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Dorianna
Internet followers, beauty, power. It all sounded good.
Until it transformed into a terrifying reality Dorianna couldn’t stop.
Dorianna is a dark twist for the Internet generation on A Picture of Dorian Gray.
When her father is jailed, her mother ships lonely, plain Dorianna to her aunt’s. There, Dorianna yearns to build a new identity, but the popular Lacey bullies her—mostly for getting attention from her ex, Ander.
Ander takes Dorianna to Coney Island where Wilson, a videographer, creates a stunning compilation of her. She dreams of being an online sensation, as she’s never even had a birthday party, and vows she’d give anything to go viral. Wilson claims he’s the Prince of Darkness and warns her the pledge has downsides.
Dorianna thinks he’s joking. She has no idea of how dire the consequences might be.
Until it transformed into a terrifying reality Dorianna couldn’t stop.
Dorianna is a dark twist for the Internet generation on A Picture of Dorian Gray.
When her father is jailed, her mother ships lonely, plain Dorianna to her aunt’s. There, Dorianna yearns to build a new identity, but the popular Lacey bullies her—mostly for getting attention from her ex, Ander.
Ander takes Dorianna to Coney Island where Wilson, a videographer, creates a stunning compilation of her. She dreams of being an online sensation, as she’s never even had a birthday party, and vows she’d give anything to go viral. Wilson claims he’s the Prince of Darkness and warns her the pledge has downsides.
Dorianna thinks he’s joking. She has no idea of how dire the consequences might be.
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2014
2 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Stine
31 books642 followersCatherine Stine is a USA Today bestselling author of urban, paranormal and historical fantasy. Her novels have earned Indie Notable awards and New York Public Library Best Books. Catherine's newest historical fantasy, Witch of the Wild Beasts, was a second prize winner in the Romance Writers' Sheila Contest.
She loves spending time with her beagle, writing about supernatural creatures, gardening on her deck, and meeting readers at book events. Catherine suspects her love of dark fantasy came from her father reading Edgar Allen Poe to her when she was a child.
She loves spending time with her beagle, writing about supernatural creatures, gardening on her deck, and meeting readers at book events. Catherine suspects her love of dark fantasy came from her father reading Edgar Allen Poe to her when she was a child.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 2, 2014
Just finished DORIANNA, by Catherine Stine. Holy cow, that was a wild one! Here's a review. :)
What would you give to be accepted? What would you give to be popular?
What would you do to be worshipped—by everyone?
Dorianna Gilliam is a plain, buck-toothed girl, shunned by teenage society. When her father is imprisoned, her distraught mother ships her off across the country to live with her aunt. But the kids who live near Coney Island aren’t much of an upgrade from the ones Dorianna left behind in Indiana. Her first day at school proves that, far from this being a second chance, isolation and loneliness are her preordained destiny.
Until she meets Ander—a charming would-be novelist on the rebound, both from a toxic relationship and from a life-altering sports injury.
And until she meets Wilson Warren, Ander’s “friend.” Wilson lives alone on Coney Island, with only his heavy metal music, gothic Victorian clothes, and his video camera for company. He’s got plans for Dorianna, a makeover that involves much, much more than her appearance. But there’s a price, of course. There always is.
DORIANNA, by Catherine Stine, is a reimagining of a much older tale, and yet is wholly original in its own right and interpretation—a theatrical horror written in three steadily escalating acts. These acts aren’t strictly defined by chapter breaks or book sections, but rather by the three parties the reinvigorated Dorianna throws for her new friends … for her new “followers.” As her sphere of influence blossoms, however, there is a beast, too, growing deep inside of her. It whispers to her, compels her towards acts that are both malicious and self-destructive. This beast propels her towards an apocalyptic climax that simply shudders with both suspense and inevitability. And, just maybe, one chance at ultimate redemption.
The novel is also a searing indictment of high school cliques and, in a larger sense, the superficiality of society itself. Friends and enemies—and “frenemies”—are all fish to be caught, collected, and nailed up as trophies on bedroom walls. Be careful what you wish for, the pages warn (through showing, not telling), because by the time you remember what real love and friendship are, you may have already lost them for all time.
DORIANNA is devilish and enchanting, a troubling parable wrapped in story cloth both classic and modern. Highly recommended!
What would you give to be accepted? What would you give to be popular?
What would you do to be worshipped—by everyone?
Dorianna Gilliam is a plain, buck-toothed girl, shunned by teenage society. When her father is imprisoned, her distraught mother ships her off across the country to live with her aunt. But the kids who live near Coney Island aren’t much of an upgrade from the ones Dorianna left behind in Indiana. Her first day at school proves that, far from this being a second chance, isolation and loneliness are her preordained destiny.
Until she meets Ander—a charming would-be novelist on the rebound, both from a toxic relationship and from a life-altering sports injury.
And until she meets Wilson Warren, Ander’s “friend.” Wilson lives alone on Coney Island, with only his heavy metal music, gothic Victorian clothes, and his video camera for company. He’s got plans for Dorianna, a makeover that involves much, much more than her appearance. But there’s a price, of course. There always is.
DORIANNA, by Catherine Stine, is a reimagining of a much older tale, and yet is wholly original in its own right and interpretation—a theatrical horror written in three steadily escalating acts. These acts aren’t strictly defined by chapter breaks or book sections, but rather by the three parties the reinvigorated Dorianna throws for her new friends … for her new “followers.” As her sphere of influence blossoms, however, there is a beast, too, growing deep inside of her. It whispers to her, compels her towards acts that are both malicious and self-destructive. This beast propels her towards an apocalyptic climax that simply shudders with both suspense and inevitability. And, just maybe, one chance at ultimate redemption.
