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The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray
A Tim Burtonesque retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray aimed at Middle Graders.
The most peculiar things always happen to Bryony Gray. As if it isn’t bad enough that her uncle keeps her locked in the attic, forcing her to paint for his rich clients, she’s becoming rather well known in the art world… since all her customers seem to go missing.
When her newest painting escapes the canvas and rampages through the streets of London, Bryony digs into her family history, discovering some rather scandalous secrets her uncle has been keeping, including a deadly curse she’s inherited from her missing father. It turns out, Bryony has accidentally unleashed the Gray family curse, and it’s spreading fast.
With a little help from the strange-but-beautiful girl next door and her paranoid brother, Bryony sets out to break the curse, dodging bloodthirsty paintings, angry mobs and her wicked uncle along the way.
The most peculiar things always happen to Bryony Gray. As if it isn’t bad enough that her uncle keeps her locked in the attic, forcing her to paint for his rich clients, she’s becoming rather well known in the art world… since all her customers seem to go missing.
When her newest painting escapes the canvas and rampages through the streets of London, Bryony digs into her family history, discovering some rather scandalous secrets her uncle has been keeping, including a deadly curse she’s inherited from her missing father. It turns out, Bryony has accidentally unleashed the Gray family curse, and it’s spreading fast.
With a little help from the strange-but-beautiful girl next door and her paranoid brother, Bryony sets out to break the curse, dodging bloodthirsty paintings, angry mobs and her wicked uncle along the way.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2018
About the author
E. Latimer
5 books326 followersE. Latimer is the author of The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray and Witches of Ash and Ruin.
Her third book, Escape to Witch City, comes out from Tundra Books August 2021.
Her third book, Escape to Witch City, comes out from Tundra Books August 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
November 27, 2017
When I was in London, a number of years ago, I got turned around on Oxford Street. Oxford Street is a broad, straight road, in the center of London, well known for its shops. It was originally a Roman road, back when London was under Roman rule, and the Romans are well known for building straight roads, because that is the way they worked.
I bring this up because, although this novel never said when it took place, exactly, it is clear that a) it is taking place in London around the early 1900, after Queen Victoria has died, and b) after Oscar Wilde has died. Although it is a fantasy, it based in reality, because that is the way historical fiction is. So, knowing that, why not be a little more accurate? Seeing how Oxford Street is long and straight, why say that it is winding and narrow? If you need a winding narrow street, choose another street.
In another scene, Bryony, who has only left her attic once, notices that there are Teddy bears at a child's table, as though having a tea party. The problem is, Teddy bears were invented in 1903, and while the story might be taking place in 1903, and the other character might have the latest new toy, how would Bryony have heard of them, seeing how new they were? Choose another toy to have at your tea party.
And why have your character be friends with Oscar Wilde, who went to Paris, after he was released from prison, and died there. No reference is made to Paris, when the character, Constantine, mentions being, or talking to Oscar before he died.
These are the things that take me out of the story. It happens every time I read a book where I know a little bit about, and it throws me off.
Look, I get it is a middle-grade book. I really do. But good historical novels try to keep a bit in check, and when they don't, they explain why, at least. This novel never did.
And one last problem I have, the way painting is depicted. My grandmother was a painter (she actually worked for Walt Disney studios, back in the 1930s. My daughter is an artist. I am friends with artists. I have never heard of painting with, what, watercolor, the way Bryony does. Perhaps it is oils, but even so. Perhaps it is the magic, but it sounds very odd.
Is there something I liked about the novel? Yes, the brother and sister pair that help to solve the mystery. For Mira and Thomas, I give this novel three stars. But, if you like the book Portrait of Dorian Gray don't go into this book expecting anything like that. It is inspired by the book, the part of about wanting to be young and beautiful part. And it has got some exciting bits, so for that, it can keep its three stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
I bring this up because, although this novel never said when it took place, exactly, it is clear that a) it is taking place in London around the early 1900, after Queen Victoria has died, and b) after Oscar Wilde has died. Although it is a fantasy, it based in reality, because that is the way historical fiction is. So, knowing that, why not be a little more accurate? Seeing how Oxford Street is long and straight, why say that it is winding and narrow? If you need a winding narrow street, choose another street.
