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A Girl Named M
After a devastating family tragedy, Theo finds himself living in the sleepy town of Morrisville, in a new school with no friends. When he is recruited by a group of outcasts to join their annual Halloween quest to the town’s infamous haunted house – rumored to be home to a wicked old woman and her imprisoned granddaughter – he reluctantly joins.
What Theo doesn’t realize is that this one night will lead him down a path of no return.
M is no ordinary fifteen-year-old girl. Cursed and living in the attic of Old Lady Laurel’s house, the local teens believe her to be a hideous creature, labeling her “The Monster,” despite never actually setting eyes on her.
That is, until that Halloween night.
As Theo continues to seek M after their encounter, he is drawn into a world of parallel time and space, developing an unlikely friendship along with an unhealthy obsession with trying to save her.
But when details from his past start to resurface and his relationship with M gets more complicated, Theo is forced to face his demons and make a difficult decision. One that not only risks his life but also puts M’s life in grave danger.
A Girl Named M is a whimsical tale about embracing all the things about ourselves that make us feel other, and celebrating that uniqueness regardless of anyone else’s perception.
What Theo doesn’t realize is that this one night will lead him down a path of no return.
M is no ordinary fifteen-year-old girl. Cursed and living in the attic of Old Lady Laurel’s house, the local teens believe her to be a hideous creature, labeling her “The Monster,” despite never actually setting eyes on her.
That is, until that Halloween night.
As Theo continues to seek M after their encounter, he is drawn into a world of parallel time and space, developing an unlikely friendship along with an unhealthy obsession with trying to save her.
But when details from his past start to resurface and his relationship with M gets more complicated, Theo is forced to face his demons and make a difficult decision. One that not only risks his life but also puts M’s life in grave danger.
A Girl Named M is a whimsical tale about embracing all the things about ourselves that make us feel other, and celebrating that uniqueness regardless of anyone else’s perception.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2023
9 people are currently reading
4218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 22, 2024
Really liked
Different from the books i normally read but I really enjoyed reading this book. A magical YA story about time travel and friendship.
Different from the books i normally read but I really enjoyed reading this book. A magical YA story about time travel and friendship.
December 29, 2023
A Girl Named M is a YA low fantasy, with elements of time travel and immortality weaved into normal life scenarios. The house on the hill believed to be haunted lends a bit of gothic vibe to the story. It delves into the themes of friendship, family, loss and grief, human nature, confronting one’s own demons, and facing the consequences of one’s actions.
Owing to its time-travel premise, the story jumps back and forth between the present time and the different time periods in the past that M has the ability to access. The writing is simple and straightforward. The book is clearly intended for young adult readers, with scenes and dialogues appropriate for the target audience. I believe it can even be suitable for middle graders, especially those who are transitioning from fairy tales to high fantasy.
But despite the simplicity of the language, it contains a lot of profound and evocative insights on human nature, making sense of our lives and its impermanence, and the enduring power of love and friendship.
The story is told in the dual first-person perspectives of Theo and M, with a short part narrated by Claire, Theo’s enemy-turned-accomplice. The third narrator with a very brief exposure as the storyteller, who is not as big of a character as Theo and M, felt somewhat awkward to me. But it was not a big deal in the greater scheme of things.
The pace is kind of slow and cozy in the beginning but picks up and accelerates towards the end. And what an ending! I do hope Chris Perez is working on Book 2 because the ending begs for a sequel and there are some unanswered questions.
The chapter has titles, a thing which is becoming less and less common these days. I like authors who take the time to think of good chapter titles. It’s like they sprinkled extra love on their work. I just wish that the “telling instead of showing” parts were kept at a minimum. It would have made the prose less juvenile. I was also a bit bothered by a lot of fainting and “everything went black” scenes.
Overall, as someone who has read a good number of books ranging from celebrated classics to booktok disappointments, this book sustained my interest from beginning to end. And I’m not even into fantasy, let alone YA fantasy. So, that’s saying something.
Honestly, I was hesitant to accept the author’s invitation to review the book because I felt that I’m too old for YA books. But I’m glad to have read it and am able to make this book review in the perspective of an adult a few years shy of middle age.
I would say that A Girl Named M successfully brought together elegance and accessibility, interesting story and thought-provoking insights, things that any book worth reading should have in order to raise a generation of sensible readers who, when they grow up, will demand higher standards from authors and publishers.