The novel is also a searing indictment of high school cliques and, in a larger sense, the superficiality of society itself. Friends and enemies—and “frenemies”—are all fish to be caught, collected, and nailed up as trophies on bedroom walls. Be careful what you wish for, the pages warn (through showing, not telling), because by the time you remember what real love and friendship are, you may have already lost them for all time.
DORIANNA is devilish and enchanting, a troubling parable wrapped in story cloth both classic and modern. Highly recommended!
March 29, 2015
Dorianna is the creepiest thing I've read in a very long time, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Ms. Stine's novel evoked so many questions. To what lengths are you willing to go to for popularity, beauty, power? In reading Dorianna, we find out over the course of many events what one girl is willing to do in order to live life differently than what she had and boy does it come at a high price.
This was so scary but not in the blood-guts-gore kind of way. This was scary on a whole new level. Selling your soul, plowing people down to gain superficial things that mean everything now, but in the end mean nothing and leave you with a complete sense of emptiness.
The journey the reader watches Dorianna take is one filled with suspense, treachery, and she pays the ultimate price. What good is immortality when all those things you wanted to live forever for die?
Dorianna is gripping, grueling and punches you in the gut. Ms. Stine's writing is compelling, sucking you into this dark perilous journey that you cannot look away from for one minute.
The cover, it makes perfect sense and gave me goosebumps when I reached that point in the novel. I found myself going, "Oh, wow. I see...."
For those looking for a different kind of horror, I encourage you to pick up Dorianna. It was a novel I found myself thinking of long after I turned the last page.
Ms. Stine's novel evoked so many questions. To what lengths are you willing to go to for popularity, beauty, power? In reading Dorianna, we find out over the course of many events what one girl is willing to do in order to live life differently than what she had and boy does it come at a high price.
This was so scary but not in the blood-guts-gore kind of way. This was scary on a whole new level. Selling your soul, plowing people down to gain superficial things that mean everything now, but in the end mean nothing and leave you with a complete sense of emptiness.
The journey the reader watches Dorianna take is one filled with suspense, treachery, and she pays the ultimate price. What good is immortality when all those things you wanted to live forever for die?
Dorianna is gripping, grueling and punches you in the gut. Ms. Stine's writing is compelling, sucking you into this dark perilous journey that you cannot look away from for one minute.
The cover, it makes perfect sense and gave me goosebumps when I reached that point in the novel. I found myself going, "Oh, wow. I see...."
For those looking for a different kind of horror, I encourage you to pick up Dorianna. It was a novel I found myself thinking of long after I turned the last page.
December 10, 2014
Magic and mayhem!
Catherine Stine's DORIANNA is a uniquely inspired take on A Picture of Dorian Gray. Dorianna, a plain girl from Indiana, is sent to live in Brooklyn, New York with her aunt after a family scandal back home that leaves her father in prison, her mother losing her mind, and Dorianna friendless. Desperate to change who she was in the past, Dorianna is instantly drawn to the popular kids at school and yearns to part of their crowd. On a fluke, she ends up hanging out with Ander, a good-looking writer, who introduces her to Wilson Warren, an oddball friend with a strange, Gothic style and an uncanny charm. Wilson films a video of Dorianna dancing on the beach and tells her he can make her beautiful and famous--for one small price. Swept up in Wilson's promise, Dorianna finds herself changing and eventually doing and feeling things that she starts to regret--things that are dark and troubling. Set against the background of New York City and creepy Coney Island, DORIANNA is an engrossing read for the upper YA crowd.
Catherine Stine's DORIANNA is a uniquely inspired take on A Picture of Dorian Gray. Dorianna, a plain girl from Indiana, is sent to live in Brooklyn, New York with her aunt after a family scandal back home that leaves her father in prison, her mother losing her mind, and Dorianna friendless. Desperate to change who she was in the past, Dorianna is instantly drawn to the popular kids at school and yearns to part of their crowd. On a fluke, she ends up hanging out with Ander, a good-looking writer, who introduces her to Wilson Warren, an oddball friend with a strange, Gothic style and an uncanny charm. Wilson films a video of Dorianna dancing on the beach and tells her he can make her beautiful and famous--for one small price. Swept up in Wilson's promise, Dorianna finds herself changing and eventually doing and feeling things that she starts to regret--things that are dark and troubling. Set against the background of New York City and creepy Coney Island, DORIANNA is an engrossing read for the upper YA crowd.
May 1, 2015
Blend a classic Faustian Bargain (deal with the devil) with a remodeled Picture of Dorian Gray, shake gently, and you have a haunting tale of ambition and aftermath for the Internet age. Carefully crafted sentences and brilliant verbs combine to create delicious prose that drew me in from the first pages. I couldn't put down this thrilling ride. Everyone who has ever had a dream that they wanted more than anything will find themselves in this story, in which Dorianna's voice is endearing and captivating.