In another scene, Bryony, who has only left her attic once, notices that there are Teddy bears at a child's table, as though having a tea party. The problem is, Teddy bears were invented in 1903, and while the story might be taking place in 1903, and the other character might have the latest new toy, how would Bryony have heard of them, seeing how new they were? Choose another toy to have at your tea party.
And why have your character be friends with Oscar Wilde, who went to Paris, after he was released from prison, and died there. No reference is made to Paris, when the character, Constantine, mentions being, or talking to Oscar before he died.
These are the things that take me out of the story. It happens every time I read a book where I know a little bit about, and it throws me off.
Look, I get it is a middle-grade book. I really do. But good historical novels try to keep a bit in check, and when they don't, they explain why, at least. This novel never did.
And one last problem I have, the way painting is depicted. My grandmother was a painter (she actually worked for Walt Disney studios, back in the 1930s. My daughter is an artist. I am friends with artists. I have never heard of painting with, what, watercolor, the way Bryony does. Perhaps it is oils, but even so. Perhaps it is the magic, but it sounds very odd.
Is there something I liked about the novel? Yes, the brother and sister pair that help to solve the mystery. For Mira and Thomas, I give this novel three stars. But, if you like the book Portrait of Dorian Gray don't go into this book expecting anything like that. It is inspired by the book, the part of about wanting to be young and beautiful part. And it has got some exciting bits, so for that, it can keep its three stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
March 1, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley
So I would classify this more as a 'middle grade sequel' to the Picture of Dorian Gray [a truly hilarious sentence when you stop to think about it] rather than a retelling because it is literally set after the original novel [although also in a world where Dorian Gray was apparently a real person that Oscar Wilde knew ...] with Bryony being Dorian's daughter.
Overall it's a really fun read. The way the author writes the paintings coming out of their frames and the way they move is incredibly vivid and definitely causes you to bring up some terrifying images in your mind. I really liked Bryony and the brother-and-sister duo that helped her throughout the story. I think that overall it's a very fun - yet still faintly horrifying - read and one of those rare middle grade books that are just as enjoyable for adults as they are for children.
I do have one bone to pick though, and that is the fact that neither Oscar Wilde nor Dorian Gray's sexuality is ever brought up. I guess you can say that's not relevant to the plot in this particular book but it is DEFINITELY relevant to the plot of the original and I can't help but feel that the entire thing was glossed over because it's a children's book which is just sad.
So I would classify this more as a 'middle grade sequel' to the Picture of Dorian Gray [a truly hilarious sentence when you stop to think about it] rather than a retelling because it is literally set after the original novel [although also in a world where Dorian Gray was apparently a real person that Oscar Wilde knew ...] with Bryony being Dorian's daughter.
Overall it's a really fun read. The way the author writes the paintings coming out of their frames and the way they move is incredibly vivid and definitely causes you to bring up some terrifying images in your mind. I really liked Bryony and the brother-and-sister duo that helped her throughout the story. I think that overall it's a very fun - yet still faintly horrifying - read and one of those rare middle grade books that are just as enjoyable for adults as they are for children.
I do have one bone to pick though, and that is the fact that neither Oscar Wilde nor Dorian Gray's sexuality is ever brought up. I guess you can say that's not relevant to the plot in this particular book but it is DEFINITELY relevant to the plot of the original and I can't help but feel that the entire thing was glossed over because it's a children's book which is just sad.
March 10, 2018
Psst! The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray proves a book in which it would be much too easy to say too much. Orphaned Bryony lives with her weak Uncle Bernard and his domineering, social-climbing wife, Gertrude. Like her disgraced father (about which nothing is said, although Bryony knows Uncle Bernard and Aunt Gertrude whisper about him and his rakish life), Bryony has an incredible gift for painting. But she also has a stubborn independent streak and a volcanic temper.
So, for the past six years, Bryony has been locked in the attic, forced to paint portraits of wealthy snobs. Now 14, Bryony has been planning her escape to find her father, whom she is certain is still alive, despite what Aunt Gertrude says. But her escape comes earlier than expected when her portraits begin to — but that would be giving away too much!
Instead, she meets the children who live next door, the adventurous 13-year-old Mira Griffin and her cowardly older brother Thompson. The clever threesome embark on adventures that will keep you glued to this book until the very last satisfying page.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada and Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review.