Owing to its time-travel premise, the story jumps back and forth between the present time and the different time periods in the past that M has the ability to access. The writing is simple and straightforward. The book is clearly intended for young adult readers, with scenes and dialogues appropriate for the target audience. I believe it can even be suitable for middle graders, especially those who are transitioning from fairy tales to high fantasy.
But despite the simplicity of the language, it contains a lot of profound and evocative insights on human nature, making sense of our lives and its impermanence, and the enduring power of love and friendship.
The story is told in the dual first-person perspectives of Theo and M, with a short part narrated by Claire, Theo’s enemy-turned-accomplice. The third narrator with a very brief exposure as the storyteller, who is not as big of a character as Theo and M, felt somewhat awkward to me. But it was not a big deal in the greater scheme of things.
The pace is kind of slow and cozy in the beginning but picks up and accelerates towards the end. And what an ending! I do hope Chris Perez is working on Book 2 because the ending begs for a sequel and there are some unanswered questions.
The chapter has titles, a thing which is becoming less and less common these days. I like authors who take the time to think of good chapter titles. It’s like they sprinkled extra love on their work. I just wish that the “telling instead of showing” parts were kept at a minimum. It would have made the prose less juvenile. I was also a bit bothered by a lot of fainting and “everything went black” scenes.
Overall, as someone who has read a good number of books ranging from celebrated classics to booktok disappointments, this book sustained my interest from beginning to end. And I’m not even into fantasy, let alone YA fantasy. So, that’s saying something.
Honestly, I was hesitant to accept the author’s invitation to review the book because I felt that I’m too old for YA books. But I’m glad to have read it and am able to make this book review in the perspective of an adult a few years shy of middle age.
I would say that A Girl Named M successfully brought together elegance and accessibility, interesting story and thought-provoking insights, things that any book worth reading should have in order to raise a generation of sensible readers who, when they grow up, will demand higher standards from authors and publishers.
March 2, 2024
This story is an urban light fantasy following fifteen year old Theo as he grapples with life in a new town after the sudden and tragic death of his brother. A group of classmates demands he accompany them to a creepy, gothic, old house on a hill where it's rumored a monster lives in the attic. Against his better judgement, Theo joins them. When they get to the house, his companions start to panic at the sight of a monster on the roof, but all Theo sees is a girl wearing a mask.
Thoughts of this girl plague him, until he finally decides to go back to the house and figure out what he really saw. When he gets up to the attic, he indeed finds a girl with shackles around her ankles, hiding under a sheet. She tells him she's lived her life in the attic for the safety of others because she is cursed.
As the days go on, Theo continues to skip school to visit M and learn more about her life and the curse that was placed on her. As their friendship grows, she lets Theo in on all of her secrets, and shares her abilities with him. But time travel comes with a steep price, something M and Theo learn too late when the side effects of their adventures begin to take a toll on Theo's physical health.
After Theo is hospitalized and M's home is attacked, the last of her life gone forever, they decided to take one last adventure. But this last adventure proves to be too much for both of them, and they are each left with a tragic ending.
This is a cute story with some heavy themes. It's marketed as YA with the main character being fifteen, and I would say it's appropriate for kids fifteen and up. I don't think I'd recommend it for kids much younger than that due to light swearing, smoking, and kids drinking alcohol. The story was entertaining from start to finish and I think this is a great concept for a story. I do have a few unanswered questions, so I'm crossing my fingers that there will be a sequel to tie up the loose ends. I think this book is definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of YA urban fantasy.
Thoughts of this girl plague him, until he finally decides to go back to the house and figure out what he really saw. When he gets up to the attic, he indeed finds a girl with shackles around her ankles, hiding under a sheet. She tells him she's lived her life in the attic for the safety of others because she is cursed.
As the days go on, Theo continues to skip school to visit M and learn more about her life and the curse that was placed on her. As their friendship grows, she lets Theo in on all of her secrets, and shares her abilities with him. But time travel comes with a steep price, something M and Theo learn too late when the side effects of their adventures begin to take a toll on Theo's physical health.
After Theo is hospitalized and M's home is attacked, the last of her life gone forever, they decided to take one last adventure. But this last adventure proves to be too much for both of them, and they are each left with a tragic ending.
This is a cute story with some heavy themes. It's marketed as YA with the main character being fifteen, and I would say it's appropriate for kids fifteen and up. I don't think I'd recommend it for kids much younger than that due to light swearing, smoking, and kids drinking alcohol. The story was entertaining from start to finish and I think this is a great concept for a story. I do have a few unanswered questions, so I'm crossing my fingers that there will be a sequel to tie up the loose ends. I think this book is definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of YA urban fantasy.
