and how to work through them, with the addition of ghosts and fantastic dark humour. I instantly liked Mary's character and her hate for hospitals, Lacey I took a bit longer to warm up to but I loved her not long after. I also really liked Mo's character, he was the more calm to Lacey's hype. I love how Mary explores how much of a sheltered life she'd been having when meeting the other ward members and the slamming realisation of the reality of her and their own situation, it really grounds the novel so it doesn't ignore the issues placed for the gothic story of ghosts and murder. After reading this, I can't wait to start reading the series itself!
January 5, 2024
Ha estado bien. Una lectura rápida y sencilla donde se mezcla el drama de una adolescente que se ve internada en un manicomio con pinceladas de terror.
Me ha parecido que los loquitos de sus compañeros eran bastante normales como para estar internos, pero pienso que es debido a la medicación periódica que les suministran. Quizá he echado de menos alguna escena graciosa... en un manicomio con locos seguro que algo te haría reír... o quizá es mi mente perversa...
En definitiva, una lectura rápida con un final bien hilado y perfecto para leer en verano.
3/5
Nos leemos!
Me ha parecido que los loquitos de sus compañeros eran bastante normales como para estar internos, pero pienso que es debido a la medicación periódica que les suministran. Quizá he echado de menos alguna escena graciosa... en un manicomio con locos seguro que algo te haría reír... o quizá es mi mente perversa...
En definitiva, una lectura rápida con un final bien hilado y perfecto para leer en verano.
3/5
Nos leemos!
July 13, 2017
A riveting read!
Wow. Crazy, scary, tragic, touching and addictive! It was too short! I need more! I have questions ...It was frightening and suspenseful (and a little sweet), but not gory or gruesome . I'd like more details, but a story can have too much detail, I suppose.
Wow. Crazy, scary, tragic, touching and addictive! It was too short! I need more! I have questions ...It was frightening and suspenseful (and a little sweet), but not gory or gruesome . I'd like more details, but a story can have too much detail, I suppose.
May 15, 2017
Great read
It does not take twenty words to describe this book when only two words describe it accurately and it is a great read
It does not take twenty words to describe this book when only two words describe it accurately and it is a great read
July 18, 2017
Got me hooked now to read the next.
March 31, 2018
A good read on the young adult line.
August 27, 2018
Enjoyable!
Got off to a slow start but by the end I couldn't put it down. A simple read for an adult but imagine young adults would love the thrill of the story.
Got off to a slow start but by the end I couldn't put it down. A simple read for an adult but imagine young adults would love the thrill of the story.
February 15, 2022
Not my type of book at all. I think aimed at young adults
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