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Dark Carousel #2
Paper Dolls
PAPER DOLLS is the mesmerizing follow-up to the Gothic thriller, DOLLHOUSE.
After the dark despair of the Dollhouse, Cassie believes she has found the way back to her former life. But once you've ventured into the underground, the spirits will never release you. She makes the terrifying discovery of just how deep and far-reaching their hold on her is.
In a dual storyline set in 1920, a clairvoyant tells 14-year-old circus performer, Jessamine, that she is soon to die an unnatural death. With her grandfather spending the last of his circus fortunes on dark magic and with Mr. Baldcott chasing her for an agreement to a marriage proposal, Jessamine doesn't know who to turn to. Then a circus train derailment changes everything...
(Paper Dolls is a re-release of the original Paper Dolls. It follows on from the new version of Dollhouse (May 20 2014) only.)
After the dark despair of the Dollhouse, Cassie believes she has found the way back to her former life. But once you've ventured into the underground, the spirits will never release you. She makes the terrifying discovery of just how deep and far-reaching their hold on her is.
In a dual storyline set in 1920, a clairvoyant tells 14-year-old circus performer, Jessamine, that she is soon to die an unnatural death. With her grandfather spending the last of his circus fortunes on dark magic and with Mr. Baldcott chasing her for an agreement to a marriage proposal, Jessamine doesn't know who to turn to. Then a circus train derailment changes everything...
(Paper Dolls is a re-release of the original Paper Dolls. It follows on from the new version of Dollhouse (May 20 2014) only.)
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First published December 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
May 23, 2015
If Dollhouse was about establishing tone and mystique to entice readers, then Paper Dolls expands upon what the reader knows and challenging what they might expect of the series.
Paper Dolls surpasses the first novel with a startling, action-packed opening that makes the reader wonder what will happen next. Conflict and tension builds as the characters' sense of security and sanity are continuously challenged as the origins of the Dollhouse are explored through flashbacks that reveal the backdrop of the story without detracting from what readers are already acquainted with. The ending offered an intense surprise that few would expect.
This book may not be what people will anticipate in a follow-up to Dollhouse; however, it does move into a bold direction that creates a rich premise to plum and a lot of potential for future books in the series.
Paper Dolls surpasses the first novel with a startling, action-packed opening that makes the reader wonder what will happen next. Conflict and tension builds as the characters' sense of security and sanity are continuously challenged as the origins of the Dollhouse are explored through flashbacks that reveal the backdrop of the story without detracting from what readers are already acquainted with. The ending offered an intense surprise that few would expect.
This book may not be what people will anticipate in a follow-up to Dollhouse; however, it does move into a bold direction that creates a rich premise to plum and a lot of potential for future books in the series.
March 25, 2020
I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler-free way. If you feel anything in my review is a spoiler and is not already hidden in spoiler brackets please let me know. Thank you.
This book took the series in a whole different direction than I thought it would. It's too early to tell yet whether it will be a good or bad thing. I did give it one less star than the first book because it just wasn't as good. It seemed to be a way to tie the first book to the third book, but there wasn't enough going on. It was slow and at times a bit boring. It also wasn't as scary as the first. It didn't have that creepy vibe that I was loving from the first book. I did enjoy the parts from Jessamine's point of view though. It was nice to see exactly how she became the way she did.
I was super excited to continue this series because I LOVED the first one soooo much. So this book was a bit of a disappointment, but I don't feel discouraged. It's called a second book slump for a reason. I think this series could still turn out really well and I plan to continue on with the series.
This book took the series in a whole different direction than I thought it would. It's too early to tell yet whether it will be a good or bad thing. I did give it one less star than the first book because it just wasn't as good. It seemed to be a way to tie the first book to the third book, but there wasn't enough going on. It was slow and at times a bit boring. It also wasn't as scary as the first. It didn't have that creepy vibe that I was loving from the first book. I did enjoy the parts from Jessamine's point of view though. It was nice to see exactly how she became the way she did.
I was super excited to continue this series because I LOVED the first one soooo much. So this book was a bit of a disappointment, but I don't feel discouraged. It's called a second book slump for a reason. I think this series could still turn out really well and I plan to continue on with the series.
How I choose my rating:
1* Hated it. I had to force myself to finish it.
2** Didn't like it. I didn't hate it but not sure why I finished it other than for some closure.
3*** I liked it. I had some issues with it, but as a whole it was good. I probably won't reread ever, but there is a chance I might finish the series. (If part of one) But if not it's not a huge loss.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this, and I will finish the series. (If part of one) I would recommend to those I know hold interest in this book's content.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will be rereading this and probably more than once. I will finish the series and reread it multiple times. (If part of one) I will recommend this book to EVERYONE!!!!
October 2, 2013
OMG I am actually a little nauseous from the rollar coaster ride that was this book. I had to read it as fast as I could. Not that it wasn't fun, in that way scaring the crap out of yourself with horror stories (or rollar coasters) can be. But I truly had trouble breathing at times. There is more movement, more action and there are less clowns and dolls in this installment, all good things. A lot of backstory illuminates the first book's dark secrets, and takes the reader to new levels. This trilogy-in-progress is the product of one very extensive imagination and a hard-working writer.
There are a few more typos and grammatical errors in this installment, which I have seen before with successful indie writers who succumb to fan pressure to churn out their tales too quickly, without sufficient research and editing to solidify the work. I hope Anya Allyn will take her time completing and polishing the third, even though I desperately need to know what happens next. And my other complaint is again, the Americans using Aussie terminology i.e., windcheater for windbreaker. I now see why the tale requires two continents (and several universes)in which to be told but that also puts more burden on the writer to keep watch on the details and nuances that keep it feeling real. And scary. Although there is no shortage of the scary in these books, regardless.
I will definitely be watching for book #3 and am most grateful for the free download of book #1 which got me hooked. I think. :::Shudder:::
There are a few more typos and grammatical errors in this installment, which I have seen before with successful indie writers who succumb to fan pressure to churn out their tales too quickly, without sufficient research and editing to solidify the work. I hope Anya Allyn will take her time completing and polishing the third, even though I desperately need to know what happens next. And my other complaint is again, the Americans using Aussie terminology i.e., windcheater for windbreaker. I now see why the tale requires two continents (and several universes)in which to be told but that also puts more burden on the writer to keep watch on the details and nuances that keep it feeling real. And scary. Although there is no shortage of the scary in these books, regardless.
I will definitely be watching for book #3 and am most grateful for the free download of book #1 which got me hooked. I think. :::Shudder:::
June 25, 2013
So Far I have read Book one and Book two... They are the most creepiest and weirdest books I have ever read and I loved them ! You never knew where the story was going to take you or who you could trust it kept you guessing the whole time.. I can't wait for book Three after ready 1 & 2 you just know book 3 is going to be Awesome!
February 14, 2020
"Those who most want escape end up imprisoning themselves if they are not careful.”
Okay so this plot is cuckoo bananas.
A lot of the decision making and how characters react is not exactly grounded in reality- but I still flew threw the book and will probably read on to the next one. I want to know what the hell is going on and the questions just keep piling up.
I mean the Zack 'romance' was weird, rushed, and if anyone was saying the stuff he said I would be running far and fast. Also if they wouldn't take no for an answer and weirdly invited themselves to go along on my trips and stalked me I don't think I'd be to trusting.
And also, yay for actually having the parents be alive in a YA story- but what parent in their right mind would let their 15 year old kid just run off to Mexico after what happened? And take time off school? And to just not ask any questions when said parents disappears in the night and leaves your 15 year old daughter and her friend alone with no note or anything?
Um...I don't care if he wasn't exactly there for you as a kid, I'd call the police.
Like I said the logic is some plot points is flimsy as heck, but I still had fun.
June 27, 2017
6/27/17
The original version of this book had several chapters in the beginning that were moved to the end of the first book in the series (Dollhouse). Without those chapters, this book is much stronger.
However, I still think it was nowhere near as good as the first. I enjoyed Jessamine's chapters much more than Cassie's, mainly because I hated the boys and how easily the girls fell for them and . I really hope we don't see much of Zach, Parker, and Emerson in the third book because they just seem so pointless.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
While this book was nowhere near as atmospheric or creepy as the first one, it was still pretty good. Characters were developed, questions were answered, more were raised. I honestly have no idea what the author is going to do from here.
I will say the writing and formatting was nowhere near at tight as the first installment. Some of the dialogue was awkward and explanations were forced. Americans spoke like Australians at times. Overall, it just felt rushed. It should have spent more time being perfected before publication.
Speaking of awkward, I had a major problem with Zach, Emerson (and later, Parker) from the moment they were introduced. What. the effing. hell. Who in god's name would fall for dudes like this? Saying things like (and I may be paraphrasing) "And here I was hoping to see that pretty hair blowing in the wind" (after a character tied her hair back) and "Just let me know if you need help washing your back!" NO. I am fifteen, I will wash MY OWN back. STEP OFF.
My point is, these guys were supposed to be "perfect": sweet, attentive, never annoyed, never angry no matter the circumstances. They were super rich. Like, rich enough to have a giant yacht and be able to order helicopters and buy dresses for complete strangers. That kind of rich.
I can't wait to read more in this series, though! This author is really imaginative and I need to see what happens to these characters.
"Time is a dream in which all possible things happen."
The original version of this book had several chapters in the beginning that were moved to the end of the first book in the series (Dollhouse). Without those chapters, this book is much stronger.
However, I still think it was nowhere near as good as the first. I enjoyed Jessamine's chapters much more than Cassie's, mainly because I hated the boys and how easily the girls fell for them and . I really hope we don't see much of Zach, Parker, and Emerson in the third book because they just seem so pointless.
"Anything you can think of—anything you can imagine—is real... somewhere. We dream of such things, here on earth, never realizing in our dream state our minds are peering into other worlds."
ORIGINAL REVIEW
While this book was nowhere near as atmospheric or creepy as the first one, it was still pretty good. Characters were developed, questions were answered, more were raised. I honestly have no idea what the author is going to do from here.
I will say the writing and formatting was nowhere near at tight as the first installment. Some of the dialogue was awkward and explanations were forced. Americans spoke like Australians at times. Overall, it just felt rushed. It should have spent more time being perfected before publication.
Speaking of awkward, I had a major problem with Zach, Emerson (and later, Parker) from the moment they were introduced. What. the effing. hell. Who in god's name would fall for dudes like this? Saying things like (and I may be paraphrasing) "And here I was hoping to see that pretty hair blowing in the wind" (after a character tied her hair back) and "Just let me know if you need help washing your back!" NO. I am fifteen, I will wash MY OWN back. STEP OFF.
My point is, these guys were supposed to be "perfect": sweet, attentive, never annoyed, never angry no matter the circumstances. They were super rich. Like, rich enough to have a giant yacht and be able to order helicopters and buy dresses for complete strangers. That kind of rich.
I can't wait to read more in this series, though! This author is really imaginative and I need to see what happens to these characters.
December 27, 2012
The continuing saga of Cassie and how she coped with the aftermath of being trapped, and finally escaping the Dollhouse was an extremely gripping one.
Paper Dolls is part two of the trilogy, and we go back and forth between Cassie in the present day, and Jessamine’s life in 1920.
Jessamine lived with her grandfather in the circus, The Fiveash Circus, and after losing her father to an awful accident, and her mother being confined to a wheelchair, Jessamine was cared for by her grandfather, Tobias Fiveash. He was the only one she felt close to, he was the owner of the circus, and the ringmaster. But when they were travelling from one destination to the next, things went very badly wrong, and that was the beginning of the horror that continued 100 years later!
As Cassie tried to overcome the trauma of the Dollhouse, she also wanted to know why it all happened, what happened, and where Henry Fiveash was…she didn’t feel she would ever be safe until the police caught up with him, and put him behind bars!
The fast pace of this novel, the horrors and the extreme twist at the end had me gasping. I am very much looking forward to the third and final book sometime in 2013.
The only issue I had with the book is one which editing would fix, but it didn’t detract from the brilliant storyline!
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book.
Paper Dolls is part two of the trilogy, and we go back and forth between Cassie in the present day, and Jessamine’s life in 1920.
Jessamine lived with her grandfather in the circus, The Fiveash Circus, and after losing her father to an awful accident, and her mother being confined to a wheelchair, Jessamine was cared for by her grandfather, Tobias Fiveash. He was the only one she felt close to, he was the owner of the circus, and the ringmaster. But when they were travelling from one destination to the next, things went very badly wrong, and that was the beginning of the horror that continued 100 years later!
As Cassie tried to overcome the trauma of the Dollhouse, she also wanted to know why it all happened, what happened, and where Henry Fiveash was…she didn’t feel she would ever be safe until the police caught up with him, and put him behind bars!
The fast pace of this novel, the horrors and the extreme twist at the end had me gasping. I am very much looking forward to the third and final book sometime in 2013.
The only issue I had with the book is one which editing would fix, but it didn’t detract from the brilliant storyline!
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book.
January 29, 2026
MY THOUGHTS
It has been five years since I read book one, so when I tried to read Paper Dolls, I was a bit confused. I decided to reread book one, but I was still confused because I guess Anya Allyn updated Dollhouse and the copy I had was not the updated version. Sigh. I guess that's on me, I can't really fault Anya Allyn for confusing me in the book, I understand wanting to update books, but it was frustrating. I oftentimes felt like I jumped into a parallel universe of Dollhouse, where some things were slightly different but different enough that I questioned my own memory. I got used to it, but it made for an uncomfortable reading experience at times.
I really wondered what would happen in this book. The original version of Dollhouse that I read ended on a cliffhanger, although from what I understand, the updated version has less of a cliffhanger. Cassie is no longer trapped in the underground dollhouse, but her and Aisha face the media frenzy of being the dollhouse girls, when they just want to get back to their normal lives. Ethan is also out, but the media blames him and his grandfather for the kidnappings. Cassie is trying to deal with the betrayal, so she and Aisha's family decides to go on vacation and they meet a couple of cute guys. But these guys aren't quite who they thought they were either and Cassie can't escape the dollhouse.
Since this book begins with them escaping the dollhouse, I worried whether enough would happen in this book. The answer: not much happens, at least to Cassie. Cassie's story is plenty much everything I said above, just really elongated a bit mundane, and an added adventure plot that sounds more exciting than it actually was. She has a new love interest, but that was meh. I didn't really see any chemistry, but it was the same with Ethan in the last book. Cassie's story gets interesting near the very end, but not until then.
We do get Jessamine's story in this book, from Jessamine's POV. This was the best part of this book. When her perspective first started, I wasn't sure about reading a new perspective, and a historical one at that, but I loved seeing her backstory. Her story one of the least confusing parts of this book and one of the more hauntings parts of the book. This book wasn't much of a horror book, definitely less so than the first book, but Jessamine's story showed us tragic horror elements.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I did like this book. Cassie's story in this book was very slow and I wasn't as interested in what she was doing, but Jessamine's story made up for it. I was super confused at times in this book thanks to the update but I pushed through. The ending is intriguing and I can tell that book three is going in a new direction. I'm planning on continuing the series, but...I get the feeling that the books got updated again. So, I'm likely going to be confused YET AGAIN! Ugh.
May 2, 2013
SPOILER ALERT - IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST BOOK IN THE TRILOGY DO NOT READ AHEAD. . .
After being trapped in the giant underground dollhouse for a few months, things come to a head. The man that sent them supplies seems to take off and they begin to run out of food. The only thing left is the tea they are dosed with by Jessamine each time she wants them to sleep. They brew a batch strong enough to kill all of them since they discover they have been walled in behind plate-metal. The only exit is no longer available to them.
All the girls drink their tea except for Cassie. And Ethan stays up near the walled of entrance trying to find a way to blast through the metal. Cassie drops her cup and watches as all the tea drains into the stone floor. She then goes to where she found their tents and packs stored and puts on all the layers she can, including her wetsuit... and then she is off to find a way out of the dollhouse or die trying.
From here things rapidly come to a head and there seems to be a happy-enough resolution to the situation. But things are not what they seem, and the evil that kept the girls trapped still pursues them around the world - even back to Miami when Cassie's mother moves them back there. Somehow Cassie still manages to slip into the memories of the long-dead Fiveash family members - and trapped in those memories is something that some people will kill for.
Again the story moves at a rapid clip, keeping you turning page after page (regardless if it means you will only get two hours of sleep before work the next day). There are more surprises and still more unexpected twists in the plot. Enough to make your head spin as you try to figure out what is going on right along with Cassie and friends.
This book left me in agony for the final book in the trilogy, and I've marked my calendar for the day it is set to come out!
After being trapped in the giant underground dollhouse for a few months, things come to a head. The man that sent them supplies seems to take off and they begin to run out of food. The only thing left is the tea they are dosed with by Jessamine each time she wants them to sleep. They brew a batch strong enough to kill all of them since they discover they have been walled in behind plate-metal. The only exit is no longer available to them.
All the girls drink their tea except for Cassie. And Ethan stays up near the walled of entrance trying to find a way to blast through the metal. Cassie drops her cup and watches as all the tea drains into the stone floor. She then goes to where she found their tents and packs stored and puts on all the layers she can, including her wetsuit... and then she is off to find a way out of the dollhouse or die trying.
From here things rapidly come to a head and there seems to be a happy-enough resolution to the situation. But things are not what they seem, and the evil that kept the girls trapped still pursues them around the world - even back to Miami when Cassie's mother moves them back there. Somehow Cassie still manages to slip into the memories of the long-dead Fiveash family members - and trapped in those memories is something that some people will kill for.
Again the story moves at a rapid clip, keeping you turning page after page (regardless if it means you will only get two hours of sleep before work the next day). There are more surprises and still more unexpected twists in the plot. Enough to make your head spin as you try to figure out what is going on right along with Cassie and friends.
This book left me in agony for the final book in the trilogy, and I've marked my calendar for the day it is set to come out!
February 24, 2013
MIND. BLOWN.
This sequel to Dollhouse was even better than the first. Dollhouse was dark, creepy, and fantastical, whereas Paper Dolls delves solidly into a macabre mystery. The plot thickens, the writing gets better and more descriptive, and I finally found out how Jessamine came to be the way she is; I am given answers to the questions I didn't even realize I had been asking in Dollhouse. Things made so much more sense, the pieces started fitting together so much better...
Until the last couple chapters. Then everything was thrown into a tailspin again.
I'm in agony now because I know Ms. Allyn is still writing the next book. I can't believe I have to waaaaaiiiiiit to find out what happens!
I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!
This sequel to Dollhouse was even better than the first. Dollhouse was dark, creepy, and fantastical, whereas Paper Dolls delves solidly into a macabre mystery. The plot thickens, the writing gets better and more descriptive, and I finally found out how Jessamine came to be the way she is; I am given answers to the questions I didn't even realize I had been asking in Dollhouse. Things made so much more sense, the pieces started fitting together so much better...
Until the last couple chapters. Then everything was thrown into a tailspin again.
I'm in agony now because I know Ms. Allyn is still writing the next book. I can't believe I have to waaaaaiiiiiit to find out what happens!
I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!
March 28, 2018
This book was amazing, I enjoyed reading Jessamine's POV it really made you see her differently and feel sorry for her.
I also enjoyed the twist at the end it really made me want to read the next one ASAP!
I also enjoyed the twist at the end it really made me want to read the next one ASAP!
April 1, 2018
This is a much less gothic horror than Dollhouse and, as such, makes for far less uncomfortable reading. In this book we get to learn of Jessamine's history and also how the girls are faring in the aftermath of their rescue. I can't really talk too much about the plot of this as it will give the complete plot away. All I will say is YES, what you think happened to Cassie did happen, the boys they meet on vacation are who you think they are and things really aren't going to get better any time soon.
The characters in this book are so rich and multi-dimensional it is impressive. None of the original cast behave in a manner away from what we have come to expect and the newly introduced characters are quickly drawn on to the page so the reader can easily become immersed. The action in this novel moves from Australia to Florida but there is an unexpected link between the two locations for Cassie to discover.
What I particularly enjoyed was the background for Jessamine. Moving through her life in the circus, how she got her scars and her eventual death - nothing is quite what we were led to believe in the first book. We also learn much more about the sinister Henry and, you know what, I'm beginning to think that maybe he really isn't as black as he has been painted.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait to start book three but I am pacing myself with this series as I really don't want to spoil it all by binging.
The characters in this book are so rich and multi-dimensional it is impressive. None of the original cast behave in a manner away from what we have come to expect and the newly introduced characters are quickly drawn on to the page so the reader can easily become immersed. The action in this novel moves from Australia to Florida but there is an unexpected link between the two locations for Cassie to discover.
What I particularly enjoyed was the background for Jessamine. Moving through her life in the circus, how she got her scars and her eventual death - nothing is quite what we were led to believe in the first book. We also learn much more about the sinister Henry and, you know what, I'm beginning to think that maybe he really isn't as black as he has been painted.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait to start book three but I am pacing myself with this series as I really don't want to spoil it all by binging.
May 23, 2017
Had to think about this one for awhile before writing a review, the first book, and of course you read the first book otherwise this one makes no damn sense, was a crazy compelling supernatural adventure with everything from haunted underground circus, time travel, magic books, etc, etc, at the end you may have appreciated the atmosphere struggled to understand the plot points, but it did leave you wondering how in the heck is this going to be explained. Paper Dolls opens with the backstory of the main Ghost character Jessamine, or sparrow and a good deal of the book goes about to explain the lives and connections of the people who later become the ghosts in this story. Paper Dolls ends with a scientific head scratcher of a story dealing the multi-universes, and of course your struggling to understand the plot points and wondering where the heck this is going. (In short it's a hot mess of a story). I won't be continuing this series it's not compelling enough to me to try to untangle the various knots because it requires a larger suspension of disbelief than I'm use to giving even in supernatural Ghost stories. This book was slower paced and not as suspenseful as the first one several scenes seems forced and devoid of sense. There were a few scenes that beguiled my fancy, one where one Ghost gets mad at another finding out a long lost relative showing up revealing a hidden love affair when her Ghost lover was alive, (Ha that was funny) and the rich soiree in Florida reminded me of a Mar-a-Logo like event (another Hot Mess) OK B plus for effort and C minus for making sense.
October 31, 2024
This book is the back story to the first. It tells you what happened previously, why the mansion basement was filled with carousels, beds and the tunnels were there. How and why Jessamine is the way she is.
The ending was a surprise.
I did feel like it started to drag and got boring. At around 95% I started skim reading until the last chapter.
Very nearly dnf as I was so bored.
I won't be reading book 3 or 4.
My mood has changed and I don't want to read about ghosts anymore.
The ending was a surprise.
I did feel like it started to drag and got boring. At around 95% I started skim reading until the last chapter.
Very nearly dnf as I was so bored.
I won't be reading book 3 or 4.
My mood has changed and I don't want to read about ghosts anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2017
Wow. Just. Wow. This book was so much better than the first one!!! I was so excited for this sequel that I read it in a few hours and I was not disappointed.
The plot twist at the end threw me through a loop. It left me wanting more. I am extremely curious to see where the main characters end up in the next book.
The plot twist at the end threw me through a loop. It left me wanting more. I am extremely curious to see where the main characters end up in the next book.
September 12, 2016
*Actual rating closer to 2.5 stars*
I had such high expectations for this book, because the first in the series, Dollhouse, was such a compelling, surreal nightmare of a story that completely sucked me in and convinced me of its own bizarre "reality" that I didn't even think to quibble with any faults in the writing along the way. Paper Dolls is a serviceable sequel that has some good points (and I especially liked the last 10%), but it is also considerably less impressive than the first book.
The story is divided into two narratives, one concerning Cassie, the heroine from Dollhouse, immediately after she escapes from the cliff-hanger ending of that book; and the other about Jessamine, who died in the 1920s and became the ghost who imprisoned them. Both stories are somewhat enjoyable, but they both--in my opinion--falter in one crucial respect.
With Jessamine, the author makes the mistake of explaining what happened in book one. No explanation was needed; the story is perfectly creepy just as it is. Just as it spoils a magic trick when the magician explains how it's done, I found that these scenes actually lessened the impact of the earlier story.
With Cassie, the arc of the narrative involves a new love interest, a handsome rich boy named (I think, not going back to check) Zack and his brother. I usually don't like the way romance is handled in YA (too much superficial attraction and insta-love) and I don't think it's Allyn's forte in any case, but in Paper Dolls, it was especially clunky.
After finishing this installment, while I still admire the author's fertile imagination and am mildly curious about what happens next, I don't think I will be continuing the series.
I had such high expectations for this book, because the first in the series, Dollhouse, was such a compelling, surreal nightmare of a story that completely sucked me in and convinced me of its own bizarre "reality" that I didn't even think to quibble with any faults in the writing along the way. Paper Dolls is a serviceable sequel that has some good points (and I especially liked the last 10%), but it is also considerably less impressive than the first book.
The story is divided into two narratives, one concerning Cassie, the heroine from Dollhouse, immediately after she escapes from the cliff-hanger ending of that book; and the other about Jessamine, who died in the 1920s and became the ghost who imprisoned them. Both stories are somewhat enjoyable, but they both--in my opinion--falter in one crucial respect.
With Jessamine, the author makes the mistake of explaining what happened in book one. No explanation was needed; the story is perfectly creepy just as it is. Just as it spoils a magic trick when the magician explains how it's done, I found that these scenes actually lessened the impact of the earlier story.
With Cassie, the arc of the narrative involves a new love interest, a handsome rich boy named (I think, not going back to check) Zack and his brother. I usually don't like the way romance is handled in YA (too much superficial attraction and insta-love) and I don't think it's Allyn's forte in any case, but in Paper Dolls, it was especially clunky.
After finishing this installment, while I still admire the author's fertile imagination and am mildly curious about what happens next, I don't think I will be continuing the series.
February 1, 2015
Initial thoughts on the ending: WTF!?!?
Okay, in book two, Cassie and the others leave the Dollhouse. At least, this happens in her mind. Slowly, but surely she makes a recovery. But honestly, dear readers, there are some things here which baffled me from the start.
Cassie and Aisha's getaway to a random island. Fine, I understand a bit of normalcy would do them good. But can you imagine your child missing for a while and you're going to let them: a) go walking alone, b) spend time with strangers, and c) spend time on the yacht with said strangers? I'd also like to know how come the same helicopter that picked them up and took them shopping could not take the girls and their parents back to the mainland.
And after meeting up with some random guy (Zach) and spending a couple hours with him, feelings suddenly blossomed?
Something else that bothered me was the fact they found her so easily in Miami. Too easy. His cousin works at the airport and saw them come through, and he asked the taxi driver where he dropped them off? Shouldn't alarm bells be ringing in her head at that point?
I did love seeing Jessamine's story. As disgusting as Henry was/is, he still is somewhat protective of her. At least she had that. Things got dark quickly there too. Henry did mention Fiveash wasn't his real last name, but never said what it was. Much later, we are told Tobias and his brother fled their home from France. Zach and his family played an important role from the beginning - hidden in plain sight, actually. My suspicion of them grew when they introduced their cousin, Parker Baldcott. I was sure that last name was mentioned in the first book. I am surprised neither of them picked up on it at all.