November 20, 2023
I've struggled to capture the essence of this incredible book! The author skillfully weaves magic into a tale of deep friendship, creating an irresistible blend that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story was so compelling that I found it impossible to find the right page to put the book down. Each scene is described with such vivid detail, reshaping the way I perceive time and memories.
Chris, thank you for providing a space where I could escape the demands of the world and immerse myself in your boundless imagination. As you share in the book, "A disruption of the normal flow of the mind". I am looking forward to book 2!
P.S I bought 2 extra copies for friends and they are loving it!
Chris, thank you for providing a space where I could escape the demands of the world and immerse myself in your boundless imagination. As you share in the book, "A disruption of the normal flow of the mind". I am looking forward to book 2!
P.S I bought 2 extra copies for friends and they are loving it!
February 15, 2024
"A Girl Named M" by Chris Perez is a gripping read that kept me thoroughly engaged with its quick pace and intriguing plot. From the very beginning, I found myself hooked, always eager to uncover the next twist or turn. Perez masterfully crafts her characters, making them feel relatible and easy to connect with. I found myself falling in love with them and invested in their journeys. The author's skillful handling of character development adds depth and richness to the story. With so many unexpected surprises throughout, "A Girl Named M" kept me guessing until the very end. While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I can't help but eagerly anticipate the next installment. Chris Perez has certainly left me eagerly awaiting more from the world of 'M'.
December 24, 2025
I can't believe it just ends like that!!!! is there supposed to be a second one??? if yes, good. if no, that's really just a terrible way to end a story. all that build up, for nothing.
this book was so much better than I anticipated. while some things are cliche and unbelievable, like theo so easily ditching school via the nurses office, the bullies, and the hill house never being locked, I can forgive that because the push and pull between theo and m kept me intrigued. I wish there was a better explanation as to why theo was so fascinated with m at first though. it didn't really make sense to me. but their friendship was sweet and I liked their dynamic.
I really wish it didn't end like that though. it just started getting good!!!
this book was so much better than I anticipated. while some things are cliche and unbelievable, like theo so easily ditching school via the nurses office, the bullies, and the hill house never being locked, I can forgive that because the push and pull between theo and m kept me intrigued. I wish there was a better explanation as to why theo was so fascinated with m at first though. it didn't really make sense to me. but their friendship was sweet and I liked their dynamic.
I really wish it didn't end like that though. it just started getting good!!!
December 22, 2023
This story had very likeable characters that I enjoyed learning about.
What I wanted more of was the experience of the fantasy element like the time travel. It reads more litfic than fantasy without that depth of description of sight and sound.
I wanted more about M’s discovery of her rules. What were her experiences and missteps (in more detail)? How did she discover Atticus and figure out how to manage that “relationship”? What even was Atticus?
And the ending felt like an unfinished ending instead of a cliffhanger. Not sure which it was intended to be. So, I’d love for this story for these characters to continue.
What I wanted more of was the experience of the fantasy element like the time travel. It reads more litfic than fantasy without that depth of description of sight and sound.
I wanted more about M’s discovery of her rules. What were her experiences and missteps (in more detail)? How did she discover Atticus and figure out how to manage that “relationship”? What even was Atticus?
And the ending felt like an unfinished ending instead of a cliffhanger. Not sure which it was intended to be. So, I’d love for this story for these characters to continue.
January 16, 2024
A Girl Named M will take you on an enchanting ride that will have you guessing where it’s taking you until the end!
This book sunk its claws in me in the beginning and never let go, not even after it ended! This YA fantasy/magic realism book is a story of friendship, grief, and coping with life, death, and the chaos that is time and space in this vast universe. Parts of it read more like a thriller/mystery novel which I wasn’t expecting but thoroughly enjoyed.
Theo reads like he’s older than he is but I believe that’s because he’s experienced far more than your average 15 year old, which is why his companionship with M makes sense and touched my heart. They were so sweet and gentle with each other that I couldn’t help but root for them to get everything they’ve ever wanted. I so hope this author writes a sequel because I need to know what happens.
This book sunk its claws in me in the beginning and never let go, not even after it ended! This YA fantasy/magic realism book is a story of friendship, grief, and coping with life, death, and the chaos that is time and space in this vast universe. Parts of it read more like a thriller/mystery novel which I wasn’t expecting but thoroughly enjoyed.