October 22, 2014
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Dorianna is a plain simple girl from Indiana, but after her father is arrested, she’s sent to live with her aunt in New York. She sees this as a fresh start, she won’t have what her father did hanging over her head. Her first day of school she meets Ander, the former high school soccer star. He invites her to Coney Island, and although she is curious about his motives, she tosses all misgivings and decides to join him. There she meets his friend Wilson Warren, the guy has an obsession with his camcorder and keeps filming her. She complains but he insists people don’t look the way they think on video and shows her. In the video she’s so beautiful; she can’t believe it’s her. At Wilson’s apartment he shows them how he can manipulate the background and make everything look amazing. While Ander is out of the room briefly, Wilson asks her the one question that will change her life forever; what would she trade to be pretty and popular?
I have always loved the book The Picture of Dorian Gray, this is similar with a Stephen King’s Carrie twist. This is truly an amazing modern remake. The characters are believable and pretty accurate for teenagers. I thought the descriptions of everything was absolutely perfect, I even scared myself picturing portions. This story is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it’s a perfect Halloween read!
Dorianna is a plain simple girl from Indiana, but after her father is arrested, she’s sent to live with her aunt in New York. She sees this as a fresh start, she won’t have what her father did hanging over her head. Her first day of school she meets Ander, the former high school soccer star. He invites her to Coney Island, and although she is curious about his motives, she tosses all misgivings and decides to join him. There she meets his friend Wilson Warren, the guy has an obsession with his camcorder and keeps filming her. She complains but he insists people don’t look the way they think on video and shows her. In the video she’s so beautiful; she can’t believe it’s her. At Wilson’s apartment he shows them how he can manipulate the background and make everything look amazing. While Ander is out of the room briefly, Wilson asks her the one question that will change her life forever; what would she trade to be pretty and popular?
I have always loved the book The Picture of Dorian Gray, this is similar with a Stephen King’s Carrie twist. This is truly an amazing modern remake. The characters are believable and pretty accurate for teenagers. I thought the descriptions of everything was absolutely perfect, I even scared myself picturing portions. This story is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it’s a perfect Halloween read!
November 29, 2014
I absolutely loved this fresh and fun to read version of Oscar Wilde's novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray." The transference of the "portrait" to the medium of video uploads and the theme of pursuit of power and popularity via cyberspace gives the story even more relevance. We can all relate. We observe on a daily basis of how some users of social media present masks of perfection in order to garner narcissistic supply. To whatever extent we may feel empty or vulnerable, like teen outcast and would-be internet sensation Dorianna, we will be tempted to do so. That we can empathize with her predicament makes her an interesting heroine/antiheroine and adds to the delicious awfulness. No spoilers here, but this I'll say: Stine, once again, creates well-developed characters and a wonderfully engaging, suspenseful and well-written story. I highly recommend this book for adults as well as teens.
December 20, 2014
WOW .... SERIOUSLY WOW!!! I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from this book as Dorian Grey was ... well, Dorian Grey. Someone who wants to adapt this to more modern times could really go either way, really bad or really good. This was FANTASTIC!!! Although personally, I do prefer the bad and want a Wilson of my own it was so very well written! The fact that it tackles the current fad of "followers" and current internet insanity was just brilliantly written and well executed! I really really loved it and will definitely be recommending it to others. An excellent read for sure!!!
January 28, 2015
This book really dragged for 2/3 of the story. The last 1/3 was way more fast paced, and actually made me interested in the storyline.
The characters weren't anything special. I didn't really connect to any of them.
The dialogue was a bit ridiculous at times. The teenagers didn't sound like teenagers.
All in all, Dorianna just dragged on WAY too long for my tastes. I had a really hard time reading more than a few chapters at a time without losing interest.
The characters weren't anything special. I didn't really connect to any of them.
The dialogue was a bit ridiculous at times. The teenagers didn't sound like teenagers.
All in all, Dorianna just dragged on WAY too long for my tastes. I had a really hard time reading more than a few chapters at a time without losing interest.
January 21, 2020
Retelling The Picture of Dorian Gray for today's teens is an intriguing endeavor. Genderswapping the titular character is, I think, an interesting attempt to draw in those modern young (female) readers who need to be able to relate to the Dorian/Dorianna character in a more direct way than is possible in Oscar Wilde's original.
The result, while not altogether bad, is ultimately problematic. As a retelling, its actually a tad condescending. I first read the original Dorian Gray as a teen girl and I liked it just fine. I'm not saying that no one should retell or remake something that's good already -- to the contrary, I like seeing what different authors can do to twist existing good stories! But in this case, it's as if the author was thinking "Modern teens don't get Oscar Wilde. But they'll get internet fame and fashion magazines!" This doesn't sit right with me. I was willing to set that reservation aside and read the book anyway, but...
As a cautionary tale, it's also a bit condescending: while Dorianna starts out as an endearing and relateable character, she quickly devolves via her own choices, and especially via the way her interactions with boys are written. For example, I very highly doubt that a self-conscious new-girl such as this would do and say the things she does upon meeting Wilson (a cross between the Basil Hallward character in the original Dorian Gray and, apparently, the Devil). "Hi, nice to meet you, you look kind of scary, but this other cute boy I barely know likes you, so I will cavort sexily in the sand for you!" Teenagers will often do things they're uncomfortable with, all in an effort to see cool to others, but they will also avoid doing things that they think might make them look awkward or uncool, and cavorting sexily in the sand would probably fall into the latter category.
As a Gothic, it's also a bit condescending. It touches upon some of the common themes of Gothic literature (virginal maiden, decaying setting, evil, and sexuality), but it also alludes to the Gothic through a stereotypical use of, well, goths (again: Wilson). Some might find this funny, but as someone with experience of that style and subculture, I found it irritating.
