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Book of Lies
They are trapped, frozen. Waiting. Straining against the wood that holds them. The unwary catch a glimpse now and then - feel their desperate hunger, see a glint of red eyes - and scurry out of the shadows of the wood, back to the light.
She's coming; it will be soon.
They will run free on the moors again. The Hunt will return.
And the ground will run with blood.
An ancient curse placed on a family of witches foretells that twins will be born - one good, one evil; and one will destroy the other. But who can be trusted when no one is as they seem?
She's coming; it will be soon.
They will run free on the moors again. The Hunt will return.
And the ground will run with blood.
An ancient curse placed on a family of witches foretells that twins will be born - one good, one evil; and one will destroy the other. But who can be trusted when no one is as they seem?
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2016
80 people are currently reading
3617 people want to read
About the author
Teri Terry
23 books2,177 followersTeri has lived in France, Canada, Australia and England at more addresses than she can count, acquiring three degrees, a selection of passports and a silly name along the way. Past careers have included scientist, lawyer, optometrist, and, in England, various jobs in schools, libraries and an audiobook charity. The footpaths and canal ways of the Buckinghamshire Chilterns where she now lives inspired much of the setting of Slated. She hates broccoli, likes cats, and has finally worked out what she wants to do when she grows up.
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/TeriTerryAuthor
Notes from the Slushpile: group blog on writing for children http://notesfromtheslushpile.blogspot...
**IMPORTANT: Please do not message me on Goodreads with requests for review copies, swag, interviews, or anything else. See the contact section of my website for that. Messages on Goodreads may (and probably will) go unanswered!**
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/TeriTerryAuthor
Notes from the Slushpile: group blog on writing for children http://notesfromtheslushpile.blogspot...
**IMPORTANT: Please do not message me on Goodreads with requests for review copies, swag, interviews, or anything else. See the contact section of my website for that. Messages on Goodreads may (and probably will) go unanswered!**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 425 reviews
February 11, 2020
4/5 stars.
An enjoyable book, an interesting plot and a flowing read. I only read it for 4 days, during a very busy time.
The plot had some drawbacks, but not something critical. I loved the characters, and the story was very engaging. The beginning was a bit boring and incomprehensible.
If you ask - this book isn’t as good as Terry's first series “Slated”. But I hate to compare books, even if they belong to the same author. Each book was written on its own, so overall - this book was good.
I recommend reading it, it’s very nice, especially for the young audience who likes the paranormal genre.
An enjoyable book, an interesting plot and a flowing read. I only read it for 4 days, during a very busy time.
The plot had some drawbacks, but not something critical. I loved the characters, and the story was very engaging. The beginning was a bit boring and incomprehensible.
If you ask - this book isn’t as good as Terry's first series “Slated”. But I hate to compare books, even if they belong to the same author. Each book was written on its own, so overall - this book was good.
I recommend reading it, it’s very nice, especially for the young audience who likes the paranormal genre.
July 4, 2017
5 Words: Family, secrets, relationships, magic, morality.
I'm finding it really difficult to put my feelings for this book into words, something that happens a lot with this author. But... Read it. Read it now.
Before Reading
I need this so bad it isn't even funny.
You know when you're really excited for a book, and you start feeling all giddy, and your heart starts to race, and you start wondering whether the bookshop will be open at midnight so you can get it immediately upon its release, and then you realise that as awesome as she is your best bet is pre-ordering from Waterstones in the hopes they'll send it out a few days early like they do with most pre-orders? THAT.
Also, you forget how to use sentences.
I first read Teri Terry last year and now she is an auto-buy author.
I think I'd sell a little part of my soul for this book.
I'm finding it really difficult to put my feelings for this book into words, something that happens a lot with this author. But... Read it. Read it now.
Before Reading
I need this so bad it isn't even funny.
You know when you're really excited for a book, and you start feeling all giddy, and your heart starts to race, and you start wondering whether the bookshop will be open at midnight so you can get it immediately upon its release, and then you realise that as awesome as she is your best bet is pre-ordering from Waterstones in the hopes they'll send it out a few days early like they do with most pre-orders? THAT.
Also, you forget how to use sentences.
I first read Teri Terry last year and now she is an auto-buy author.
I think I'd sell a little part of my soul for this book.
February 13, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Hachette Children's Group and NetGalley.)
This was a YA paranormal story about twins who were separated because one of them would turn evil.
Piper and Quinn definitely had their own personalities in this book, but both of them made some poor decisions. I couldn’t quite believe how Quinn tried to go to school as Piper, and how Piper tried to use Quinn so that she could spend the night at her boyfriend’s house!
The pace in this was quite slow, and the story seemed to drag. We had the twins meeting at their mother’s funeral, and then some time where they messed about and pretended to be each other, and it took quite a while before we got to the main storyline about one of the twins being evil, and the ‘inheritance’ that one of them would receive.
There was a little bit of romance, but it did turn into a bit of a love tringle with Quinn liking Piper’s boyfriend.
The ending to this was good, and things were tied up quite nicely.
7 out of 10
“The truth is that I’m here to make sure she’s really dead.”
This was a YA paranormal story about twins who were separated because one of them would turn evil.
Piper and Quinn definitely had their own personalities in this book, but both of them made some poor decisions. I couldn’t quite believe how Quinn tried to go to school as Piper, and how Piper tried to use Quinn so that she could spend the night at her boyfriend’s house!
The pace in this was quite slow, and the story seemed to drag. We had the twins meeting at their mother’s funeral, and then some time where they messed about and pretended to be each other, and it took quite a while before we got to the main storyline about one of the twins being evil, and the ‘inheritance’ that one of them would receive.
There was a little bit of romance, but it did turn into a bit of a love tringle with Quinn liking Piper’s boyfriend.
The ending to this was good, and things were tied up quite nicely.
7 out of 10
March 20, 2016
I love the vibe of this book, it got subtly more creepy as the plot progressed, just like 'Slated'. The whole twins element was extremely interesting, and reminded me of a witchy 'Parent Trap'! There were just so many plot twists and cool revelations that I couldn't stop reading once I got past 70% Also, this was a standalone, which you don't find often in this genre, so yay!
September 19, 2017
I actually enjoyed this book and I wish I could have 5 stared, but it was a little bit of a drag. This was slow paced and at times very confusing, but was full of dark twists. I liked the whole twin concept of one being evil and thats the reason they were separated. The fact that it took the death of their mother for them to meet again. I find it super twisted how they both used each other to get away with a lot of things such as, one being in love with the other ones boyfriend. This storyline was well written and a first from this author for me. I want to read more and this would be a very good book to movie adaptation.
March 29, 2016
Well. this novel was a disappointment. It may have been because I went in with such high hopes for this novel. I mean, the blurb was so creepy and beautiful, and Terry's Slated series is amongst my favorites, but Book of Lies just fell short for me. Book of Lies follows Quinn and Piper, identical twin sisters who have never met but, due to the death of their mother, they are thrust together. However one of the twins is filled with a darkness that will supposedly be the undoing of the other. Sounds awesome right?
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the story enough to want to finish it but it was lacking that special something to really hook me into it. One of my main problems with this novel was the writing style. Book of Lies is told from a dual point of view, Piper and Quinn's. However both girls have a very similar voice, and neither is that strong protagonist voice you expect from a young adult first person story. The middle just seemed to drag on forever, and while Terry managed to build Piper and Quinn's characters very well, it was boring. The ending was better, but most of the action was packed into the last few chapters and so much information was revealed it was slightly overwhelming. The events that occurred were predictable and not very surprising, and I did find myself drifting away from the story.
The other main problem I had with the novel was the characters. To be honest, I hated Piper, and while Quinn was likable, she was only just better than her twin. And what even was Zak? He could have played a much bigger role in the novel than just Piper and Quinn's love interest. And the ending, boy is this guy gullible.
Anyway, this book was a disappointing read for me. There are definitely interesting points about this story that many people may enjoy, but it just wasn't for me
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the story enough to want to finish it but it was lacking that special something to really hook me into it. One of my main problems with this novel was the writing style. Book of Lies is told from a dual point of view, Piper and Quinn's. However both girls have a very similar voice, and neither is that strong protagonist voice you expect from a young adult first person story. The middle just seemed to drag on forever, and while Terry managed to build Piper and Quinn's characters very well, it was boring. The ending was better, but most of the action was packed into the last few chapters and so much information was revealed it was slightly overwhelming. The events that occurred were predictable and not very surprising, and I did find myself drifting away from the story.
The other main problem I had with the novel was the characters. To be honest, I hated Piper, and while Quinn was likable, she was only just better than her twin. And what even was Zak? He could have played a much bigger role in the novel than just Piper and Quinn's love interest. And the ending, boy is this guy gullible.
Anyway, this book was a disappointing read for me. There are definitely interesting points about this story that many people may enjoy, but it just wasn't for me
July 26, 2017
3.5 stars
"Book of Lies - O Livro das Mentiras" foi o primeiro livro que li da autora Teri Terry e foi sem dúvida uma boa estreia.
Esta história leva-nos a conhecer duas gémeas separadas à nascença, Piper e Quinn e é através delas que o livro vai sendo contado a duas vozes. Inicialmente fez-me confusão a estrutura do livro porque os capítulos de cada uma são bastante curtos e parecia que quando estava finalmente a começar a ambientar-me lá a história alterava de gémea. Contudo, ao longo da leitura acabei por me habituar e aos poucos já não me fazia qualquer confusão a alternância entre a Quinn e a Piper.
Apesar de gémeas idênticas, as personalidades de ambas são bastante diferentes e a educação que receberam também, pois se Piper sempre teve tudo, Quinn sempre viveu de uma forma mais modesta e bastante limitada. Não sei porquê a Quinn sempre me cativou mais e sempre torci mais por ela. Existem alguns segredos ao longo do livro, mas que me foram previsíveis. Esperava ainda uma história mais negra do que na verdade o é, ainda assim gostei bastante, é um livro que se torna viciante e com uma escrita fluída e que nos empurra para a frente.
Os momentos finais entre as gémeas foram bastante intensos e foi sem dúvida das partes que mais gostei.
Em suma é um livro interessante e que nos proporciona umas boas horas de leitura.
Recomendo.
"Book of Lies - O Livro das Mentiras" foi o primeiro livro que li da autora Teri Terry e foi sem dúvida uma boa estreia.
Esta história leva-nos a conhecer duas gémeas separadas à nascença, Piper e Quinn e é através delas que o livro vai sendo contado a duas vozes. Inicialmente fez-me confusão a estrutura do livro porque os capítulos de cada uma são bastante curtos e parecia que quando estava finalmente a começar a ambientar-me lá a história alterava de gémea. Contudo, ao longo da leitura acabei por me habituar e aos poucos já não me fazia qualquer confusão a alternância entre a Quinn e a Piper.
Apesar de gémeas idênticas, as personalidades de ambas são bastante diferentes e a educação que receberam também, pois se Piper sempre teve tudo, Quinn sempre viveu de uma forma mais modesta e bastante limitada. Não sei porquê a Quinn sempre me cativou mais e sempre torci mais por ela. Existem alguns segredos ao longo do livro, mas que me foram previsíveis. Esperava ainda uma história mais negra do que na verdade o é, ainda assim gostei bastante, é um livro que se torna viciante e com uma escrita fluída e que nos empurra para a frente.
Os momentos finais entre as gémeas foram bastante intensos e foi sem dúvida das partes que mais gostei.
Em suma é um livro interessante e que nos proporciona umas boas horas de leitura.
Recomendo.
April 4, 2017
This book is spectacular there are so many twists in the storyline! I couldn't put it down. This was one of the first book that introduced me to the thriller genre. I am also a fan of Terri Teri now too. I am sorry but I was always with Quinn!
#Quinn forever.
The ending was so surprising and marvellous! The characters so easy to invest yourself in. I wanted to slap some one in the face after the cliffhanger ending. ( Do not read if you can't stand a cliffhanger ending without a sequel.)
#Quinn forever.
The ending was so surprising and marvellous! The characters so easy to invest yourself in. I wanted to slap some one in the face after the cliffhanger ending. ( Do not read if you can't stand a cliffhanger ending without a sequel.)
June 25, 2017
"A truth, a lie to live or die"
January 28, 2019
I really enjoyed it, but the end was little strange and I'd have liked it if both of them got a happy end, not just one :)
September 30, 2016
Es war total verwirrend, aber ich glaube, so soll es auch sein. So genau weiß ich auch nicht, was ich von der Story halten soll.
March 2, 2016
Eine Story, die mich doch komplett überrascht hat. Gerechnet hab ich mit einem typischen Jugend- Fantasy Roman über Hexen- weit gefehlt. Das Genre würde ich eher als Mystery Fantasythrill bezeichnen, eine doch sehr außergewöhnliche, bisher sehr wenig beachtete deutsche mythische Grundlage. Es war zwar ab und an vorhersehbar und mit ein paar Längen, nichtsdestotrotz hat mich "Book of lies" sehr gut unterhalten, der Schreibstil hat mir total gefallen :)
April 15, 2017
Eine tolle und spannende Story! Die Geschichte mit den Zwillingen hat mir gut gefallen. Es war düsterer als erwartet aber dadurch auch spannender. Und das bis zum bitteren Ende! ;)
October 26, 2021
Wenn ich die anderen Rezensionen so betrachte, dann bin ich mir nicht sicher, ob mein Missfallen einfach nur daran lag, dass ich der Zielgruppe entwachsen bin oder ob das Buch einfach nur durchschnittlich war. Den Plottwist habe ich von Anfang an erahnt und die „Auflösung“ fand ich auch eher mau. Dennoch ist man schnell im Buch vorangekommen und es hatte einen gewissen Unterhaltungswert.
January 10, 2021
Twins separated since the day they were born. Thrust together in the day her mother dies. Dark secrets to be unreaveled. Secrets about them, about who they are. A curse that determines that one of them will die, killed by her own twin.
Sounds so awesome, doesn't it? Hell yes! And I hate it. I absolutely hate it when the book has a blurb so good you have no doubts you'll love the story and then you do read it and you can't help but wonder if you read the right blurb. The blurb, the whole plot idea, was so good. It had some predictable parts, indeed. But yet, it had potential, it could have led to an extraordinary story, a five stars story even. Instead it got just two. What a waste!
I won't lie and say I didn't like anything. I loved the way the book was written, switching between the two main characters' points of view. It made the story so much more interesting and it's obviously a good way to help the readers connecting with them (I loved them both, but especially Piper), because reading in their points of view makes it much easier to understand their reasons and choices. And the flashbacks that let us know more about their pasts makes everything even better.
It's a shame that we couldn't have Zak's point of view too. Maybe it would be enough to make Piper's boyfriend a realistic character and not just her boyfriend. I mean, he is part of the story since the very beginning and till the end. And yet, during all that time, he does nothing but being Piper's boyfriend and being there, helpful and kind, without really doing anything significant to help the story. Seriously, when I read about a boyfriend I was expecting a person, not a robot!
But I could have dealt with a robot, I really could if only the plot was interesting enough to keep my attention. But it isn't. It is dull, slow-paced, seems to drag on forever. To the point I needed four freaking months to finish the book. And the worst is that the last 100 pages are really, really good, each one having way more action than all the previous pages together. I mean if the whole book had been so well paced as the end, I would have probably given it 3 stars, even 4. But like this, that's impossible. And that is a shame because I am sure many readers will give up on reading and that way miss the phenomenal end of this book, that, even if in part predictable, was somehow surprising and stays with you even after you close the book.
And worst than all of these things is the fact that Quinn forgave her grandmother after everything she did to her as a child, after treating her so badly. To be fair, I am sure Terry didn't intend to make it look that way, but what I saw while reading the story was how easily years of abuse were forgiven as if they were nothing important. And that is not right!
After that, it's obvious I can in no way like the grandmother. But this character has another huge problem. The common I won't tell you anything so the plot can work as the writer wants problem. She could have told the twins everything they needed to know and that way prevent the tragic end of the story. But if she did, then how would we have the tragic end?! Problematic, right? I guess so...
Overall, this book was quite disappointing. I was expecting way more from this book, not only because the blurb was promissing much more than I got but also because I read this book after reading Terry's Slated series, which even if not one of my favorites, is a really good series.
SCORE: 2.50 out of 5.00 stars
You can also find this review on my blog
Sounds so awesome, doesn't it? Hell yes! And I hate it. I absolutely hate it when the book has a blurb so good you have no doubts you'll love the story and then you do read it and you can't help but wonder if you read the right blurb. The blurb, the whole plot idea, was so good. It had some predictable parts, indeed. But yet, it had potential, it could have led to an extraordinary story, a five stars story even. Instead it got just two. What a waste!
I won't lie and say I didn't like anything. I loved the way the book was written, switching between the two main characters' points of view. It made the story so much more interesting and it's obviously a good way to help the readers connecting with them (I loved them both, but especially Piper), because reading in their points of view makes it much easier to understand their reasons and choices. And the flashbacks that let us know more about their pasts makes everything even better.
It's a shame that we couldn't have Zak's point of view too. Maybe it would be enough to make Piper's boyfriend a realistic character and not just her boyfriend. I mean, he is part of the story since the very beginning and till the end. And yet, during all that time, he does nothing but being Piper's boyfriend and being there, helpful and kind, without really doing anything significant to help the story. Seriously, when I read about a boyfriend I was expecting a person, not a robot!
But I could have dealt with a robot, I really could if only the plot was interesting enough to keep my attention. But it isn't. It is dull, slow-paced, seems to drag on forever. To the point I needed four freaking months to finish the book. And the worst is that the last 100 pages are really, really good, each one having way more action than all the previous pages together. I mean if the whole book had been so well paced as the end, I would have probably given it 3 stars, even 4. But like this, that's impossible. And that is a shame because I am sure many readers will give up on reading and that way miss the phenomenal end of this book, that, even if in part predictable, was somehow surprising and stays with you even after you close the book.
And worst than all of these things is the fact that Quinn forgave her grandmother after everything she did to her as a child, after treating her so badly. To be fair, I am sure Terry didn't intend to make it look that way, but what I saw while reading the story was how easily years of abuse were forgiven as if they were nothing important. And that is not right!
After that, it's obvious I can in no way like the grandmother. But this character has another huge problem. The common I won't tell you anything so the plot can work as the writer wants problem. She could have told the twins everything they needed to know and that way prevent the tragic end of the story. But if she did, then how would we have the tragic end?! Problematic, right? I guess so...
Overall, this book was quite disappointing. I was expecting way more from this book, not only because the blurb was promissing much more than I got but also because I read this book after reading Terry's Slated series, which even if not one of my favorites, is a really good series.
SCORE: 2.50 out of 5.00 stars
You can also find this review on my blog
August 4, 2017
I received this novel as a free ARC from Netgalley.
This book is ….odd. It seems to be almost two separate stories, strung together at the middle.
For the first half of the novel, Piper and Quinn, twins reunited after a lifetime of mysterious separation, hash out their family issues in a suburban, ordinary setting following the death of their mother. It’s a strong exploration of family bonds, guilt, and the fact that perhaps none of us truly know our parents. It’s all very Jodi Picoult – thought provoking rather than exciting -- and there’s a dash of romance thrown in.
Then, just when I was starting to wonder if this book actually contained any fantasy elements whatsoever or was just a YA contemporary, boom. The twins up and leave for Dartmoor (ooooh #spooky). The dad, who initially seems like he may have a large supporting role in the novel, is forgotten entirely, and the ‘family reconciliation’ plot which seemed to have been developing basically goes with him. Without forewarning, chapters begin to be bookended by dreams of DEMON HOUNDS FROM HELL TEARING HUMAN FLESH!!! Lol guess what guys, THIS is the actual whole point of the story!!!
Jarring? Yes. Disjointed? A little.
It doesn’t help how there’s basically no supporting cast outside of Piper, Quinn, and Piper’s doggedly adoring boyfriend Zak, who is basically the Ultimate Hufflepuff Extraordinaire. He is sent out across the moors on regular missions to find important supplies, such as Piper’s spare clothes.
Unfortunately, whilst Terry’s talent for dialogue worked well in the initial family drama scenario, she is weak on description. Dartmoor is given no sense of atmosphere; and mate, it’s Dartmoor, how on earth did you eff that one up?!
Due to the lack of sense of place to the world the twins now find themselves in, I’m starting to suspect that Terry hasn’t even ever been to Dartmoor. This sucks, because we’re supposed to be creeped out, intrigued, and awed by the mysterious, evil beauty of the moors, which provide the basis for the entire second half of the novel.
Infact, the entire witch storyline suffers from a serious case of underdevelopment. Instead of using Dartmoor as an opportunity to really dig into the rich mythological and witching history of the south of England, a hotchpotch of ideas are thrown in at abandon. There’s the Wild Hunt, some enchanted trees, and a book which makes curses come true. Occasionally a fox pops up as a sort of stalker/spirit animal, but not for any real reason. Oh yeah, and Quinn can call up demon-beasts made of dirt! Surprise bitch! But that only happens once as a plot device to prove that she has powers, and what the beasts are, or how she was able to do it, is never specified.
Essentially, there is no underlying magical theory, or exploration of broader local mythology or historical magical traditions to make these elements feel coherent. Consequently, it’s impossible to feel absorbed by the magical world. #InfiniteSads
Quinn’s demon-beast scene provides a good example of how a lack of any knowledgeable engagement with Dartmoor’s natural landscape leaves the book feeling hollow.
"There is a climbing plant on the wall with red berries."
Terry doesn’t even go to the effort of to specify the actual name of a plant when she’s discussing an actual spell, which seems like such an unspokenly fundamental element to witchcraft that its omission is bizarre. Here was a simple chance to provide a scene with a bit of colour and historical depth rooted in real nature gone to waste – and the whole book is like this. Its world just doesn’t have any depth.
Okay, maybe this is making me sound like I have an unhealthy obsession with plants. But we have to talk about the cringe worthy Wild Hunt nightmare scenes.
"Arrrroooooo! We howl as one when we catch the sweet sense of prey on the wind."
There’s also:
"They’re creeping up the stairs, then into my room. Their howling – arooooooo! –is so loud that it fills my head, turns my inside to liquid."
We also get these classic variations:
"Arooo-oooo!" (I guess the hell hounds got hiccups)
And
"Arooooo! Arooooo!" (This one isn’t a hell hound, it’s actually just the horn of Gondor.)
We get a grand total of eight arrooos, which in my opinion is approximately eight arrooos more than was necessary. Needless to say, this did not make me afraid. This made me want to spit my hot choc over the laptop.
Note to authors. There is no need to interrupt your exposition to make animal noises. I am perfectly capable of imagining what a bloody great murderous doggo sounds like myself, thanks. Unless you are Enid Blyton. Then you have special dispensation.
On the flipside, the book’s greatest strength is the mirror POVs of Piper and Quinn. (A tiny quibble – Piper and Quinn are two pretty American sounding names, but whatever.) Terry definitely has a skill for building strong personalities for her protagonists, and of creating delightfully unreliable narrators. Can I just put it out there – I absolutely loved Piper. Quinn is great, sure, she’s determined, good hearted under a spiny exterior and I was definitely rooting for her. But Piper is just so deliciously ruthless. Watching her preppy, good girl façade slowly be peeled away throughout the novel, to reveal the manipulative, corrupted witch within was an absolute treat. Piper is powerful; she revels in her darkness, but she also loves Zak and her sister fiercely, and fully believes in the righteousness of what she is doing. And you know what? You start to believe her. Now that is the sign of an excellent antihero.
As for the other characters however, Zak is a weak link. He’s overwhelmingly nice, endlessly annoyingly patient and forgiving of Piper, and that’s basically his only character trait. Things become a little bit more understandable towards the end, but this doesn’t stop him from being a massive wet blanket. It also doesn’t stop him from being a character who exists only as a plot device to create romantic conflict between the two sisters. And although the romance between Zak and Quinn in particular is sweetly written, without his own story arc, I couldn’t help but just wish that Zak would buzz off and leave the twins to play mind games on each other alone.
The twin’s Gran, whilst interesting initially, suffers from a chronic case of ‘I’m not going to tell you crucial information because plot reasons’ which soon renders her extremely boring and annoying. There is literally no reason for her to hide the truth from Piper and Quinn other than to drag the book’s reveal out as long as possible. In fact, as hiding her secret pointlessly leads to bad consequences (hint: pretty damn bad), her decision is simply downright stupid. [SPOILER] At the end, instead of just simply destroying the dangerous heritage which she is desperate to hide from the twins, she puppet-masters a fight to the death between them over said heritage. After trying to protect them from this exact thing for the entire novel!?? Seriously??? What??!
To me this was the plot’s most glaring problem, but there is another. After the twin’s mum goes to all the effort of splitting them up, deciding that Quinn is Evil and taking Piper as far away as she can from her dangerous heritage… why would she leave Piper the Blackwood surname so that she can go back to find said heritage? To me this was an enormous and ridiculous paradox. It’s a little disappointing that the twins don’t ever actually perform any magic, and after all this shilly shallying about heritage, [SPOILER] their heritage turns out to just be a naff old Death Note... I mean, Book of Lies.
There’s also a mildly problematic vindication of child abuse, as Quinn forgives her grandmother for using her as an indentured servant, verbally abusing her and not even allowing her to attend school or read fiction books for eighteen years, because oh you know what? Granny secretly loved her all along. Well guess what mate. When you’re up against the county magistrate because your neglected and traumatised child is being removed from your care by social services, the fact that you ‘secretly’ loved them is not going to do you much good.
Ultimately, the solution to the mystery of the twins’ story is pretty basic. The twin who is initially set up as the good twin is revealed to be the evil twin?! No way!
To be fair to Terry, this is a bit of a damned if you do/damned if you don’t situation. This twist is cliché enough that I called it after reading only the blurb, which definitely takes away the excitement. However, without any twist, the book would be so straightforward that… well… it would have been boring. Fortunately, at the end, things become a little more complex between the two sisters, leaving the novel on a perhaps surprisingly dark and ambiguous ending.
Overall, my strongest feeling towards this book has got to be a solid ‘meh’. If you’re interested in twins, and family dramas, the loving but ultimately doomed conflict between the well written, engaging protagonists will keep you interested throughout the novel. But you will have to pinch your nose and squint your eyes to ignore the blurriness and inconsistency of the world and the plot within which they find themselves.
This book is ….odd. It seems to be almost two separate stories, strung together at the middle.
For the first half of the novel, Piper and Quinn, twins reunited after a lifetime of mysterious separation, hash out their family issues in a suburban, ordinary setting following the death of their mother. It’s a strong exploration of family bonds, guilt, and the fact that perhaps none of us truly know our parents. It’s all very Jodi Picoult – thought provoking rather than exciting -- and there’s a dash of romance thrown in.
Then, just when I was starting to wonder if this book actually contained any fantasy elements whatsoever or was just a YA contemporary, boom. The twins up and leave for Dartmoor (ooooh #spooky). The dad, who initially seems like he may have a large supporting role in the novel, is forgotten entirely, and the ‘family reconciliation’ plot which seemed to have been developing basically goes with him. Without forewarning, chapters begin to be bookended by dreams of DEMON HOUNDS FROM HELL TEARING HUMAN FLESH!!! Lol guess what guys, THIS is the actual whole point of the story!!!
Jarring? Yes. Disjointed? A little.
It doesn’t help how there’s basically no supporting cast outside of Piper, Quinn, and Piper’s doggedly adoring boyfriend Zak, who is basically the Ultimate Hufflepuff Extraordinaire. He is sent out across the moors on regular missions to find important supplies, such as Piper’s spare clothes.
Unfortunately, whilst Terry’s talent for dialogue worked well in the initial family drama scenario, she is weak on description. Dartmoor is given no sense of atmosphere; and mate, it’s Dartmoor, how on earth did you eff that one up?!
Due to the lack of sense of place to the world the twins now find themselves in, I’m starting to suspect that Terry hasn’t even ever been to Dartmoor. This sucks, because we’re supposed to be creeped out, intrigued, and awed by the mysterious, evil beauty of the moors, which provide the basis for the entire second half of the novel.
Infact, the entire witch storyline suffers from a serious case of underdevelopment. Instead of using Dartmoor as an opportunity to really dig into the rich mythological and witching history of the south of England, a hotchpotch of ideas are thrown in at abandon. There’s the Wild Hunt, some enchanted trees, and a book which makes curses come true. Occasionally a fox pops up as a sort of stalker/spirit animal, but not for any real reason. Oh yeah, and Quinn can call up demon-beasts made of dirt! Surprise bitch! But that only happens once as a plot device to prove that she has powers, and what the beasts are, or how she was able to do it, is never specified.
Essentially, there is no underlying magical theory, or exploration of broader local mythology or historical magical traditions to make these elements feel coherent. Consequently, it’s impossible to feel absorbed by the magical world. #InfiniteSads
Quinn’s demon-beast scene provides a good example of how a lack of any knowledgeable engagement with Dartmoor’s natural landscape leaves the book feeling hollow.
"There is a climbing plant on the wall with red berries."
Terry doesn’t even go to the effort of to specify the actual name of a plant when she’s discussing an actual spell, which seems like such an unspokenly fundamental element to witchcraft that its omission is bizarre. Here was a simple chance to provide a scene with a bit of colour and historical depth rooted in real nature gone to waste – and the whole book is like this. Its world just doesn’t have any depth.
Okay, maybe this is making me sound like I have an unhealthy obsession with plants. But we have to talk about the cringe worthy Wild Hunt nightmare scenes.
"Arrrroooooo! We howl as one when we catch the sweet sense of prey on the wind."
There’s also:
"They’re creeping up the stairs, then into my room. Their howling – arooooooo! –is so loud that it fills my head, turns my inside to liquid."
We also get these classic variations:
"Arooo-oooo!" (I guess the hell hounds got hiccups)
And
"Arooooo! Arooooo!" (This one isn’t a hell hound, it’s actually just the horn of Gondor.)
We get a grand total of eight arrooos, which in my opinion is approximately eight arrooos more than was necessary. Needless to say, this did not make me afraid. This made me want to spit my hot choc over the laptop.
Note to authors. There is no need to interrupt your exposition to make animal noises. I am perfectly capable of imagining what a bloody great murderous doggo sounds like myself, thanks. Unless you are Enid Blyton. Then you have special dispensation.
On the flipside, the book’s greatest strength is the mirror POVs of Piper and Quinn. (A tiny quibble – Piper and Quinn are two pretty American sounding names, but whatever.) Terry definitely has a skill for building strong personalities for her protagonists, and of creating delightfully unreliable narrators. Can I just put it out there – I absolutely loved Piper. Quinn is great, sure, she’s determined, good hearted under a spiny exterior and I was definitely rooting for her. But Piper is just so deliciously ruthless. Watching her preppy, good girl façade slowly be peeled away throughout the novel, to reveal the manipulative, corrupted witch within was an absolute treat. Piper is powerful; she revels in her darkness, but she also loves Zak and her sister fiercely, and fully believes in the righteousness of what she is doing. And you know what? You start to believe her. Now that is the sign of an excellent antihero.
As for the other characters however, Zak is a weak link. He’s overwhelmingly nice, endlessly annoyingly patient and forgiving of Piper, and that’s basically his only character trait. Things become a little bit more understandable towards the end, but this doesn’t stop him from being a massive wet blanket. It also doesn’t stop him from being a character who exists only as a plot device to create romantic conflict between the two sisters. And although the romance between Zak and Quinn in particular is sweetly written, without his own story arc, I couldn’t help but just wish that Zak would buzz off and leave the twins to play mind games on each other alone.
The twin’s Gran, whilst interesting initially, suffers from a chronic case of ‘I’m not going to tell you crucial information because plot reasons’ which soon renders her extremely boring and annoying. There is literally no reason for her to hide the truth from Piper and Quinn other than to drag the book’s reveal out as long as possible. In fact, as hiding her secret pointlessly leads to bad consequences (hint: pretty damn bad), her decision is simply downright stupid. [SPOILER] At the end, instead of just simply destroying the dangerous heritage which she is desperate to hide from the twins, she puppet-masters a fight to the death between them over said heritage. After trying to protect them from this exact thing for the entire novel!?? Seriously??? What??!
To me this was the plot’s most glaring problem, but there is another. After the twin’s mum goes to all the effort of splitting them up, deciding that Quinn is Evil and taking Piper as far away as she can from her dangerous heritage… why would she leave Piper the Blackwood surname so that she can go back to find said heritage? To me this was an enormous and ridiculous paradox. It’s a little disappointing that the twins don’t ever actually perform any magic, and after all this shilly shallying about heritage, [SPOILER] their heritage turns out to just be a naff old Death Note... I mean, Book of Lies.
There’s also a mildly problematic vindication of child abuse, as Quinn forgives her grandmother for using her as an indentured servant, verbally abusing her and not even allowing her to attend school or read fiction books for eighteen years, because oh you know what? Granny secretly loved her all along. Well guess what mate. When you’re up against the county magistrate because your neglected and traumatised child is being removed from your care by social services, the fact that you ‘secretly’ loved them is not going to do you much good.
Ultimately, the solution to the mystery of the twins’ story is pretty basic. The twin who is initially set up as the good twin is revealed to be the evil twin?! No way!
To be fair to Terry, this is a bit of a damned if you do/damned if you don’t situation. This twist is cliché enough that I called it after reading only the blurb, which definitely takes away the excitement. However, without any twist, the book would be so straightforward that… well… it would have been boring. Fortunately, at the end, things become a little more complex between the two sisters, leaving the novel on a perhaps surprisingly dark and ambiguous ending.
Overall, my strongest feeling towards this book has got to be a solid ‘meh’. If you’re interested in twins, and family dramas, the loving but ultimately doomed conflict between the well written, engaging protagonists will keep you interested throughout the novel. But you will have to pinch your nose and squint your eyes to ignore the blurriness and inconsistency of the world and the plot within which they find themselves.
September 12, 2018
I had this book sitting on my shelf for quite a while before I decided to read it and I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book as it provides a very brief description of the story on the blurb.
The story itself, I am unsure on how I feel about it as it started off being quite mysterious and does draw you in straight away, however as the book went on, I felt that it just drags on a bit and some of it feels slightly unnecessary. I did feel myself just trying to get through the middle of this book rather than wanting to read it, which did ruin the story for me. Having said this, when you near the end of this book, things start to pick up again and it becomes a lot more enjoyable to read.
In terms of the characters, obviously this book centres around two main characters who are twins: Piper and Quinn.
They are portrayed in very different ways, I much preferred Quinn to Piper and I actually felt myself getting quite irritated with Piper often and just disliking her. Quinn is more down to earth and likeable, which thinking about it now, might’ve been done on purpose as a sort of underlying hint throughout the book linking to the ending. If so, it’s very clever.
I loved the way this book was written, constantly switching between the two of them was compelling to read and it was incredible how two twins can be written to be the same but completely different at the same time.
The flashbacks were an interesting addition to the story - they kept you guessing and trying to piece the story together or guess the ending. What I loved about these is that they were never completely obvious about what was happening, which meant you never actually managed to piece it together before finding out what happens.
I loved the twist near the end of the book, I actually didn’t see this coming although it does slightly hint at it beforehand. I’m not sure what to think of the ending; I felt that it wasn’t as thrilling or exciting as it could have been, however how the book ends is actually quite dark and I think that is what’s supposed to stick with you when you finish the book, rather than the events that take place.
Overall, this book was compelling and thrilling at points, but didn’t have me gripped throughout, but I’d still recommend reading if you’re looking for something different and slightly eerie.
The story itself, I am unsure on how I feel about it as it started off being quite mysterious and does draw you in straight away, however as the book went on, I felt that it just drags on a bit and some of it feels slightly unnecessary. I did feel myself just trying to get through the middle of this book rather than wanting to read it, which did ruin the story for me. Having said this, when you near the end of this book, things start to pick up again and it becomes a lot more enjoyable to read.
In terms of the characters, obviously this book centres around two main characters who are twins: Piper and Quinn.
They are portrayed in very different ways, I much preferred Quinn to Piper and I actually felt myself getting quite irritated with Piper often and just disliking her. Quinn is more down to earth and likeable, which thinking about it now, might’ve been done on purpose as a sort of underlying hint throughout the book linking to the ending. If so, it’s very clever.
I loved the way this book was written, constantly switching between the two of them was compelling to read and it was incredible how two twins can be written to be the same but completely different at the same time.
The flashbacks were an interesting addition to the story - they kept you guessing and trying to piece the story together or guess the ending. What I loved about these is that they were never completely obvious about what was happening, which meant you never actually managed to piece it together before finding out what happens.
I loved the twist near the end of the book, I actually didn’t see this coming although it does slightly hint at it beforehand. I’m not sure what to think of the ending; I felt that it wasn’t as thrilling or exciting as it could have been, however how the book ends is actually quite dark and I think that is what’s supposed to stick with you when you finish the book, rather than the events that take place.
Overall, this book was compelling and thrilling at points, but didn’t have me gripped throughout, but I’d still recommend reading if you’re looking for something different and slightly eerie.
October 3, 2017
An enjoyable fantasy/paranormal style read! I'm thinking it would work well for the teen/YA demographic. I enjoyed it as an adult, but I do think that it's correctly placed in genre.
Well written even though it does take a moment to really get into the story. It's still a great read!
Well written even though it does take a moment to really get into the story. It's still a great read!
December 8, 2015
Piper and Quinn are twins separated by their Mother when they are tiny. Piper has a good life with her Mother and Father in a nice house with a somewhat normal childhood. Quinn is left behind with their Grandmother in a remote house on the moors. Quinn is brought up in a frugal household with no schooling, harsh punishments for small misdemeanors and infrequent visits from her Mother who is indifferent to her or sometimes cruel. When their Mother dies the twins meet at her funeral and their lives are changed forever as family secrets are unveiled and they discover that they are not so ordinary but have a power within them which if unleashed, could have catastrophic consequences.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved how it starts out quite ordinary with the twins meeting, Quinn staying with Piper's boyfriend and the twins trying to work out how to break the news to their Father that he has another daughter which he doesn't know exists. As the story unfolds Quinn starts to realize that her Sister is not all she pretends to be and can be manipulative and false, but Quinn has secrets and fears of her own. I very much preferred Quinn to Piper as I found her to be more genuine and honest although they both have their own agendas. The fantasy element crept up on me slowly which I found so intriguing as it starts to set the pace of the story. As always with Teri's books, her characters are so believable and beguiling, dragging you into the story and compelling you want to find out absolutely everything you can about them. There were some scenes of violence and the twins' back story is actually built upon cruelty, revenge and witchcraft but it was very subtly done, making the book quite dark and sinister but also exciting and dramatic. I would absolutely recommend this to any fan of the fantasy or even horror genre as it was so fast-paced and impelling. What I am impressed about most with Teri's books, apart from the style of the writing, is that every one is absolutely unique and always something I haven't quite read before.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved how it starts out quite ordinary with the twins meeting, Quinn staying with Piper's boyfriend and the twins trying to work out how to break the news to their Father that he has another daughter which he doesn't know exists. As the story unfolds Quinn starts to realize that her Sister is not all she pretends to be and can be manipulative and false, but Quinn has secrets and fears of her own. I very much preferred Quinn to Piper as I found her to be more genuine and honest although they both have their own agendas. The fantasy element crept up on me slowly which I found so intriguing as it starts to set the pace of the story. As always with Teri's books, her characters are so believable and beguiling, dragging you into the story and compelling you want to find out absolutely everything you can about them. There were some scenes of violence and the twins' back story is actually built upon cruelty, revenge and witchcraft but it was very subtly done, making the book quite dark and sinister but also exciting and dramatic. I would absolutely recommend this to any fan of the fantasy or even horror genre as it was so fast-paced and impelling. What I am impressed about most with Teri's books, apart from the style of the writing, is that every one is absolutely unique and always something I haven't quite read before.
July 12, 2016
Das Buch hat mich wirklich sehr überrascht. Von der ersten Seite an konnte mich der Schreibstil fesseln.
Zu vorschnell habe ich mir ein Urteil über die Charaktere gebildet und dann war doch alles anders als ich dachte. Es gab Phasen, da mochte ich lieber Piper und dann wieder Quinn, aber ich habe von anfang an mehr zu Quinn tendiert, sie hat mich einfach mehr angesprochen.
Es gibt viele unheimliche Wendungen und das Ende war echt spektakulär aber ein wenig unvollendet, nicht rund genug. Ich hätte mich doch noch ein paar Seite mehr gewünscht.
Trotzdessen ist Geschichte spannend und gut erzählt.
Zu vorschnell habe ich mir ein Urteil über die Charaktere gebildet und dann war doch alles anders als ich dachte. Es gab Phasen, da mochte ich lieber Piper und dann wieder Quinn, aber ich habe von anfang an mehr zu Quinn tendiert, sie hat mich einfach mehr angesprochen.
Es gibt viele unheimliche Wendungen und das Ende war echt spektakulär aber ein wenig unvollendet, nicht rund genug. Ich hätte mich doch noch ein paar Seite mehr gewünscht.
Trotzdessen ist Geschichte spannend und gut erzählt.
April 15, 2019
ציפיתי ליותר מטרי טרי, אך הספר בנה ציפיה ויצר מתח לכל אורכו, ולבסוף הסתיים בפלופ מאכזב. לא התרשמתי במיוחד מהסיפור או מהדמויות, ולא הצלחתי להיקשר אליהן או להאמין לסיפור האהבה.
December 11, 2018
Simplesmente brutal! Adorei tudo! Magnifico!
February 5, 2019
Я буквально ненавидела всех персонажей в этой книге. И «положительного» Зака, которого автор явно прямо обожала и который, на мой взгляд, не такой уж положительный, раз, зная сестру своей девушки три дня, готов изменять с ней. И неидеальных Пайпер и Куин.
Но притом, что мне они все очень не нравились (их характеры и поступки), я обязана отдать должное автору – он отлично смог показать, что никто не идеален. И, я так поняла, именно это и было его целью. И, наверное, то, что персонажи вызывали у меня столько злости, было так же им спланировано.
Всю книгу я думала о том, что ни Куин, ни Пайпер нельзя назвать «хорошими» или, наоборот, «злом во плоти». Так что, да, автор действительно очень здорово прописала своих персонажей. Другое дело, что они у нее получились неприятными.
Сам сюжет мне очень даже понравился, интересно, нестандартно, неожиданно, сложно. Местами немного странно и «мозговзрывательно», но, наверное, в хорошем смысле. Минус – персонажи и их поступки. Но об этом я уже писала. К тому же, я терпеть не могу любовные треугольники, особенно «девушка-парень-девушка», да еще когда в нем есть сестры. Поэтому у меня отношение к книге неоднозначное. Но, повторю, было по-настоящему интересно, я, как села, так и не встала, пока не дочитала за вечер до самого конца. Давно не читала мистики с интересным и достаточно необычным сюжетом, последнее время все такое однообразное.
Но притом, что мне они все очень не нравились (их характеры и поступки), я обязана отдать должное автору – он отлично смог показать, что никто не идеален. И, я так поняла, именно это и было его целью. И, наверное, то, что персонажи вызывали у меня столько злости, было так же им спланировано.
Всю книгу я думала о том, что ни Куин, ни Пайпер нельзя назвать «хорошими» или, наоборот, «злом во плоти». Так что, да, автор действительно очень здорово прописала своих персонажей. Другое дело, что они у нее получились неприятными.
Сам сюжет мне очень даже понравился, интересно, нестандартно, неожиданно, сложно. Местами немного странно и «мозговзрывательно», но, наверное, в хорошем смысле. Минус – персонажи и их поступки. Но об этом я уже писала. К тому же, я терпеть не могу любовные треугольники, особенно «девушка-парень-девушка», да еще когда в нем есть сестры. Поэтому у меня отношение к книге неоднозначное. Но, повторю, было по-настоящему интересно, я, как села, так и не встала, пока не дочитала за вечер до самого конца. Давно не читала мистики с интересным и достаточно необычным сюжетом, последнее время все такое однообразное.
February 9, 2021
This book caught my eye in the library. Creepy? Lies? Unleash darkness?
Quin and Flute player are twins, but they were isolated after they were born by their mother and grandma. They had never met until an awful occasion brought them together. The twins are stunned by the passing, but not one or the other began with experience and how the storyline didn't go as I anticipated. It interests the reader.
One thing I would say that could be better is that she makes the start of the book long and it's so long that it takes nearly half of the book. At first, I lost interest. But, the more you advance within the story, the way better it gets. The second half contrasts with the primary and that the story is brought to life. Then everything gets to be distinctive, running in a flow, and quick. The sisters are drawn into a powerful family revile that has been taking after them for centuries. The story closes up being repetitive how the sisters’ conduct in spite of being comprehensible, but, still a bit irritating.
Overall, this book is a great and interesting book to be reading, but don't stop at the start even if you find it boring, because you will love it later.
Quin and Flute player are twins, but they were isolated after they were born by their mother and grandma. They had never met until an awful occasion brought them together. The twins are stunned by the passing, but not one or the other began with experience and how the storyline didn't go as I anticipated. It interests the reader.
One thing I would say that could be better is that she makes the start of the book long and it's so long that it takes nearly half of the book. At first, I lost interest. But, the more you advance within the story, the way better it gets. The second half contrasts with the primary and that the story is brought to life. Then everything gets to be distinctive, running in a flow, and quick. The sisters are drawn into a powerful family revile that has been taking after them for centuries. The story closes up being repetitive how the sisters’ conduct in spite of being comprehensible, but, still a bit irritating.
Overall, this book is a great and interesting book to be reading, but don't stop at the start even if you find it boring, because you will love it later.
October 6, 2019
Das Buch habe ich einfach so weggelesen! Von Seite eins bis zum Ende hat mich die Geschichte begeistert - spannend und unterhaltsam! 😍
October 10, 2019
Einzigartige Geschichte und super leicht zu lesen😊 Habe es geliebt😍🙌🏻
November 17, 2021
Młodzieżówka warta uwagi. To była dobra decyzja na reread
May 9, 2019
Este livro veio parar às minhas mãos por um mero acaso e ainda bem que assim aconteceu. Que leitura poderosa! O final foi de cortar a respiração. Uma das melhores surpresas literárias que 2017 me trouxe.
May 1, 2018
**2.5
I liked this book, though not as much as I thought I would. The reveal was very well captured - at he beginning, both twins - Piper and Quinn - are mysteries, having led very different lifestyles, with very different opinions and morals. As you get deeper into the book, you start to wonder - you were given a clue at the very beginning of the book, but it doesn't really seem to apply to anything that is going on. As far as the characters, you really don't care much for their backstories until the very end. Up until one of the last pages, I was thinking to myself, "You can't really connect with the characters. A well-thought story, but needs more detail." And then, all of a sudden, everything makes sense. I only wish there was a bit more 'oompfh' to the story, as it dragged on.
(And also that the font was smaller!)
I liked this book, though not as much as I thought I would. The reveal was very well captured - at he beginning, both twins - Piper and Quinn - are mysteries, having led very different lifestyles, with very different opinions and morals. As you get deeper into the book, you start to wonder - you were given a clue at the very beginning of the book, but it doesn't really seem to apply to anything that is going on. As far as the characters, you really don't care much for their backstories until the very end. Up until one of the last pages, I was thinking to myself, "You can't really connect with the characters. A well-thought story, but needs more detail." And then, all of a sudden, everything makes sense. I only wish there was a bit more 'oompfh' to the story, as it dragged on.
(And also that the font was smaller!)
February 12, 2016
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)
This wasn't a bad read, but it felt like it took forever to get interesting for me. The majority of the first half of the story dragged quite badly for me because of it, and it made the book feel really long.
Overall, An okay read, but it felt rather long.
This wasn't a bad read, but it felt like it took forever to get interesting for me. The majority of the first half of the story dragged quite badly for me because of it, and it made the book feel really long.
Overall, An okay read, but it felt rather long.
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