Theo reads like he’s older than he is but I believe that’s because he’s experienced far more than your average 15 year old, which is why his companionship with M makes sense and touched my heart. They were so sweet and gentle with each other that I couldn’t help but root for them to get everything they’ve ever wanted. I so hope this author writes a sequel because I need to know what happens.
December 12, 2023
Still catching my breath from this! A wonderful story about unlikely friendships, the beauty and perils of time travel, and believing in what is possible.
The story of Theo and M is seamlessly told through both of their points-of-view; allowing the reader to easily connect with both characters as they learn more about one another over the course of the story.
Also, Chris has done a great job of writing each scene in a way that is both clear and so enjoyable (not easy to do with time travel stories).
This is a thrilling, fun ride by an author with a great imagination. Highly recommended!
The story of Theo and M is seamlessly told through both of their points-of-view; allowing the reader to easily connect with both characters as they learn more about one another over the course of the story.
Also, Chris has done a great job of writing each scene in a way that is both clear and so enjoyable (not easy to do with time travel stories).
This is a thrilling, fun ride by an author with a great imagination. Highly recommended!
January 7, 2024
The story was easy to fall into and it was written in a way that you wanted to keep reading. I love that from an author. It shows Skill and understanding of their audience. That being said, having read the book I feel left with more questions than answers. So much is left in a sort of suspense. I am not sure if a sequel is planned (I would read it if it were), but the ending left me feeling confused and unfulfilled. That being said, again, captivating and well written story.
March 23, 2024
Beautifully written. I loved this book! I was definitely thrown off by the cover - but as they say, “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” which is so true. After starting, I couldn’t set it down. It was quick to read because you just wanted to see what happens next. Most times there are books that start slow or you don’t get that urge to finish because there’s nothing going on - well this one defied all of that. I recommended 100%!
November 4, 2023
A mystical must read.
M is a girl who we can all relate to. Her story brings you into a world of wonder and hope and fear and magic. It’s an amazing journey into time and reveals the power of connection. I read this book so quickly and didn’t want to put it down. I cannot wait to read more by Chris Perez!
M is a girl who we can all relate to. Her story brings you into a world of wonder and hope and fear and magic. It’s an amazing journey into time and reveals the power of connection. I read this book so quickly and didn’t want to put it down. I cannot wait to read more by Chris Perez!
November 30, 2023
This book was beautifully written, heartbreakingly so at times. It wasn't anything like what I was expecting. Every time I thought I had it figured out and knew where it was going, it would go somewhere else. I hope there's more to come!
March 23, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! I couldn’t put this book down, I just kept wanting to read and find out what happened. Great writing, great characters and great plot overall. I’m hoping there’s a part 2, because I already can’t wait to read it!
November 4, 2023
Absolute page turner. Read it in under 48 hrs. Just read it!! Captivating story about connection and worldly perception. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys magical realism.
November 11, 2023
Both dad and teen daughter loving the same story?! Highly recommend if you want to take a magical journey through the life of M!
November 13, 2023
absolutely awesome story. Love it and i humbly advise everyone to read
December 25, 2023
I really liked this book. It definitely kept me guessing! Thanks Goodreads for the giveaway!! I will definitely be buying the rest of this series if there are any more!!
February 27, 2024
I loved this book! The story was interesting and the fantasy elements kept me reading! I fell in love with the characters and I’m hoping there’s a second book coming
November 25, 2024
I really like this book! It’s a story about magic, time travel and friendship! Highly recommend it!!!!
November 8, 2025
Thank you for the giveaway copy.
This was a great, captivating story. It had me invested pretty early on, trying to figure out what was going on. I'm bummed it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, as I thought it was a standalone book. But, hopefully, the sequel gets published sometime soon.
This was a great, captivating story. It had me invested pretty early on, trying to figure out what was going on. I'm bummed it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, as I thought it was a standalone book. But, hopefully, the sequel gets published sometime soon.
February 24, 2024
Liked how quick and to the point it was lol. Wish it didn’t leave me on such a cliffhanger tho
February 27, 2024
This book was great! It kept me intrigued as the story unfolded. The ending left me with the expectation for a sequel as there is more to be told I am sure! I would definitely recommend this book!
January 16, 2024
🖋️ Because of the off-color language, this was a no-go for me. ♦️ I received a Kindle eBook copy via the Goodreads Giveaway Program. Thank you to the author. 😀 🗑 Conversely, other readers may like this type of writing.
🟣 Kindle.
🟣 Kindle.
June 18, 2024
I actually really enjoyed this one! The perfect amount of fantasy without being too over the top.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews