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Unnatural Deeds
Some secrets are worth killing to protect.
Victoria Zell doesn’t fit in, not that she cares what anyone thinks. She and her homeschooled boyfriend, Andrew, are inseparable. All they need is each other. That is, until Zachary Zimmerman joins her homeroom. Within an hour of meeting, he convinces good-girl Vic to cut class. And she can’t get enough of that rush.
Despite Vic’s loyalty to Andrew, she finds her life slowly entwining with Z’s. Soon she’s lying to everyone she knows and breaking all the rules to be with Z. She can’t get enough of him—or unraveling the stories of the family he’s determined to keep hidden.
Except Z’s not the only one with a past. Straight-laced Vic is hiding her own secrets…secrets that are about to destroy everything in her path.
Victoria Zell doesn’t fit in, not that she cares what anyone thinks. She and her homeschooled boyfriend, Andrew, are inseparable. All they need is each other. That is, until Zachary Zimmerman joins her homeroom. Within an hour of meeting, he convinces good-girl Vic to cut class. And she can’t get enough of that rush.
Despite Vic’s loyalty to Andrew, she finds her life slowly entwining with Z’s. Soon she’s lying to everyone she knows and breaking all the rules to be with Z. She can’t get enough of him—or unraveling the stories of the family he’s determined to keep hidden.
Except Z’s not the only one with a past. Straight-laced Vic is hiding her own secrets…secrets that are about to destroy everything in her path.
274 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2016
59 people are currently reading
3721 people want to read
About the author
Cyn Balog
15 books876 followersCyn Balog is a normal, everyday Jersey Girl who always believed magical things can happen to us when we least expect them. She is author of young adult paranormals FAIRY TALE (2009), SLEEPLESS(2010), STARSTRUCK (2011), TOUCHED (2012), and her most recent release: DEAD RIVER (2013).e. She lives outside Allentown, Pennsylvania with her husband and daughters.
She also writes under the pen name Nichola Reilly. Nichola Reilly is Cyn Balog's post-apocalyptic fantasy-writing alter-ego. The first book in her series, DROWNED, will be releasing from Harlequin TEEN sometime in 2014, followed by a sequel, BURIED, in 2015.
She also writes under the pen name Nichola Reilly. Nichola Reilly is Cyn Balog's post-apocalyptic fantasy-writing alter-ego. The first book in her series, DROWNED, will be releasing from Harlequin TEEN sometime in 2014, followed by a sequel, BURIED, in 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
February 15, 2021
Psst! Guys! You really have to meet ...
... Because in case you didn't know, Z is your sun, your light, your LIFE.
"By the end of that first day without Z, the whole school fell into a general malaise. Students moved through the halls slower and didn't smile as much. Everyone looked doubly hard at Z's desk, as if staring could will him back. He was the sun, and his disappearance had sent us all out of orbit. And so, as the planet closest to him, I felt even more purposeless."
Who is Z, you're asking? Their guru? Their METH DEALER? What - naaaah, he's just that intriguing and oh so mysterious new guy *cough* every YA ever *cough* whom everyone loves because of REASONS.
I kid, I kid. There're reasons.
① He's got such an awesome sense of humor :
"Torture animals?"
I should have known he'd joke around."
O_o
"Friday, as he set up the Bunsen burner, he said, "I wish I had a can of hair spray. I should have warned you that I'm kind of a pyromaniac. (...)
He continued, "Tip : When you're with me, always scope out the nearest fire exit." (...)
"You know that song? 'The Roof Is on Fire'? That's my favorite song. For obvious -"
Oh my God, I'm laughing so hard there. He's just so funny!
② He's just so intense, ya know?
"Oh, there is nothing as intense as the way he looks at you. When he does, it's like you've been touched, maybe not by the hand of God, but by one of God's fingers."
Blah, if that's the fingers then. Small player.
"I looked into his eyes as he repeated, again and again, that it was under control. You know I don't believe in witchcraft or hocus-pocus or junk like that [Twilight, though?] But in that moment, I knew that magic existed. Those eyes could make me believe anything. Anything. The world is flat? OK. Have a bridge for sale? Sign me up."
You, girl, have a problem.
③ He's so respectful of other human beings and, you know, like, so fun to have around because he really cares, see what I mean?
"Instead, Z said, "I'm hungry. Let's get food." I didn't have to agree. It wasn't a question. He was just going to do it, and I suppose if I was against it, I'd have to jump out at a spotlight."
I know what you think - he didn't ask her but SEE! That's where you're wrong about him! He obviously did know before even asking her! How freaking AWESOME is that?!
④ He's so interesting, people can't help but be affected. Because of course.
"Brainy Gerri never wore anything other than the school's regulation pink blouse, buttoned to the very top. Today though, her two top buttons were undone."
TODAY THOUGH.
"Some of the guys had taken to chewing gum."
That is MIND-BLOWING stuff there. I am in AWE of that guy, really.
Honestly? There's just something so appalling in seeing the main character fall head over heels for this imposture. Sure, from the *not so discreet* insinuations we understand that something bad is going to happen (sorry, this is YA thriller : something really really really bad is gonna happen - the badder kind of bad, like, so bad) but what baffles me is the fact that she fell (and the whole school with her) in the FIRST PLACE?! Like HOW? Alright, it tries to do something interesting by twisting the trope of the hot new guy (who is - shocking - actually a creepy dude, BOO!) but how can I feel invested if that's obvious from the start? I mean, Victoria's just so naive? O_o Also, she doesn't like other girls, so, you know, I don't like her. BIM!
► UNBELIEVABLE. BORING. RIDICULOUS.
Oooooops. Better leave then. DNF 37%.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
January 11, 2017
This was such a delightfully twisted book.
I sincerely recommend it to anyone who likes insane plot twists, because seriously, I was like:
It’s based on a girl named Victoria (Vic) who’s attending a religious high school, has marvelous grades, and a great home-schooled boyfriend. She transferred schools by her parents’ wishes and is the new kid in class this year, but so is another student; Zachary Zimmerman (Z). The greatest way I could describe their relationship is by relating it to JD’s and Veronica’s relationship in the cult classic “Heathers”, but it is a bit different in the send that Z is more neutral evil while JD is more chaotic evil, and Vic is more introverted and goodie-goodie than Veronica. Their relationship though, is kind of twisted and mental. Z gets her to do things that she would have never imagined herself doing, and totally screws with her mind. He isn’t the only one at fault though and things aren’t all that they seem.
The ending will totally shock you. I couldn’t stop reading.
I have an eBook copy of “Unnatural Deeds” but I am very well considering buying it hardcover, even though I’ve already read it. I mean I read this book in three days, but practically two because the first day I only read 13% and had to stop because it was a hectic day. I went to read a couple chapters before bed last night and ended up reading for like an hour and a half in the beginning morning hours until I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. That’s how great it was.
I’m almost mad that I read this book because now I’m probably going to go into this book funk where I can’t enjoy any other books because I’m so hung up on this one.
A+++ from me.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book Via NetGalley.
I sincerely recommend it to anyone who likes insane plot twists, because seriously, I was like:
It’s based on a girl named Victoria (Vic) who’s attending a religious high school, has marvelous grades, and a great home-schooled boyfriend. She transferred schools by her parents’ wishes and is the new kid in class this year, but so is another student; Zachary Zimmerman (Z). The greatest way I could describe their relationship is by relating it to JD’s and Veronica’s relationship in the cult classic “Heathers”, but it is a bit different in the send that Z is more neutral evil while JD is more chaotic evil, and Vic is more introverted and goodie-goodie than Veronica. Their relationship though, is kind of twisted and mental. Z gets her to do things that she would have never imagined herself doing, and totally screws with her mind. He isn’t the only one at fault though and things aren’t all that they seem.
The ending will totally shock you. I couldn’t stop reading.
I have an eBook copy of “Unnatural Deeds” but I am very well considering buying it hardcover, even though I’ve already read it. I mean I read this book in three days, but practically two because the first day I only read 13% and had to stop because it was a hectic day. I went to read a couple chapters before bed last night and ended up reading for like an hour and a half in the beginning morning hours until I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. That’s how great it was.
I’m almost mad that I read this book because now I’m probably going to go into this book funk where I can’t enjoy any other books because I’m so hung up on this one.
A+++ from me.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book Via NetGalley.
November 8, 2016
YA thriller with a surprising twist!
Victoria “Vic” Zell, a junior at a private high school in rural Maine, is a social outcast who tries her best to blend in the background. She has an agoraphobic boyfriend, Andrew, who fills her world until she meets “Z,” the enigmatic new boy at school. Charismatic Z singles Victoria out, determined to break down her barriers. They become friends and eventually more. As their relationship develops, Victoria pushes Andrew to the side as she grows more and more obsessed with Z. Eventually, Victoria is forced between Andrew and Z, culminating into a chaotic twist.
This is a quick and entertaining read. I was really feeling this book until the twist at the end. The twist wasn’t bad, it just took the book in a different direction than I expected.
Victoria “Vic” Zell, a junior at a private high school in rural Maine, is a social outcast who tries her best to blend in the background. She has an agoraphobic boyfriend, Andrew, who fills her world until she meets “Z,” the enigmatic new boy at school. Charismatic Z singles Victoria out, determined to break down her barriers. They become friends and eventually more. As their relationship develops, Victoria pushes Andrew to the side as she grows more and more obsessed with Z. Eventually, Victoria is forced between Andrew and Z, culminating into a chaotic twist.
This is a quick and entertaining read. I was really feeling this book until the twist at the end. The twist wasn’t bad, it just took the book in a different direction than I expected.
October 23, 2016
Victoria Zell doesn’t fit in. Blending into the background suits her just fine. After all, she has her boyfriend Andrew to keep her company. What more does she need?
That's until she lays eyes on St. Ann's newest student, Zachary Zimmerman (Z). Suddenly Victoria is stepping out from the background and into the light. What starts out as an unlikely friendship soon turns into an obsession that has deadly consequences for them all.
What a surprisingly page-turning little read this turned out to be. I literally sat down and read it from cover to cover. The plot was interesting. The style of writing (all told from Victoria's perspective) with news clippings and police interviews, mixed in, flowed well.
Because of those aforementioned news clippings and police interviews we know someone is dead right from the beginning, but we don't know who, or why, or how. That is slowly revealed throughout. As is Vic and Z's growing relationship. As well as Vic's and Andrew's. Which leads us up to a shocking twist at the end.
Now I will say, I had figured out part of the twist early on. Not because it was glaringly obvious (because I don't think it was) I am
What more can I say? Just a really enjoyable read that kept my butt glued to my sofa all afternoon. Two thumbs up from yours truly.
February 17, 2017
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Fire and NetGalley.)
“I thought I knew you inside and out, but… I was wrong.”
This was a YA mystery story, told by one girl to her boyfriend.
I liked Victoria as a character and I felt quite sorry for her that she had no friends at the school she had transferred to. I could also empathise with her anxiety issues, but the cheating thing was not a good character trait at all, and her obsession with Z just seemed destined to land her in trouble.
The storyline in this was about a new boy starting at Victoria’s school – Z, who Victoria seemed to become totally obsessed with. Z flashed hot and cold – calling her ‘precious’ one minute and standing her up the next, and all the while Victoria seemed desperate for the attention, which was quite sad really. While this was going on though Victoria had a boyfriend, who she did end up cheating on, which wasn’t very good. I have to say that I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story though, and spent the whole book wondering who the heck ended up dead at the end!
The ending to this was quite twisted, and a little confusing, but was a good end to the story none-the-less.
8 out of 10
“I thought I knew you inside and out, but… I was wrong.”
This was a YA mystery story, told by one girl to her boyfriend.
I liked Victoria as a character and I felt quite sorry for her that she had no friends at the school she had transferred to. I could also empathise with her anxiety issues, but the cheating thing was not a good character trait at all, and her obsession with Z just seemed destined to land her in trouble.
The storyline in this was about a new boy starting at Victoria’s school – Z, who Victoria seemed to become totally obsessed with. Z flashed hot and cold – calling her ‘precious’ one minute and standing her up the next, and all the while Victoria seemed desperate for the attention, which was quite sad really. While this was going on though Victoria had a boyfriend, who she did end up cheating on, which wasn’t very good. I have to say that I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story though, and spent the whole book wondering who the heck ended up dead at the end!
The ending to this was quite twisted, and a little confusing, but was a good end to the story none-the-less.
8 out of 10
December 13, 2016
4 ★★★★Unexpected and Shocking Stars
Genre: Mystery/YA
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Female
Unnatural Deeds by Cyn Balog caught my attention by its cover and blurb; however little did I know that this author's writing style was going to consumed me and I ended up enjoying it a little too much than I expected. The book starts with a young girl Victoria Zell struggling at school and desperately trying to fit in. She is loyal to her best friend aka boyfriend and neighbor Andrew who is home-schooled. Everything she does she wants him to know first because her loyalty and love to him is always first.
Zachary Zimmerman is a cool boy who becomes interested on Victoria. They become friends and soon he wants to be more to her than just friends. She is obviously confused because she doesn't want to ruin the love and trust she has with Andrew. Zach seems to understand her dilemma and I found myself unable to stop reading this roller-coaster ride.
Victoria blames herself for not being there enough for Andrew when he needed her the most. Now she is falling away from him because she seems to be getting so close to Zachary and that thought scares her so much. He makes her feel things she hadn't felt in a long time and she just wants more but at the same time she doesn't.
This author brings out a book that has an ending that readers won't see coming; oh boy was I shocked and speechless at the end of the book?! Heck YES!! And triple YES; in fact I still can't even believe what the hell did I read??!!! I wished I would have read this with a friend so I could have someone to chat about this MIND BLOWING ENDING and twisted/wicked book. My mind was racing with million ways to describe how I felt but nothing; I mean nothing prepared me for this ride and revelation.