I'd consider giving this book to a younger reader -- say, Middle Grade -- assuming that the kid isn't sheltered or squeamish vis-a-vis mature horror elements. But older teens and adults may have the same issues with the book that I've outlined above. In fact, my issues were so big that I did not finish the book.
A point in the book's favor is that the author clearly knows New York. This, in a market saturated by books taking place in New York but written by authors who blatantly don't know anything real about the place, is refreshing.
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
The result, while not altogether bad, is ultimately problematic. As a retelling, its actually a tad condescending. I first read the original Dorian Gray as a teen girl and I liked it just fine. I'm not saying that no one should retell or remake something that's good already -- to the contrary, I like seeing what different authors can do to twist existing good stories! But in this case, it's as if the author was thinking "Modern teens don't get Oscar Wilde. But they'll get internet fame and fashion magazines!" This doesn't sit right with me. I was willing to set that reservation aside and read the book anyway, but...
As a cautionary tale, it's also a bit condescending: while Dorianna starts out as an endearing and relateable character, she quickly devolves via her own choices, and especially via the way her interactions with boys are written. For example, I very highly doubt that a self-conscious new-girl such as this would do and say the things she does upon meeting Wilson (a cross between the Basil Hallward character in the original Dorian Gray and, apparently, the Devil). "Hi, nice to meet you, you look kind of scary, but this other cute boy I barely know likes you, so I will cavort sexily in the sand for you!" Teenagers will often do things they're uncomfortable with, all in an effort to see cool to others, but they will also avoid doing things that they think might make them look awkward or uncool, and cavorting sexily in the sand would probably fall into the latter category.
As a Gothic, it's also a bit condescending. It touches upon some of the common themes of Gothic literature (virginal maiden, decaying setting, evil, and sexuality), but it also alludes to the Gothic through a stereotypical use of, well, goths (again: Wilson). Some might find this funny, but as someone with experience of that style and subculture, I found it irritating.
I'd consider giving this book to a younger reader -- say, Middle Grade -- assuming that the kid isn't sheltered or squeamish vis-a-vis mature horror elements. But older teens and adults may have the same issues with the book that I've outlined above. In fact, my issues were so big that I did not finish the book.
A point in the book's favor is that the author clearly knows New York. This, in a market saturated by books taking place in New York but written by authors who blatantly don't know anything real about the place, is refreshing.
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
November 10, 2014
http://kaylskrazyobsession.blogspot.c...
Plot: The plot was kind of confusing. Even now, as I sit on my couch and write this review, I still don’t understand Dorianna’s/Wilson’s powers. I didn’t understand the Beast. It confused me. Also, it was very strange, but it was unique. I think I’ll remember this plot for a while since it was so strange. It was different. Also, it relates to modern times. People these days are so obsessed with their followers. I relate a little with Kayl’s Krazy Obsession and all because it’s my baby and I love it, but I can’t fathom how Dorianna, or someone in general, could be that obsessed with being known and out there. That’s all they cared about. In the end, Dorianna became possessed with checking her follower stats and everything. I don’t get it.
Ending (SPOILERS): I really liked how this ended. Dorianna took charge of her life. She was tired of hurting people, so she admitted herself in the detention center. She hurt herself every time she tried to change for the good, but she didn’t let that stop her. She wanted the powers GONE. So that’s what she did.
Also, I liked the 18 years later chapter. I think it provided great insight into how Dorianna affected everyone. I loved the whole Dorianna by Ander James. I love how Ander finally conquested his dream of being an author. It was a great ending. And then Ander and Dorianna apologized in their own ways. It was perfect.
Overall: Honestly, I did not like this book at first. I seriously considered stopping and marking as a DNF. But I’m glad I finished it. I love it now. I am so happy that I decided to give this book another chance. Yeah, it might have been a bit confusing, but I’ll remember this book for a while.
Plot: The plot was kind of confusing. Even now, as I sit on my couch and write this review, I still don’t understand Dorianna’s/Wilson’s powers. I didn’t understand the Beast. It confused me. Also, it was very strange, but it was unique. I think I’ll remember this plot for a while since it was so strange. It was different. Also, it relates to modern times. People these days are so obsessed with their followers. I relate a little with Kayl’s Krazy Obsession and all because it’s my baby and I love it, but I can’t fathom how Dorianna, or someone in general, could be that obsessed with being known and out there. That’s all they cared about. In the end, Dorianna became possessed with checking her follower stats and everything. I don’t get it.
Ending (SPOILERS): I really liked how this ended. Dorianna took charge of her life. She was tired of hurting people, so she admitted herself in the detention center. She hurt herself every time she tried to change for the good, but she didn’t let that stop her. She wanted the powers GONE. So that’s what she did.
Also, I liked the 18 years later chapter. I think it provided great insight into how Dorianna affected everyone. I loved the whole Dorianna by Ander James. I love how Ander finally conquested his dream of being an author. It was a great ending. And then Ander and Dorianna apologized in their own ways. It was perfect.
Overall: Honestly, I did not like this book at first. I seriously considered stopping and marking as a DNF. But I’m glad I finished it. I love it now. I am so happy that I decided to give this book another chance. Yeah, it might have been a bit confusing, but I’ll remember this book for a while.