Then there is Aisha. When Cassie spoke to her on the phone, I thought she'd become jealous again. Later, we found out that even then, she knew. But why did she not say anything to her so-called best friend? What did she gain from it?
And what in all actuality was that ending? Alternate universes? Real world Cassie merging with another, and somehow being sucked into that world?
And how did the world freeze?
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed reading this book. I was glued to my iPad for the entire day.
So, onto Marionette :)
Okay, in book two, Cassie and the others leave the Dollhouse. At least, this happens in her mind. Slowly, but surely she makes a recovery. But honestly, dear readers, there are some things here which baffled me from the start.
Cassie and Aisha's getaway to a random island. Fine, I understand a bit of normalcy would do them good. But can you imagine your child missing for a while and you're going to let them: a) go walking alone, b) spend time with strangers, and c) spend time on the yacht with said strangers? I'd also like to know how come the same helicopter that picked them up and took them shopping could not take the girls and their parents back to the mainland.
And after meeting up with some random guy (Zach) and spending a couple hours with him, feelings suddenly blossomed?
Something else that bothered me was the fact they found her so easily in Miami. Too easy. His cousin works at the airport and saw them come through, and he asked the taxi driver where he dropped them off? Shouldn't alarm bells be ringing in her head at that point?
I did love seeing Jessamine's story. As disgusting as Henry was/is, he still is somewhat protective of her. At least she had that. Things got dark quickly there too. Henry did mention Fiveash wasn't his real last name, but never said what it was. Much later, we are told Tobias and his brother fled their home from France. Zach and his family played an important role from the beginning - hidden in plain sight, actually. My suspicion of them grew when they introduced their cousin, Parker Baldcott. I was sure that last name was mentioned in the first book. I am surprised neither of them picked up on it at all.
Then there is Aisha. When Cassie spoke to her on the phone, I thought she'd become jealous again. Later, we found out that even then, she knew. But why did she not say anything to her so-called best friend? What did she gain from it?
And what in all actuality was that ending? Alternate universes? Real world Cassie merging with another, and somehow being sucked into that world?
And how did the world freeze?
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed reading this book. I was glued to my iPad for the entire day.
So, onto Marionette :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2014
Paper Dolls is the second book following Dollhouse, and is easily as good as the first. I was as lost in the story as I was in the first book. The cast of characters from the first book return, joined by several new ones. The story continues on from the end of the first, taking the reader on a new adventure.
The suspense level was kicked up a notch or ten in this installment, with twists and turns that I never saw coming! The intrigue is twisting and turning and totally engaging. The creepy feeling persists throughout this book, too, which is something I love. I enjoyed that there were so many gray areas in the story, keeping me from knowing who was "bad" or "good." That really added to the anticipation of the story.
Things to love about Paper Dolls...
--The depth of the story. The plot is extremely well-crafted with all of those tiny hints that make so much sense later on in the story.
--The creepy factor. I lost sleep and I don't mind!
--The creative use of that which is real and that which isn't. She used realities seamlessly to create possibilities that the reader would normally dismissed as unrealistic.
My recommendation: This is a great read for anyone who loves suspenseful horror. The first book, Dollhouse, should definitely be read prior to Paper Dolls.
The suspense level was kicked up a notch or ten in this installment, with twists and turns that I never saw coming! The intrigue is twisting and turning and totally engaging. The creepy feeling persists throughout this book, too, which is something I love. I enjoyed that there were so many gray areas in the story, keeping me from knowing who was "bad" or "good." That really added to the anticipation of the story.
Things to love about Paper Dolls...
--The depth of the story. The plot is extremely well-crafted with all of those tiny hints that make so much sense later on in the story.
--The creepy factor. I lost sleep and I don't mind!
--The creative use of that which is real and that which isn't. She used realities seamlessly to create possibilities that the reader would normally dismissed as unrealistic.
My recommendation: This is a great read for anyone who loves suspenseful horror. The first book, Dollhouse, should definitely be read prior to Paper Dolls.
May 20, 2013
This is the 2nd book in the series. In this book, we find out so much more about Jessamine, another...girl...from the Dollhouse. In order to find out more about the Dollhouse, you need to read the first book.
Anyway, we find out alot more about Jessamine's life, and what a sad life it is. You also learn to like her alot more. We get more background info on just who Henry is.