I think readers who don't mind going outside your comfort zone should read this unique book and if you do please do find me so I can discuss it with someone; trust me this one will have you second guessing everything you thought it was real. haha
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Genre: Mystery/YA
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Female
"Obsession is strange. One moment you think you have control. And by the time you realize that you've lost your free will, you don't even care."
Unnatural Deeds by Cyn Balog caught my attention by its cover and blurb; however little did I know that this author's writing style was going to consumed me and I ended up enjoying it a little too much than I expected. The book starts with a young girl Victoria Zell struggling at school and desperately trying to fit in. She is loyal to her best friend aka boyfriend and neighbor Andrew who is home-schooled. Everything she does she wants him to know first because her loyalty and love to him is always first.
Zachary Zimmerman is a cool boy who becomes interested on Victoria. They become friends and soon he wants to be more to her than just friends. She is obviously confused because she doesn't want to ruin the love and trust she has with Andrew. Zach seems to understand her dilemma and I found myself unable to stop reading this roller-coaster ride.
"The idea of helping him, of basking in his gratitude…Even then, I craved his adoration like a drug. I don't know when it became something I'd betray you for, Andrew."
Victoria blames herself for not being there enough for Andrew when he needed her the most. Now she is falling away from him because she seems to be getting so close to Zachary and that thought scares her so much. He makes her feel things she hadn't felt in a long time and she just wants more but at the same time she doesn't.
"Trust can be repaired and regained, but I think sometimes it gets so beaten from you that it shatters into a zillion pieces. Then it becomes nothing more than a word."
This author brings out a book that has an ending that readers won't see coming; oh boy was I shocked and speechless at the end of the book?! Heck YES!! And triple YES; in fact I still can't even believe what the hell did I read??!!! I wished I would have read this with a friend so I could have someone to chat about this MIND BLOWING ENDING and twisted/wicked book. My mind was racing with million ways to describe how I felt but nothing; I mean nothing prepared me for this ride and revelation.
I think readers who don't mind going outside your comfort zone should read this unique book and if you do please do find me so I can discuss it with someone; trust me this one will have you second guessing everything you thought it was real. haha
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
January 17, 2017
Unnatural Deeds was a solid book. The story centers around the main character Victoria and her involvement with the new kid in school Z -the cool kid that everyone naturally gravitates towards. Add her boyfriend/neighbor Andrew, mental illness issues and a serious twist at the end-it made for an interesting read.
October 24, 2016
It has been a long time since I have read a book by Balog, years in fact but when I saw she had a new release I knew I had to try it.
Known for her unique if not slight bizarre stories, I knew I would be in for something different, something strange and something other. And that is truly exactly what I got in this story. A book filled with the unexpected and the strange. With a story that wasn't all it first appeared to be and one that honestly took me by surprise with what I did see and what I didn't see coming.
Told in the voice of the main character who is anything but a reliable narrator as she slowly tells a tale that is both horrifying and fascinating. A tale of obsession and darkness and love and one of madness.
This was everything I was hoping it would be and kept me rapidly turning the pages curious to find out more. In fact, it might very well be my favorite story from this author yet.
It kept me on my toes, reading long into the night, and left feeling a little but mystified by the ending that I didn't see it all unfolding correctly. It messed with me in the best possible way and I loved it. Truly a favorite from the author.
*ARC copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Known for her unique if not slight bizarre stories, I knew I would be in for something different, something strange and something other. And that is truly exactly what I got in this story. A book filled with the unexpected and the strange. With a story that wasn't all it first appeared to be and one that honestly took me by surprise with what I did see and what I didn't see coming.
Told in the voice of the main character who is anything but a reliable narrator as she slowly tells a tale that is both horrifying and fascinating. A tale of obsession and darkness and love and one of madness.
This was everything I was hoping it would be and kept me rapidly turning the pages curious to find out more. In fact, it might very well be my favorite story from this author yet.
It kept me on my toes, reading long into the night, and left feeling a little but mystified by the ending that I didn't see it all unfolding correctly. It messed with me in the best possible way and I loved it. Truly a favorite from the author.
*ARC copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
June 11, 2018
I definitely picked this up originally because of the beautiful cover – no shame. This was an engaging and truly twisted novel. Every chapter you were really wondering where the story is going, or what’s going to happen next, or how the HECK it is going to end. The characters were interesting, weird, and will absolutely bring up some PTSD from high school days.
February 7, 2017
I like the way she entangle the 2 relationship of Vic.
But, I had felt very bad for Andrew rather than Z.
Vic was true Girl.
Most of time, they got confused and then lead to penance for their Deeds as the Title of the book.
Thanks Trinity for your recommendation.>
But, I had felt very bad for Andrew rather than Z.
Vic was true Girl.
Most of time, they got confused and then lead to penance for their Deeds as the Title of the book.
Thanks Trinity for your recommendation.>
September 17, 2020
Thank you SOURCEBOOKS Fire for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Okay let me actually tell you what this book is about.
This is a REAL PROBLEM BOOK. Meaning that there is someone(people) in this book who actually have some type of mental problem.
So there's this couple, Andrew and Vic(toria). They have been dating for a long time. Andrew has an overbearing mother, but Victoria and Andrew make it work.
Victoria has been going to a private Catholic for a year before the book started if I remember correctly, and is literally no one. She doesn't have friends there, she doesn't do anything extracurricular activities and doesn't go to any school functions. All she cares about is going back home and seeing Andrew.
Until Z shows up. Zachary Zimmerman is a people pleaser. He loves to know everything about everyone and never really talks about himself. But he becomes the gem in Victoria's eye when he gives her all his attention.
So what will become of Victoria? Will she stay loyal to Andrew and tell Z that she is off limits? Well what would make a good story with that?
I can tell you that the book starts off a little ridiculous. Victoria is very love-struck by Z and she basically becomes a slave to him in her thoughts. Everything always leads back to him with her. It was dramatic and I wasn't sure I would be able to get through it.
But I did because I knew other people should know what they are getting into (you're welcome).
BUT THAT ENDING THOUGH. I honest-to-God-above did NOT SEE THAT COMING. I knew something was fishy and something was going down but I honestly didn't see that build. I don't know if I am just utterly stupid (which is plausible) and should have saw it coming or if it really did just sneak up as well as it did... but I can say it is the reason it has the stars it does.
The writing was not for me. It was a little too young for me. I probably won't read this author again and I won't pick up this book unless I want to read that ending again.
Okay let me actually tell you what this book is about.
This is a REAL PROBLEM BOOK. Meaning that there is someone(people) in this book who actually have some type of mental problem.
So there's this couple, Andrew and Vic(toria). They have been dating for a long time. Andrew has an overbearing mother, but Victoria and Andrew make it work.
Victoria has been going to a private Catholic for a year before the book started if I remember correctly, and is literally no one. She doesn't have friends there, she doesn't do anything extracurricular activities and doesn't go to any school functions. All she cares about is going back home and seeing Andrew.