November 8, 2014
This is Dorianna's second chance. She's the new girl at school, and this time, no one will tease or ignore her. When the mysterious Wilson tells her to pledge her soul for beauty and popularity, Dorianna doesn't think he's serious when she does so. She becomes Sungirl and acquires a huge internet following. People adore her, she has a cute boyfriend, and it's everything she hoped it would be. Until her videos grow dark and twisted. Nothing she can do stops them. Her vow to Wilson was more than a joke. And it is far more than she bargained for.
DORIANNA is a YA horror that puts a modern twist on "A Picture of Dorian Gray." I do love the way the author did so with the internet and videos. The descriptions of Dorianna's videos made me feel as though I was watching them. I was shocked and yet reveled in it with how they evolved as her soul darkened.
Dorianna was a girl I liked and hated at various times, but I think that was the intention. She was so caught up in wanting to be beautiful and popular that I couldn't root for her, and even though that could be frustrating, the twist at the end made the read worthwhile. Wilson was an awesome bad boy. Odd, charming, and artistic, he was the perfect dark lure for Dorianna. My favorite character was Bailey, the artsy best friend who was cool without being fake. Lacey as a frenemy worked well, and I think I respected Lacey a little by the end.
This is a fantastic read for YA lovers who love the trouble that comes with high school cliques, popularity contests, and parties that get out of hand all with a supernatural edge.
DORIANNA is a YA horror that puts a modern twist on "A Picture of Dorian Gray." I do love the way the author did so with the internet and videos. The descriptions of Dorianna's videos made me feel as though I was watching them. I was shocked and yet reveled in it with how they evolved as her soul darkened.
Dorianna was a girl I liked and hated at various times, but I think that was the intention. She was so caught up in wanting to be beautiful and popular that I couldn't root for her, and even though that could be frustrating, the twist at the end made the read worthwhile. Wilson was an awesome bad boy. Odd, charming, and artistic, he was the perfect dark lure for Dorianna. My favorite character was Bailey, the artsy best friend who was cool without being fake. Lacey as a frenemy worked well, and I think I respected Lacey a little by the end.
This is a fantastic read for YA lovers who love the trouble that comes with high school cliques, popularity contests, and parties that get out of hand all with a supernatural edge.
April 18, 2015
I don’t usually read retellings because the original is too overpowering, but this novel was a great modernization of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and, I think, even outshines the original story.
Dorianna is sixteen and forced to go live with her aunt in New York City due to home troubles. A Midwesterner, Dorianna makes little impression at her new urban school. The other kids think everything about her is hopelessly backward. (And as a Midwesterner who went to school on the East Coast, I can attest to the fact that this reaction is absolutely true.) There’s no way a girl from the prairie can fit in with the “cool” kids – unless she makes a pact with a very suspicious and powerful individual.
What would you do to become famous?
This novel answers that question in a mesmerizing and disturbing way. The characters are vividly written and seem to have stepped right out of a creepy version of “Gossip Girl.” It’s all very believable, and you can’t help feel sorry for Dorianna as her life begins to spin out of control. At heart, she’s a kind and very appealing teen. She simply gave in to temptation and trusted the wrong person – a classic teen mistake and easy to understand. With great writing, lots of twists, and a tense ending that kept me glued to the pages, this novel is excellent reading entertainment. Highly recommended!
Dorianna is sixteen and forced to go live with her aunt in New York City due to home troubles. A Midwesterner, Dorianna makes little impression at her new urban school. The other kids think everything about her is hopelessly backward. (And as a Midwesterner who went to school on the East Coast, I can attest to the fact that this reaction is absolutely true.) There’s no way a girl from the prairie can fit in with the “cool” kids – unless she makes a pact with a very suspicious and powerful individual.
What would you do to become famous?
This novel answers that question in a mesmerizing and disturbing way. The characters are vividly written and seem to have stepped right out of a creepy version of “Gossip Girl.” It’s all very believable, and you can’t help feel sorry for Dorianna as her life begins to spin out of control. At heart, she’s a kind and very appealing teen. She simply gave in to temptation and trusted the wrong person – a classic teen mistake and easy to understand. With great writing, lots of twists, and a tense ending that kept me glued to the pages, this novel is excellent reading entertainment. Highly recommended!
May 26, 2015
I was so excited to read this story. I've read other books by the author and couldn't wait to dive in.
The main character, Dorianna has arrived at a new school and wants more than anything to fit in. She is a Plain Jane type that never really fit in anywhere - not even with her parents. She is quite insecure and ashamed of who she is. I don't want to give anything away... but she discovers a way to get everything she ever thought she wanted - followers and beauty being the most important.
But all magic comes at a price, right?
The writing is lovely. But for a while the story only crept by. Dorianna planned and executed parties, to which her classmates attended but the planning and plotting slowed the pace down considerably. That is the reason for 4 stars and not 5.
The story does pick-up and we are gifted with the fate of Dor's magic - the impact reaches many characters.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes YA, horror, paranormal, or urban fantasy. There is a message in this story that I quite enjoyed. It is not executed in a didactic manner. It's subtle and I liked that.
The main character, Dorianna has arrived at a new school and wants more than anything to fit in. She is a Plain Jane type that never really fit in anywhere - not even with her parents. She is quite insecure and ashamed of who she is. I don't want to give anything away... but she discovers a way to get everything she ever thought she wanted - followers and beauty being the most important.
But all magic comes at a price, right?
The writing is lovely. But for a while the story only crept by. Dorianna planned and executed parties, to which her classmates attended but the planning and plotting slowed the pace down considerably. That is the reason for 4 stars and not 5.