Cassie and Molly move to Miami to try to escape from Henry, but somehow he always keeps tracking them down. Without giving anything away, we learn just how Henry is able to do that. It's not what you expect, and is intriguing. Zach, Emerson, and Parker are not who the seem to be. this is a big plot twist, too. And we find out that Cassie is the Key...
The last few pages confused me a bit, because Ethan turns up again. He tells Cassie some things that she really can't wrap her head around, but deep down, she knows he's telling the truth. Things we are sure to find out in the next book, which I personally can't wait for!
This was a great read, and keeps the mystery and suspense going.
Anyway, we find out alot more about Jessamine's life, and what a sad life it is. You also learn to like her alot more. We get more background info on just who Henry is.
Cassie and Molly move to Miami to try to escape from Henry, but somehow he always keeps tracking them down. Without giving anything away, we learn just how Henry is able to do that. It's not what you expect, and is intriguing. Zach, Emerson, and Parker are not who the seem to be. this is a big plot twist, too. And we find out that Cassie is the Key...
The last few pages confused me a bit, because Ethan turns up again. He tells Cassie some things that she really can't wrap her head around, but deep down, she knows he's telling the truth. Things we are sure to find out in the next book, which I personally can't wait for!
This was a great read, and keeps the mystery and suspense going.
November 14, 2024
This was a great second installment to the series. It didn’t feel as action packed or as creepy as the first although it did still have its moments. It felt more like all these things needed to happen to set up what happens in the next book. All these things needed to be explained, questions answered. And that was what made it so good, all those answered questions and little insights. I really enjoyed the parts about Jessamine’s past, learning about what her life was like and what got her from point A to the Underground Dollhouse. And the twist at the end about the different worlds was a surprise to me. Mind blown.
Good book. And I really can’t wait for the next one to come out.
Good book. And I really can’t wait for the next one to come out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2012
The story itself was rather interesting as it showed the reader what it's like after somebody lives through such a traumatic event. I thoroughly enjoyed how the story bounced from Cassie's modern day world and Jessamine's past. I appreciated getting the back story on Jessamine and the insane Fiveash family. I'm not quite sure if I enjoyed the ending to this book, it was definitely something I didn't expect and I will read the third one when it comes out but it was definitely an odd ending. I deducted 1 star because there was an overwhelming number of spelling and grammar errors that were distracting.
May 23, 2015
Yes folks.. this book does indeed get a worthy rating of 5 stars.
The ending... the plot twists... soo absolutely mind numbing and 'holy shit, I didn't expect that' moments!! ya or not, it sure as hell impressed me. So different from book #1, yet adds the essence of plot and 'meat' to the story for the whole series. I am quite impressed with this series, and will be starting book #3 in about, 5 minutes.... :)
The ending... the plot twists... soo absolutely mind numbing and 'holy shit, I didn't expect that' moments!! ya or not, it sure as hell impressed me. So different from book #1, yet adds the essence of plot and 'meat' to the story for the whole series. I am quite impressed with this series, and will be starting book #3 in about, 5 minutes.... :)
January 13, 2013
Wow, what the hell did I just read?! My mind is reeling and I need to gather my thoughts before I write a review. I immediately read this right after I finished the first one and I have one heck of a book hangover...Whew! Ms. Allyn, good job on these first 2 books. I can't wait for the third!
Full review coming...
Full review coming...
May 20, 2013
Just as good as the first one and just as creepy. Some questions got answered, but the surprise ending left you with even more questions! This book is different from the first, as in, it's more back story than a thrilling horror.
This book picks up right where the first on left off.
This book picks up right where the first on left off.
December 29, 2012
AMAZING!! I read Dollhouse in the morning then Paper Dolls in the afternoon. this book transported me to another world. ;) I am torn between Ethan and Zach. Well written. I cannot wait for book three!.
February 1, 2013
3.5 stars, really. I lost interest in Cassie a few times, but I really loved the sections with Jessamine. It was interesting to get such a different perspective on her. The ending really reeled me right back in too. I'm anxious to see what happens in the next book.
December 30, 2015
You can tell I'm engrossed in a book when the odd missing word or typo doesn't bother me. This story is far from predictable. Twisted gothic to the max. Great follow on from Book 1.
Off to read Book 3.
Off to read Book 3.
September 10, 2021
Very original second part of the dark carousel series. Some annoying characters but rather edge of the seat story, will definitley be reading the rest, really needs to made into a high budget tv series
December 23, 2012
I don't normally like scary books but for some reason I am drawn to this series and have read both books each in a single sitting! Can't wait for the third book!
March 2, 2013
Nooooo!!!! This ended with a big cliffhanger & the 3rd book isn't released yet! These 2 books were awesome in a seriously twisted kind of way.. I cant wait for the 3rd book!
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