Until Z shows up. Zachary Zimmerman is a people pleaser. He loves to know everything about everyone and never really talks about himself. But he becomes the gem in Victoria's eye when he gives her all his attention.
So what will become of Victoria? Will she stay loyal to Andrew and tell Z that she is off limits? Well what would make a good story with that?
I can tell you that the book starts off a little ridiculous. Victoria is very love-struck by Z and she basically becomes a slave to him in her thoughts. Everything always leads back to him with her. It was dramatic and I wasn't sure I would be able to get through it.
But I did because I knew other people should know what they are getting into (you're welcome).
BUT THAT ENDING THOUGH. I honest-to-God-above did NOT SEE THAT COMING. I knew something was fishy and something was going down but I honestly didn't see that build. I don't know if I am just utterly stupid (which is plausible) and should have saw it coming or if it really did just sneak up as well as it did... but I can say it is the reason it has the stars it does.
The writing was not for me. It was a little too young for me. I probably won't read this author again and I won't pick up this book unless I want to read that ending again.
May 29, 2016
Received this at BEA Chicago!
On the back of this book it states it has an ending that readers won't see coming. And me being who I am... fully acceptes that challenge. My mind started to race with a million different ideas and I thought I found my answer. It was way waaayyy off. That ending will blow your freaking mind. My brain is running over this ending a mile a minute, pure freaking brilliance.
Victoria has anxiety and is new to St. Anns school. She's extremely shy and piles on the pills just to make it through the day. Her next door boyfriend, Andrew has agoraphobia and never leaves his house. They have been together since they were kids. Their love is unbreakable. That is until....
Zachary, the other new student at St. Anns and he grabs everyone's attention. The students and facility stick to him like glue. He gets what he wants.... always. His eyes are windows to the soul (Trust me, what you guess about him will be completely and utterly wrong)
When Vic lays eyes on Z, she's his for the win.
The loves becomes a sort of fascination and which turns from childish crushes to scary obsession.
Throughout Vic tries to dig apart Z's brain to figure him out and he does the same with her.
As this plays along, rumors start and school kids get petty.
The truth will emotionally destroy all in its path....
Then that twist freaking ending.... Holy Mother Of God!!! Don't trust anyone!!!
This book gave me goosebumps throughout. Still shocked at that ending that I couldn't figure out. Totally at a loss for words....
While reading this you become fully engaged and lose all thought of surroundings.
A book that must to added to your tbr or else you'll regret it!
On the back of this book it states it has an ending that readers won't see coming. And me being who I am... fully acceptes that challenge. My mind started to race with a million different ideas and I thought I found my answer. It was way waaayyy off. That ending will blow your freaking mind. My brain is running over this ending a mile a minute, pure freaking brilliance.
Victoria has anxiety and is new to St. Anns school. She's extremely shy and piles on the pills just to make it through the day. Her next door boyfriend, Andrew has agoraphobia and never leaves his house. They have been together since they were kids. Their love is unbreakable. That is until....
Zachary, the other new student at St. Anns and he grabs everyone's attention. The students and facility stick to him like glue. He gets what he wants.... always. His eyes are windows to the soul (Trust me, what you guess about him will be completely and utterly wrong)
When Vic lays eyes on Z, she's his for the win.
The loves becomes a sort of fascination and which turns from childish crushes to scary obsession.
Throughout Vic tries to dig apart Z's brain to figure him out and he does the same with her.
As this plays along, rumors start and school kids get petty.
The truth will emotionally destroy all in its path....
Then that twist freaking ending.... Holy Mother Of God!!! Don't trust anyone!!!
This book gave me goosebumps throughout. Still shocked at that ending that I couldn't figure out. Totally at a loss for words....
While reading this you become fully engaged and lose all thought of surroundings.
A book that must to added to your tbr or else you'll regret it!
January 1, 2024
Okay, I'm not going to lie... the first half of this book I'm like why is this girl dying and recording it for the guy who killed her. But then it got interesting. The last 3 chapters LITERALLY shook me. I have no words. I'm still left in a state of shock. The twists that happened then, I never saw coming. I'm just at a loss for words.... like what??! I'm so confused and shook and surprised.... what!! Great read if you can keep pushing past the first 150 pages.
April 3, 2017
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: A secret friendship leads to a deadly obsession.
Opening Sentence: Is thing on?
Excerpt: No
The Review:
It isn’t always easy for me to read paranormal stories. For one thing, the images stay in my mind and it may or may not lead to extra fuel for my already crazy imagination. Sometimes, those images stay in my mind past bedtime, and those nights aren’t always fun. But I was pretty excited to begin reading Cyn Balog’s Unnatural Deeds. Balog’s paranormal stories are always intense, and I was ready for a heart stopper.
Unnatural Deeds is a story about “Secrets, obsession, and murder.” Victoria Zell is a wallflower. She doesn’t socialize that much, she keeps to herself, and the only friend she mostly talks about is Andrew, her boyfriend. Until one day when Zachary Zimmerman starts at her school. He talks to her, and in turn allows Vic to open up. He invites her to lunch, allowing Vic to learn more about him. A friendship begins and develops, causing an unhealthy relationship with some unhealthy habits. But Vic doesn’t relent, she becomes obsessed, in the most dangerous ways.
Vic is an interesting main character. I do not have a lot of experience to many suspense-driven stories, but she is one complex character. She thinks about Andrew, a lot. She relays pretty much everything to him. Yet, once Z comes into the picture, she slowly obsesses about him. It is more than a simple fascination, or even a bout of lust. And it isn’t simple, because Z reciprocates many of the same feelings that Vic has begun to feel. It goes beyond this realm of love of first sight because Vic takes it to this place of eerie feelings, and it makes things uncomfortable.
Z is charismatic and alluring. Looking back through the pages, he has spun his own spell on Vic. He has gotten her to open up about certain things and do things that are definitely out of her comfort zone, all without really talking about himself. It is easy to see what Vic adores about him.
Without stating spoilers, or anything to give hints, the premise of the story is very straightforward. As a reader, I felt I was reading a story about two teenagers developing a relationship. Hearts fly about, and everything is great. But as you begin to get invested, Balog slowly throws in details to completely throw you off at the end. Basically, the rug was pulled from under my feet.
Balog’s writing is seamless, allowing for her plot points and secret details to be woven throughout the story. The ending (THE ENDING) was something that I did not see. And after rereading the last chapter, things slowly click into place about Vic, Andrew, and Z.
Unnatural Deeds is a great read for fans of suspense. I urge you to pick it up today!
Notable Scene:
I expected Mrs. Reese to launch lasers from her eyeballs and incinerate him. But her face softened. “You are Zachary Zimmerman?”
“Call me Z.” He proceeded to fill her in on the mundane details of his life, which for some reason, I found fascinating. Z moved here from Arizona, liked baseball. As he spoke, I realized he didn’t sound like you at all. His voice was too loud, too sure, like a radio announcer. Still, he had successfully diverted the wrath of Reese. And for that, I was grateful.