The story does pick-up and we are gifted with the fate of Dor's magic - the impact reaches many characters.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes YA, horror, paranormal, or urban fantasy. There is a message in this story that I quite enjoyed. It is not executed in a didactic manner. It's subtle and I liked that.
May 3, 2015
This book was fantastic. Dorianna was a 3-dimensional character who was torn between being the kind wallflower she was at her old home and the famous, popular, and manipulative Sungirl she longed to be in her new home with her aunt.
How far will one teen go to be beautiful and popular as well as an Internet sensation? What will be the consequences, for every vow has a price to be paid? Wilson is an interesting character whom I liked throughout the story; he was my favorite...until the very end and the decisions he made at the final party and even though he was cruel to a capybara. This is a cautionary tale about power, beauty, and popularity, and the demons that come with them. I highly recommend this book; I couldn't put it down. I was very intrigued with Sungirl/Dorianna and by her wicked and kind decisions. Her struggle between being a good girl and being bad was a good theme for young adult readers, who are learning to find themselves and who struggle with similar problems of having the desire to be loved for who one is, have friends and a boyfriend, and be popular and beautiful. But how far is too far?
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
How far will one teen go to be beautiful and popular as well as an Internet sensation? What will be the consequences, for every vow has a price to be paid? Wilson is an interesting character whom I liked throughout the story; he was my favorite...until the very end and the decisions he made at the final party and even though he was cruel to a capybara. This is a cautionary tale about power, beauty, and popularity, and the demons that come with them. I highly recommend this book; I couldn't put it down. I was very intrigued with Sungirl/Dorianna and by her wicked and kind decisions. Her struggle between being a good girl and being bad was a good theme for young adult readers, who are learning to find themselves and who struggle with similar problems of having the desire to be loved for who one is, have friends and a boyfriend, and be popular and beautiful. But how far is too far?
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
January 4, 2015
I received this book from its author and Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock. This novel has two major points for its readers, to be careful what you wish for and every action has a consequence. Dorianna had to learn this the hard way as she wished to go from a nobody to center stage.
Changing schools she hoped things would be different and were after she meets a boy named Wilson. Dorianna knows there is something off about him but dismisses it when she strikes a deal to get what she's always wanted. The problem? She begins losing herself to become the very person she's always wanted to be; the popular girl with the boyfriend. Is it to late for her to save herself and everyone she cares for?
This book was well written, it kept me engaged and wondering where it was going to lead. I loved the inner message of this book. It's not often books these days have hidden messages for readers to think about and really dwell on. This book is for Young Adults. I am giving this book 4 Fangs.
Shaunta
Changing schools she hoped things would be different and were after she meets a boy named Wilson. Dorianna knows there is something off about him but dismisses it when she strikes a deal to get what she's always wanted. The problem? She begins losing herself to become the very person she's always wanted to be; the popular girl with the boyfriend. Is it to late for her to save herself and everyone she cares for?
This book was well written, it kept me engaged and wondering where it was going to lead. I loved the inner message of this book. It's not often books these days have hidden messages for readers to think about and really dwell on. This book is for Young Adults. I am giving this book 4 Fangs.
Shaunta
April 3, 2015
This was a gripping story. It is not my usual reading but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had to get to the end to find out how (and if) Dorianna survives. There were a few twists as well as a lot of teenage angst to keep the story moving. I felt for Dorianna as she tried to belong and took a path that proved to be rather destructive. Her struggle between good and evil showed how strong her inner being was as well as her acceptance of the rest of her life. I loved the ending. Thank you for a great read.
June 19, 2015
I really liked this. It's been reviewed and described as a reimagining of Dorian Gray. I can see a few parallels and concepts from the original, but there is a lot added that makes this a story of its own. It is well written, uses references young adults will understand and presents emotions and thoughts they can relate to. I particularly like how scenes, events, and emotions are laid out in short or longer chapters. It feels right in my opinion.
June 17, 2015
I had never read (or seen) "A Picture of Dorian Gray" so I didn't go in with preconceived notions about the book. I thought it was a well written book. The story line was interesting, with many plot turns. (It didn't go where I thought at the beginning.) I liked how the characters were developed, although I didn't like Dorianna for a while. The book really makes you think. How far are you willing to go to get what you think you want? Well worth the read.
November 10, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Dorianna is a dark fantasy/paranormal/twist on Dorian Gray with a female anti-hero(ine), set in Coney Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Internet followers, beauty, power. It all sounded good. Until it transformed into a terrifying reality Dorianna couldn’t stop.
Dorianna is a dark twist for the Internet generation on A Picture of Dorian Gray. When her father is jailed, her mother ships lonely, plain Dorianna to her aunt’s. There, Dorianna yearns to build a new identity, but the popular Lacey bullies her—mostly for getting attention from her ex, Ander.
Ander takes Dorianna to Coney Island where Wilson, a videographer, creates a stunning compilation of her. She dreams of being an online sensation, as she’s never even had a birthday party, and vows she’d give anything to go viral. Wilson claims he’s the Prince of Darkness and warns her the pledge has downsides. Dorianna thinks he’s joking. She has no idea of the dire consequences.
She’s thrust into the spotlight, and an incomprehensible nightmare. Not only is she prettier, she’s gaining harmful powers of manipulation. When her powers grow beyond anything she can control, she’s desperate but clueless as to how to stop it.