I thought that was the end of my story with Z. It was a short story, hardly worth reading. But I was wrong. Two seconds after Mrs. Reese turned toward the front of the room, as if she hadn’t just yelled at me for talking in class, he leaned across the aisle, still chewing nosily on the gum, and whispered, “You should come with me.”
I’d like to say that was when it began, but no. That was when it was cemented. I was a goner the second I looked into those eyes.
FTC Advisory: Sourcebooks Fire provided me with a copy of Unnatural Deeds. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: A secret friendship leads to a deadly obsession.
Opening Sentence: Is thing on?
Excerpt: No
The Review:
It isn’t always easy for me to read paranormal stories. For one thing, the images stay in my mind and it may or may not lead to extra fuel for my already crazy imagination. Sometimes, those images stay in my mind past bedtime, and those nights aren’t always fun. But I was pretty excited to begin reading Cyn Balog’s Unnatural Deeds. Balog’s paranormal stories are always intense, and I was ready for a heart stopper.
Unnatural Deeds is a story about “Secrets, obsession, and murder.” Victoria Zell is a wallflower. She doesn’t socialize that much, she keeps to herself, and the only friend she mostly talks about is Andrew, her boyfriend. Until one day when Zachary Zimmerman starts at her school. He talks to her, and in turn allows Vic to open up. He invites her to lunch, allowing Vic to learn more about him. A friendship begins and develops, causing an unhealthy relationship with some unhealthy habits. But Vic doesn’t relent, she becomes obsessed, in the most dangerous ways.
Vic is an interesting main character. I do not have a lot of experience to many suspense-driven stories, but she is one complex character. She thinks about Andrew, a lot. She relays pretty much everything to him. Yet, once Z comes into the picture, she slowly obsesses about him. It is more than a simple fascination, or even a bout of lust. And it isn’t simple, because Z reciprocates many of the same feelings that Vic has begun to feel. It goes beyond this realm of love of first sight because Vic takes it to this place of eerie feelings, and it makes things uncomfortable.
Z is charismatic and alluring. Looking back through the pages, he has spun his own spell on Vic. He has gotten her to open up about certain things and do things that are definitely out of her comfort zone, all without really talking about himself. It is easy to see what Vic adores about him.
Without stating spoilers, or anything to give hints, the premise of the story is very straightforward. As a reader, I felt I was reading a story about two teenagers developing a relationship. Hearts fly about, and everything is great. But as you begin to get invested, Balog slowly throws in details to completely throw you off at the end. Basically, the rug was pulled from under my feet.
Balog’s writing is seamless, allowing for her plot points and secret details to be woven throughout the story. The ending (THE ENDING) was something that I did not see. And after rereading the last chapter, things slowly click into place about Vic, Andrew, and Z.
Unnatural Deeds is a great read for fans of suspense. I urge you to pick it up today!
Notable Scene:
I expected Mrs. Reese to launch lasers from her eyeballs and incinerate him. But her face softened. “You are Zachary Zimmerman?”
“Call me Z.” He proceeded to fill her in on the mundane details of his life, which for some reason, I found fascinating. Z moved here from Arizona, liked baseball. As he spoke, I realized he didn’t sound like you at all. His voice was too loud, too sure, like a radio announcer. Still, he had successfully diverted the wrath of Reese. And for that, I was grateful.
I thought that was the end of my story with Z. It was a short story, hardly worth reading. But I was wrong. Two seconds after Mrs. Reese turned toward the front of the room, as if she hadn’t just yelled at me for talking in class, he leaned across the aisle, still chewing nosily on the gum, and whispered, “You should come with me.”
I’d like to say that was when it began, but no. That was when it was cemented. I was a goner the second I looked into those eyes.
FTC Advisory: Sourcebooks Fire provided me with a copy of Unnatural Deeds. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
November 5, 2016
I’m always interested in a story that doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of anything else that it out there and I have to say, Unnatural Deeds by Cyn Balog definitely qualifies. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book and I found myself unable to put it down because I needed to see what was really going on.
Victoria Zell has never fit in. When she starts a new year at high school, she expects it to be the same as last year. No friends and no one paying any attention to her. What she didn’t expect was Z, the new boy. I have to admit, this story was not what I was expecting and I really liked the way Balog set it up. The story is a mix of Vic’s letter to her boyfriend Andrew, news stories, and police interviews to get the reader to the one responsible for the death that is mentioned at the beginning of the book.
Vic was definitely an unreliable narrator and I was on the fence with her. She is the outsider in her school so it was easy to feel bad for her situation. She was the new kid and because Andrew is homeschooled, they don’t see each other outside of their ritual of meeting at their spot by the fence. The relationship between these two characters is revealed via the letter she is writing but it soon becomes something more than just an introduction to what they are to each other. When Z is introduced, it becomes a confession.
Vic also outlines how her relationship with Z changed since the first day of school and it was clear she was more than a little obsessed with Z. At first I couldn’t really tell if Z was a bad influence or if there was something else going on and I have to say, having finished the book and getting an opportunity to read the police interview responses, it was hard to align the perception people had of Z with the things Vic tells in her story.
There isn’t much I can say about the actual story as I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone but every time I thought I had figured out what was going on, there was another twist with one of the characters. Balog did a fantastic job of setting up the story with the beginning because I was actually expecting this story to go a completely different way and the unexpected pieces were what kept me interested and turning the pages.
If you are looking for a book that has a twist and will keep you guessing until the very end, consider checking out Unnatural Deeds. It was a quick read and I thought Balog did a wonderful job of putting this story together.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!
Victoria Zell has never fit in. When she starts a new year at high school, she expects it to be the same as last year. No friends and no one paying any attention to her. What she didn’t expect was Z, the new boy. I have to admit, this story was not what I was expecting and I really liked the way Balog set it up. The story is a mix of Vic’s letter to her boyfriend Andrew, news stories, and police interviews to get the reader to the one responsible for the death that is mentioned at the beginning of the book.
Vic was definitely an unreliable narrator and I was on the fence with her. She is the outsider in her school so it was easy to feel bad for her situation. She was the new kid and because Andrew is homeschooled, they don’t see each other outside of their ritual of meeting at their spot by the fence. The relationship between these two characters is revealed via the letter she is writing but it soon becomes something more than just an introduction to what they are to each other. When Z is introduced, it becomes a confession.
Vic also outlines how her relationship with Z changed since the first day of school and it was clear she was more than a little obsessed with Z. At first I couldn’t really tell if Z was a bad influence or if there was something else going on and I have to say, having finished the book and getting an opportunity to read the police interview responses, it was hard to align the perception people had of Z with the things Vic tells in her story.
There isn’t much I can say about the actual story as I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone but every time I thought I had figured out what was going on, there was another twist with one of the characters. Balog did a fantastic job of setting up the story with the beginning because I was actually expecting this story to go a completely different way and the unexpected pieces were what kept me interested and turning the pages.
If you are looking for a book that has a twist and will keep you guessing until the very end, consider checking out Unnatural Deeds. It was a quick read and I thought Balog did a wonderful job of putting this story together.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!
September 26, 2016
This book is definitely character-driven rather than plot-driven and that means it's right up my alley!
The narrator, Vic, is not likable. In fact, as many others have shared in their reviews, her character is difficult to empathize with and obsessive in her focus on her classmate, Z. We get glimpses into Vic's difficulty with socializing right from the very beginning and she shares an even more obvious struggle with severe and often debilitating anxiety - an issue that clearly has lasting impacts on her relationships with both peers and adults.
As the new kid in school and a person who immediately shows interest in Vic, it seems a no brainer that our narrator is destined to develop feelings for Z. As an outsider, I think it's easy for the reader to judge Vic for her unhealthy obsession with Z, but I found those feelings to be realistic, despite how frightening and cringeworthy they become as the plot progresses. And since Vic is our only source of direct information, it's important for the reader to also recognize how hard it can be to gain the full picture of events when our narrator is so unreliable and appears unhinged at times.
And it is that unreliability that I loved most about Unnatural Deeds. As the story slowly unravelled, I found myself questioning what I really understood about other character's motives since I only could gain information through Vic's skewed perception. This ability to make me doubt everything I've come to learn is an impressive quality to Balog's writing!
This was different, I told myself. With addiction, the drug owns you. But we owned each other. Equally.
While the reader may see how illogical Vic's reasoning is, there's plenty of information provided that easily defends how Vic could quickly become so entwined in unhealthy relationships and so while it might be easy to become distracted by Vic's obsessive line of thought about Z, I found it tragic yet fascinating to watch the slow unravelling towards the book's finale. This is definitely one of those novels that you have to go into with an open mind, but for those who love character-driven stories with both unreliable and often unlikable personalities, it won't disappoint!
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for allowing me the opportunity to read this book before its publication date! I look forward to reading more by Cyn Balog.
The narrator, Vic, is not likable. In fact, as many others have shared in their reviews, her character is difficult to empathize with and obsessive in her focus on her classmate, Z. We get glimpses into Vic's difficulty with socializing right from the very beginning and she shares an even more obvious struggle with severe and often debilitating anxiety - an issue that clearly has lasting impacts on her relationships with both peers and adults.
As the new kid in school and a person who immediately shows interest in Vic, it seems a no brainer that our narrator is destined to develop feelings for Z. As an outsider, I think it's easy for the reader to judge Vic for her unhealthy obsession with Z, but I found those feelings to be realistic, despite how frightening and cringeworthy they become as the plot progresses. And since Vic is our only source of direct information, it's important for the reader to also recognize how hard it can be to gain the full picture of events when our narrator is so unreliable and appears unhinged at times.
And it is that unreliability that I loved most about Unnatural Deeds. As the story slowly unravelled, I found myself questioning what I really understood about other character's motives since I only could gain information through Vic's skewed perception. This ability to make me doubt everything I've come to learn is an impressive quality to Balog's writing!
This was different, I told myself. With addiction, the drug owns you. But we owned each other. Equally.
While the reader may see how illogical Vic's reasoning is, there's plenty of information provided that easily defends how Vic could quickly become so entwined in unhealthy relationships and so while it might be easy to become distracted by Vic's obsessive line of thought about Z, I found it tragic yet fascinating to watch the slow unravelling towards the book's finale. This is definitely one of those novels that you have to go into with an open mind, but for those who love character-driven stories with both unreliable and often unlikable personalities, it won't disappoint!
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for allowing me the opportunity to read this book before its publication date! I look forward to reading more by Cyn Balog.
November 13, 2016
Suspense, mind boggling, awesome!
+You'll never guess the ending of this brilliant story. From the very first page you will end up loving it.
+Curiosity I guess. I end up reading this in one sitting. Guess what? I'm not disappointed! Plot twist awesome! Storyline fantastic! <3
+This is the kind of book I can recommend to anybody! :)
+Why 4 stars?! I MISS Z. Also I want more of Vic and Andrew....
+That explains everything. Just read it.
T_T
KUDOS MISS CYN! You are nice and humble! Looking forward of reading your other books in the future! Thank you! :-*
Highly recommended!
+You'll never guess the ending of this brilliant story. From the very first page you will end up loving it.
+Curiosity I guess. I end up reading this in one sitting. Guess what? I'm not disappointed! Plot twist awesome! Storyline fantastic! <3
+This is the kind of book I can recommend to anybody! :)
+Why 4 stars?! I MISS Z. Also I want more of Vic and Andrew....
+That explains everything. Just read it.
T_T
KUDOS MISS CYN! You are nice and humble! Looking forward of reading your other books in the future! Thank you! :-*
Highly recommended!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2016
It was a short and quick read, but I didn't really get anything out of it. The ending honestly saved this book from being a full on 2 star read. It definitely wasn't what I thought was going to happen and I liked that it wasn't predictable.
I couldn't get into the story. It was boring through out for me. I hated the characters, though I do feel like they weren't meant to be exactly likeable. But like I said, I did enjoy the ending.
June 28, 2016
You can also find this review at : http://fortheloveofbooksreviews.blogs...
I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley.
Victoria has anxiety, is a bit of a loner and attends St. Ann's school. As a new student, she doesn't have many friends, but she's happy to have her sweet, agoraphobic boyfriend Andrew in her life. She's fairly satisfied with her seemingly uneventful life when Zachary, called 'Z', arrives at St. Ann's and find himself in the spotlight. Everybody likes Z, and to Victoria's surprise, they become friends.
Friendship quickly turns into obsession and infatuation, eventually going sour. Manipulation and mind games accompany rumors and rising tensions, until the unthinkable happens.
This is a story about murder and obsession, which is right up my alley. When I saw this on Netgalley I requested a copy and I was thrilled to find that I had been selected to read and review this book! I'm so grateful that I was given this opportunity because this has become yet another book on my ever-growing "favourites" list.
First, there is the writing style and tone. While the first part of the book isn't exactly filled with death and darkness and all that good stuff, there is definitely a grim undertone behind every word. I could tell that things were going to get incredibly ugly later on in the book and this kept me reading because I just had to know what would happen. I haven't read many books with this kind of writing style but this one had me on the edge of my seat from the very start. Mixed within Victoria's narration are news reports, cell phone records and other clues about the murder which added to the mysterious feel of the book overall.
Then there are the characters. Victoria with her anxiety and love for her boyfriend, and later her obsession with Z, was the main character and narrator. I have mixed feelings about her, as I connected with her over her anxiety and her love for those close to her, but she did things that made me so angry! Her careless betrayals and reckless actions cost her a lot within her own relationships and negatively affected others. While I was often disappointed with her, I feel that her flaws and indiscretions were important characterization and made her more interesting as a character.