When I saw this book was available for reading, I went and checked out some early reviews and this book sounded quite exciting - a modern retelling of Oscar Wilde's 'A Picture of Dorian Gray.' With the Internet as a driving force for instant popularity and the making of overnight stars, this book examines the dangers of getting what you wish for...
For me, this book fluctuated from boring to interesting to boring on a regular basis. On the plus side, the story was actually quite good. I did enjoy the re-imagining of Wilde's story and the use of modern celebrity as a basis for this novel. I also enjoyed the setting - the author obviously knows New York - she puts the reader smack bang in the middle of the city and acts as a tour guide for the journey. I quite liked that.
On the downside...oh, the drama! Maybe it was just me but the teens in this book seemed overwrought with drama and selfishness and "look at me" syndrome. I just didn't like any of them. And the dialogue? Ugghhh...so frustrating.
So, overall, a good story that was spoiled, for me, by the characters. I hate it when that happens!
Paul
ARH
Dorianna is a dark fantasy/paranormal/twist on Dorian Gray with a female anti-hero(ine), set in Coney Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Internet followers, beauty, power. It all sounded good. Until it transformed into a terrifying reality Dorianna couldn’t stop.
Dorianna is a dark twist for the Internet generation on A Picture of Dorian Gray. When her father is jailed, her mother ships lonely, plain Dorianna to her aunt’s. There, Dorianna yearns to build a new identity, but the popular Lacey bullies her—mostly for getting attention from her ex, Ander.
Ander takes Dorianna to Coney Island where Wilson, a videographer, creates a stunning compilation of her. She dreams of being an online sensation, as she’s never even had a birthday party, and vows she’d give anything to go viral. Wilson claims he’s the Prince of Darkness and warns her the pledge has downsides. Dorianna thinks he’s joking. She has no idea of the dire consequences.
She’s thrust into the spotlight, and an incomprehensible nightmare. Not only is she prettier, she’s gaining harmful powers of manipulation. When her powers grow beyond anything she can control, she’s desperate but clueless as to how to stop it.
When I saw this book was available for reading, I went and checked out some early reviews and this book sounded quite exciting - a modern retelling of Oscar Wilde's 'A Picture of Dorian Gray.' With the Internet as a driving force for instant popularity and the making of overnight stars, this book examines the dangers of getting what you wish for...
For me, this book fluctuated from boring to interesting to boring on a regular basis. On the plus side, the story was actually quite good. I did enjoy the re-imagining of Wilde's story and the use of modern celebrity as a basis for this novel. I also enjoyed the setting - the author obviously knows New York - she puts the reader smack bang in the middle of the city and acts as a tour guide for the journey. I quite liked that.
On the downside...oh, the drama! Maybe it was just me but the teens in this book seemed overwrought with drama and selfishness and "look at me" syndrome. I just didn't like any of them. And the dialogue? Ugghhh...so frustrating.
So, overall, a good story that was spoiled, for me, by the characters. I hate it when that happens!
Paul
ARH
October 22, 2015
Suppose A Picture of Dorian Gray ended up on the internet, set in a Brooklyn high school, with a female protagonist? Suppose what was at stake were beauty, power...and likes?
This novel—meant for kids 14 and older--is good, smart fun. What's best about the book is its grasp of how scary high school is, and how acutely high school kids judge one another--and themselves. When it feels like EVERYTHING is so crazily at stake, who wouldn't be tempted to do what Dorianna does--and make a deal with Wilson, the creepy Goth kid who just might be The Prince of Darkness? After all, our poor main character is smitten with the soulful, wounded Ander, but she's a fish out of water, the daughter of a disgraced and jailed minister from the Midwest. At the book's opening, she's the new girl in sophisticated New York City, an ugly duckling in frumpy clothes, but by the book's close...well, no spoilers. It's not what you think it's going to be. Really.
There are mean girls, a great cool girl with an artist mom, the clueless but well-meaning public radio employee auntie with whom Dorianna has been sent to live, and the aforementioned Wilson, who out-Goths Goth. The characters are well-drawn. The story's a page-turner with a few truly scary scenes, especially toward the end of the book. It's honest and gritty, instructive without being preachy...just a good read.
Teacher alert: I don't want to ruin this dark, exciting romp by suggesting assignments (horrors), but it would make great summer reading for incoming freshmen, the kind that would actually get read. And it would discuss well, especially at the beginning of a school year. Look into it!
This novel—meant for kids 14 and older--is good, smart fun. What's best about the book is its grasp of how scary high school is, and how acutely high school kids judge one another--and themselves. When it feels like EVERYTHING is so crazily at stake, who wouldn't be tempted to do what Dorianna does--and make a deal with Wilson, the creepy Goth kid who just might be The Prince of Darkness? After all, our poor main character is smitten with the soulful, wounded Ander, but she's a fish out of water, the daughter of a disgraced and jailed minister from the Midwest. At the book's opening, she's the new girl in sophisticated New York City, an ugly duckling in frumpy clothes, but by the book's close...well, no spoilers. It's not what you think it's going to be. Really.
There are mean girls, a great cool girl with an artist mom, the clueless but well-meaning public radio employee auntie with whom Dorianna has been sent to live, and the aforementioned Wilson, who out-Goths Goth. The characters are well-drawn. The story's a page-turner with a few truly scary scenes, especially toward the end of the book. It's honest and gritty, instructive without being preachy...just a good read.