Then there was Z. He's mysterious and secretive, yet friendly, and because of this people are drawn to him. At first I didn't really understand his appeal but as I read on it was as if I felt his presence in the same way that the characters did, and that I better understood the way he was perceived by others. Along with the rumors surrounding him, it makes sense that he'd be popular and even sought after by other students at St. Ann's. He was nearly the opposite of Victoria in this way. As with Victoria, he definitely had his flaws and he often made me disappointed or even angry. However, I appreciated his flaws because, along with his secrets, it made him seem more real or believable.
Andrew, Victoria's boyfriend, was my favourite character. I liked him because he was sweet, forgiving, and because I connected with a lot of his experiences. Unfortunately he was a bit too meek and let others hurt him, which added to the emotional aspect of the novel. His relationship with Victoria was put under a lot of strain, and she treated him less than nicely a few times, but he seemed to keep it together which I found admirable. Between Victoria and Andrew, I was happy to see some representation of anxiety disorders in YA fiction.
Considering the ending, I can say that I was absolutely shocked. With other books I can often guess what's going to happen and be at least partly right, but besides knowing that there was going to be a murder, I was completely wrong with my guesses. The ending was simultaneously emotional and terrifying, and was one of the best conclusions to a YA novel I have read in a long time. I had to go back and re-read a few pages to really grasp what was going on. I feel like twist endings can sometimes be predictable themselves, but not this one.
This is a very dark book with memorable characters and an ending that tore me to pieces! I absolutely recommend it! If you prefer light-hearted books then I'd say to steer clear of this one, but if you're looking for dark YA books with emotional and shocking endings then this is a must read.
October 28, 2016
For more reviews: http://www.punchdrunklibrary.com
PDL's Rating: 4 Stars (Liked)
Wow, I am a minority in my rating for Unnatural Deeds on Goodreads. I actually liked this story. I cannot pinpoint exactly what it was but I do know I kept turning the pages even though more than halfway through I was not sure which way I was leaning towards (whether I like the story or not). All I know was I was truly intrigued by it and next thing you know I finished the book!
While reading it, I had theories beyond theories of what was happening and to who but what was most disturbing was the true ending of it. I may have guessed right but the reason behind why it happened was NOT anything I expected it to be.
The story was narrated by Victoria Zell and you get bits and pieces of interviews the police was having with various people in her life and news clippings, which I kind of loved since this is when my brain starts turning. Just going to keep this review simple since you will be able to grasp the concept of this book in the blurb and if I mention anything more it will spoil the book.
All in all, I was intrigued and ended up liking this book even if that makes me the minority! Those that follow me and enjoy the books I do, I can guarantee you will be just as intrigued with Unnatural Deeds so don’t let the other reviews steer you away from finding out for yourselves!!
PDL's Rating: 4 Stars (Liked)
Wow, I am a minority in my rating for Unnatural Deeds on Goodreads. I actually liked this story. I cannot pinpoint exactly what it was but I do know I kept turning the pages even though more than halfway through I was not sure which way I was leaning towards (whether I like the story or not). All I know was I was truly intrigued by it and next thing you know I finished the book!
While reading it, I had theories beyond theories of what was happening and to who but what was most disturbing was the true ending of it. I may have guessed right but the reason behind why it happened was NOT anything I expected it to be.
The story was narrated by Victoria Zell and you get bits and pieces of interviews the police was having with various people in her life and news clippings, which I kind of loved since this is when my brain starts turning. Just going to keep this review simple since you will be able to grasp the concept of this book in the blurb and if I mention anything more it will spoil the book.
All in all, I was intrigued and ended up liking this book even if that makes me the minority! Those that follow me and enjoy the books I do, I can guarantee you will be just as intrigued with Unnatural Deeds so don’t let the other reviews steer you away from finding out for yourselves!!
May 17, 2022
GRADE: A-
Vic, shy and riddled with anxiety, fades into the background at her exclusive catholic school. Andrew, her boyfriend and only friend, has agoraphobia. At the start of junior year, new student Z grabs the attention of everyone, including Vic. Soon they're texting and Vic is falling for the mysterious bad boy. Soon the self described good girl is breaking rules and going against her better judgment.
Level-headed Vic seemed like a straightforward narrator, perhaps not the most insightful and certainly not always displaying good judgment. She seemed to lose herself in Z, the deeper she fell, the more I could see how fragile her self esteem was. At times I wanted to shake her, to tell her she was worth more than how Z treated her.
The enigmatic Z was a mystery to me, even at the end of the book, I wish his character had been more developed. Since all the action and characters, except for the blurbs at the beginning of the chapters, were filtered through Vic's not-always-reliable eyes.
Cyn Balog made my jaw drop to the floor with one of the most unexpected twists I've read in recent memory. UNNATURAL DEEDS has great voice, characters and a creative plot. I had fun reading the story, even though Z's character was somewhat implausible.
I highly recommend this compelling mystery.
Vic, shy and riddled with anxiety, fades into the background at her exclusive catholic school. Andrew, her boyfriend and only friend, has agoraphobia. At the start of junior year, new student Z grabs the attention of everyone, including Vic. Soon they're texting and Vic is falling for the mysterious bad boy. Soon the self described good girl is breaking rules and going against her better judgment.
Level-headed Vic seemed like a straightforward narrator, perhaps not the most insightful and certainly not always displaying good judgment. She seemed to lose herself in Z, the deeper she fell, the more I could see how fragile her self esteem was. At times I wanted to shake her, to tell her she was worth more than how Z treated her.
The enigmatic Z was a mystery to me, even at the end of the book, I wish his character had been more developed. Since all the action and characters, except for the blurbs at the beginning of the chapters, were filtered through Vic's not-always-reliable eyes.
Cyn Balog made my jaw drop to the floor with one of the most unexpected twists I've read in recent memory. UNNATURAL DEEDS has great voice, characters and a creative plot. I had fun reading the story, even though Z's character was somewhat implausible.
I highly recommend this compelling mystery.
November 7, 2016
The concept of the story was solid by the obsession Victoria has with Z is annoying and mad the novel hard to read. The ending almost makes up for the rest of the book but not quite. I didn't see the ending coming but it took too long to get to that point that it can't really save the book.
June 23, 2016
Review will come soon! BUT WOAH WHAT IN THE WORLD. THIS book was something I needed and longed for, this book most definitely did not disappoint.
August 29, 2016
“Unnatural Deeds” tells the story of Victoria Zell, Vic, a junior entering her second year at St. Ann’s, a private catholic school where she struggles to fit in due to her sometimes debilitating anxiety. She finds solace in her best friend and boyfriend since childhood, Andrew, who also suffers from issues that keep his mother homeschooling him and Vic his only friend. Together they are happy, until a new student at St. Ann’s quickly becomes taken with Vic and forces her to step outside her comfort zone and sets off a chain reaction that will change their lives forever.
This is the first book I have read by Cyn Balog and I was not dissapointed. I loved this story! The story was propelled forward by snippets of news stories and interviews at the beginning of each chapter that kept me wanting to know more. Each time I thought I figured out where they story was going, I was thrown for a loop and pointed in an opposite direction. This was a quick read and I flew through it quickly and when I reached the ending I was shocked. This ending is not one that you will see coming!
A very special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by Cyn Balog and I was not dissapointed. I loved this story! The story was propelled forward by snippets of news stories and interviews at the beginning of each chapter that kept me wanting to know more. Each time I thought I figured out where they story was going, I was thrown for a loop and pointed in an opposite direction. This was a quick read and I flew through it quickly and when I reached the ending I was shocked. This ending is not one that you will see coming!
A very special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2016
SPOILER FREE
UNNATURAL DEEDS by Cyn Balog is a gripping YA that is one part dysfunctional relationships and one part psychological thriller interwoven into a twisty braid. As a main character Victoria straddles unreliability, sympathy, and frustrating--and I think the frustration is intentional because Victoria herself is a frustrated character, with her parents, her school, her relationships, and herself. The two male characters that Victoria fixates on are Z, a new classmate, and Andrew, her boyfriend and childhood friend who lives next door. Z, while impulsive and mesmerizing to his classmates, draws in Victoria, alternately lying to her and being so bare with her that she can't tell the difference between truth, lie, and manipulation. Victoria and Andrew bonded over their mutual anxiety disorders, and I think Balog does an incredible job in portraying this type of obsessive anxiety. It's always there, thrumming in the background and occasionally acknowledged even if reluctantly, which is how many of us living with anxiety operate. I won't get too far into it, but the relationships become messy and question what you'd do to protect yourself. A solid read for sure.
UNNATURAL DEEDS by Cyn Balog is a gripping YA that is one part dysfunctional relationships and one part psychological thriller interwoven into a twisty braid. As a main character Victoria straddles unreliability, sympathy, and frustrating--and I think the frustration is intentional because Victoria herself is a frustrated character, with her parents, her school, her relationships, and herself. The two male characters that Victoria fixates on are Z, a new classmate, and Andrew, her boyfriend and childhood friend who lives next door. Z, while impulsive and mesmerizing to his classmates, draws in Victoria, alternately lying to her and being so bare with her that she can't tell the difference between truth, lie, and manipulation. Victoria and Andrew bonded over their mutual anxiety disorders, and I think Balog does an incredible job in portraying this type of obsessive anxiety. It's always there, thrumming in the background and occasionally acknowledged even if reluctantly, which is how many of us living with anxiety operate. I won't get too far into it, but the relationships become messy and question what you'd do to protect yourself. A solid read for sure.
October 28, 2016
Well that was.... unexpected
August 4, 2017
I'm not going to write an in depth review on this, I just want to state my initial thoughts. It was just a very odd book. I enjoyed the characters but I felt it left a lot to be desired.
June 12, 2018
Vic is just one weird girl that I would stay away from because she gave off the weird vibe. So, for Z wanted to help her was beyond me. Maybe he deserved what was coming. Typical YA complete with mysterious blue eyed good looking boy that for unknown reason got attracted to the lonely girl. It tried to be different by going into the mystery genre. It probably could have work if we got Andrew's pov instead and BAMM the plot twist. It got two major plot twist regarding Andrew and Z that some readers probably have guessed. But, if you are just like me, you'll probably lost interest because of Vic.
January 20, 2024
This author is very quickly rising up in my list of favorite authors!
I devoured the first book I read and this book as well.
Something was unsettling the whole novel and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I don’t know how I didn’t guess the reveal, but was still so shocked. Oh my god.
This author is very well written, the story is well delivered, and the teen angst makes my stomach turn. Whew.
I devoured the first book I read and this book as well.
Something was unsettling the whole novel and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I don’t know how I didn’t guess the reveal, but was still so shocked. Oh my god.
This author is very well written, the story is well delivered, and the teen angst makes my stomach turn. Whew.
November 29, 2019
This review was originally posted on The Moonlight Library.
I was seriously contemplating quitting this book by about 15% through, because the protagonist, Vic, was behaving like a psycho, and literally every thought in her head was about the new mystery boy at school, Z.
So I looked up some spoilers, because I was not happy to waste my time on another typical YA heroine except, you know times 100: empty-headed, special snowflake, so fucking dumb and naive and innocent she doesn't even recognise a date and assumes it's a group outing even though there is no evidence to suggest that, because OF COURSE no one is ever romantically interested in her (except she HAS A BOYFRIEND) and oh my god I so wasn't ready for that.
But luckily I did read some spoilers because it allowed me to re-frame the entire book from a complete fucking psychopath's point of view and from then on, I could listen to the rest of it, knowing that the author had made Vic the most insufferable heroine since Nora from Hush, Hush ON PURPOSE. I mean, it kind of helped knowing, but it certainly did not make me like the characters any more.
Because oh my god, Vic just doesn't stop thinking about Z. Ever. And literally everyone in school really likes him even though they don't know anything about him because he's SO MYSTERIOUS. And he's just soooooo drawn to Vic for reasons unknown, except that he liked being the centre of attention. So he picks the school outcast to befriend! And she becomes his biggest fan! It makes sense in this BIZZARO LAND.
Oh, and I just realised the fucking cover spoils the damn book!
So in summary, if you're interested in reading this book, go looking for some spoilers before you dismiss it as being 100% trash. It's not. It's only mostly trash. (I still liked it enough to finish it so I'm giving it 3 stars.)
SPOILER
I was seriously contemplating quitting this book by about 15% through, because the protagonist, Vic, was behaving like a psycho, and literally every thought in her head was about the new mystery boy at school, Z.
So I looked up some spoilers, because I was not happy to waste my time on another typical YA heroine except, you know times 100: empty-headed, special snowflake, so fucking dumb and naive and innocent she doesn't even recognise a date and assumes it's a group outing even though there is no evidence to suggest that, because OF COURSE no one is ever romantically interested in her (except she HAS A BOYFRIEND) and oh my god I so wasn't ready for that.
But luckily I did read some spoilers because it allowed me to re-frame the entire book from a complete fucking psychopath's point of view and from then on, I could listen to the rest of it, knowing that the author had made Vic the most insufferable heroine since Nora from Hush, Hush ON PURPOSE. I mean, it kind of helped knowing, but it certainly did not make me like the characters any more.
Because oh my god, Vic just doesn't stop thinking about Z. Ever. And literally everyone in school really likes him even though they don't know anything about him because he's SO MYSTERIOUS. And he's just soooooo drawn to Vic for reasons unknown, except that he liked being the centre of attention. So he picks the school outcast to befriend! And she becomes his biggest fan! It makes sense in this BIZZARO LAND.
Oh, and I just realised the fucking cover spoils the damn book!
So in summary, if you're interested in reading this book, go looking for some spoilers before you dismiss it as being 100% trash. It's not. It's only mostly trash. (I still liked it enough to finish it so I'm giving it 3 stars.)
SPOILER
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