Teacher alert: I don't want to ruin this dark, exciting romp by suggesting assignments (horrors), but it would make great summer reading for incoming freshmen, the kind that would actually get read. And it would discuss well, especially at the beginning of a school year. Look into it!
June 18, 2015
I received a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
I understand there were parallels between this story and The Picture of Dorian Gray. I haven't read the aforementioned classic, but have a general idea of the plot. The premise of the novels are similar from what I understand, so any connections I made are based on that.
Dorianna is... what's the word? Awkward. I embodied teenage angst and in the age of technology, I understand the pull of popularity has been heightened to an overwhelming need in the disenfranchised and misunderstood. Many take an active role in changing that, no matter the cost. It is the main plot point of Dorianna.
However, there's a hitch. I didn't feel Dorianna was an active participant. And she's the least interesting character in the entire novel, which is bad, since she's the main character. She's plain, even after the change. Just another "mean girl", but with "magical powers". It's trite.
The plot had promise, but it couldn't quite deliver. Not only was it not scary... at all, but the whole thing felt rushed. It was one thing after another after another. I had to reread some passages because I couldn't follow the flow of words.
With all that being said, I did like the book and it is worth a read. There were times when there was enough flow for me to get into it and kept me reading.
Just don't expect a masterpiece.
I understand there were parallels between this story and The Picture of Dorian Gray. I haven't read the aforementioned classic, but have a general idea of the plot. The premise of the novels are similar from what I understand, so any connections I made are based on that.
Dorianna is... what's the word? Awkward. I embodied teenage angst and in the age of technology, I understand the pull of popularity has been heightened to an overwhelming need in the disenfranchised and misunderstood. Many take an active role in changing that, no matter the cost. It is the main plot point of Dorianna.
However, there's a hitch. I didn't feel Dorianna was an active participant. And she's the least interesting character in the entire novel, which is bad, since she's the main character. She's plain, even after the change. Just another "mean girl", but with "magical powers". It's trite.
The plot had promise, but it couldn't quite deliver. Not only was it not scary... at all, but the whole thing felt rushed. It was one thing after another after another. I had to reread some passages because I couldn't follow the flow of words.
With all that being said, I did like the book and it is worth a read. There were times when there was enough flow for me to get into it and kept me reading.
Just don't expect a masterpiece.
February 12, 2015
Received from NetGalley for an honest review...
I read this book fairly fast, I found myself skimming parts. The story flows really well and the writing is excellent. I found the "powers" confusing. I do understand the book is supposed to be superficial and show how far one will go for popularity and fame. I was pretty excited to read this especially being a YA Dorian Gray. I was turned off by most of the characters and did not feel a connection to Dorianna at all. (I liked Bailey!) I think this book WILL strongly appeal to teenagers especially with social media and popularity being the theme, which is the YA market. Personally, for adults who read YA I did not feel this was for me even a little bit. I would still recommend others read it and decide for themselves and I would really recommend this for the YA genre it is marketed for. I could easily picture my friends siblings reading this.
I read this book fairly fast, I found myself skimming parts. The story flows really well and the writing is excellent. I found the "powers" confusing. I do understand the book is supposed to be superficial and show how far one will go for popularity and fame. I was pretty excited to read this especially being a YA Dorian Gray. I was turned off by most of the characters and did not feel a connection to Dorianna at all. (I liked Bailey!) I think this book WILL strongly appeal to teenagers especially with social media and popularity being the theme, which is the YA market. Personally, for adults who read YA I did not feel this was for me even a little bit. I would still recommend others read it and decide for themselves and I would really recommend this for the YA genre it is marketed for. I could easily picture my friends siblings reading this.
February 6, 2015
Dorianna has a secret. Her Dad is in prison for activities surrounding the cult church that he ran. Her mother can't cope with the backlash and a teenage daughter so Dorianna is sent off to live with her aunt in New York. Desperate to fit in with the cool city kids she will do anything to be liked.
The book is an interesting YA gender reversed take on the classic Oscar Wilde story of Dorian Gray. The pressures are different but the outcome has changed little in the intervening years.
While I enjoyed the ride it did feel a little stretched at times - almost like it was a party too far. It is quite a long book and for me it lost its pace about 2/3 of the way through. The climax is unexpected and the book is better for it.
Supplied by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
The book is an interesting YA gender reversed take on the classic Oscar Wilde story of Dorian Gray. The pressures are different but the outcome has changed little in the intervening years.
While I enjoyed the ride it did feel a little stretched at times - almost like it was a party too far. It is quite a long book and for me it lost its pace about 2/3 of the way through. The climax is unexpected and the book is better for it.
Supplied by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2015
This was probably a 2/3 for me ... I was totally intrigued by the idea of a modern YA adaptation of the Dorian Gray story, especially with a female protagonist. In the end I didn't like this as much as I wanted to. The initial concepts were cool, but I didn't really understand the rules of Dorianna's powers or believe that she really wanted them bad enough to actually trade her soul for them in the first place. That being said it does follow an interesting arc and is filled with a lot of tension ... especially as things start to get really creepy and out of control really fast.
*I received a free copy of the book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are all my own.
*I received a free copy of the book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are all my own.
September 27, 2016
Wow! Just wow! Sometimes you finish a book and struggle to find words to explain how you feel. This is one of those books: a completely original and modern interpretation of the Faust myth. It was riveting and a complete page-turner. Especially the twist at the end.
April 23, 2015
YA horror, modern remake of Dorian Gray!
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