So, for the past six years, Bryony has been locked in the attic, forced to paint portraits of wealthy snobs. Now 14, Bryony has been planning her escape to find her father, whom she is certain is still alive, despite what Aunt Gertrude says. But her escape comes earlier than expected when her portraits begin to — but that would be giving away too much!
Instead, she meets the children who live next door, the adventurous 13-year-old Mira Griffin and her cowardly older brother Thompson. The clever threesome embark on adventures that will keep you glued to this book until the very last satisfying page.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada and Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2021
I picked this up on a whim even though I’m not a huge fan of The Picture of Dorian Gray and I’m so damn glad I did because this story was just phenomenal. It’s not the same old story rehashed but rather the most unique reimagining of the story possible. I loved what Latimer did here SO much and I’m quite floored by it honestly. It’s like they plucked the perfect dark middle grade story that I didn’t know I wanted from my dreams and brought it to life right here with this book. It’s just so original and PERFECT! It’s filled with twists and turns and deadly curses and both lovable and despicable characters and beneath it all, hope. You know when a book just makes you sigh with contentment after you’ve finished it because it was just that good? That’s what this book right here was for me.
September 12, 2018
My favorite book of the year so far! The premise of this story is so smart and creative. I love the way the author incorporated elements from THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY. There is a creepy yet whimsical tone to the story that I couldn’t get enough of. The characters are enchanting, and I for one am hoping for more middle grade books from E. Latimer in the future!
January 17, 2018
What a fantastic and wonderful read. Bryony Gray is a spirited girl in Victorian England. Her Aunt and Uncle keep her locked in the attic, where she's forced to paint portraits for the London gentry. He rportaits are wonderful and lifelike... too much so. The portraits come to life and start terrorizing the city. With the help of two quirky children from next door, Bryony must get to the bottom of the that plagues the Gray family, a curse brought upon them by her father... Dorian.
I loved this book! I am a sucker for spunky girls on madcap adventures. Parts of this book played out like the best Doctor Who episodes, with creepy pictures crawling out of paintings and mirrored reflections coming to life. My favorite part is the innocent and intriguing hints at the relationship between Bryony and Mira, which was dealt with tastefully for the age group, and realistically for the time period. Well plotted, with twists I didn't see coming, and with a writing style that made me want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea. (Which I did.) I would highly recommend.
I loved this book! I am a sucker for spunky girls on madcap adventures. Parts of this book played out like the best Doctor Who episodes, with creepy pictures crawling out of paintings and mirrored reflections coming to life. My favorite part is the innocent and intriguing hints at the relationship between Bryony and Mira, which was dealt with tastefully for the age group, and realistically for the time period. Well plotted, with twists I didn't see coming, and with a writing style that made me want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea. (Which I did.) I would highly recommend.
February 26, 2018
I've loved this book since it was just a few pages my critique partner sent me ;)
January 14, 2019
It was fun to read about the imagined daughter of Dorian Grey. That said, this seemed lacking both in story and delivery.
February 14, 2018
This book, targeted to the Middle-Grade reader, is an imaginative spin-off from Oscar Wilde's The Portrait of Dorian Gray. It's a clever enough idea but research issues and anachronisms kind of tanked my enjoyment of the book. Set around November 1901, (as discerned from a reference to Oscar Wilde's death being almost exactly a year ago, factually November 30th 1900), there are oddities that show a lack of research thoroughness on the part of the author and editor. While I get that children might be less affected by Queen Victoria's death in 1901, the somber tone in England (where they even used black edged stationery for the year following her death in January 1901) isn't captured. Furthermore, there are references to teddy bears, which were not even a thing until 1903, when simultaneously developed in the US and Germany (the latter by Stieff) as a reference to a cartoon image of US President Teddy Roosevelt. Anyway, it's the little things. Sadly this book arrived after my recent reading of Catherynne Valente's meticulously researched Glass Town Game about the Brontës at Haworth and it suffers in comparison. I was also bothered by the sketchiness of Bryony's painting style (excuse the awful pun there) since I paint and it is clear the author doesn't have a feel for painting and various media.
Middle-Grade readers will no doubt not be troubled by a discerning adult reader's concerns about accuracy. They might even be tempted to pick up Wilde's book, which would be a good thing.
I received a Digital Review Copy of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Middle-Grade readers will no doubt not be troubled by a discerning adult reader's concerns about accuracy. They might even be tempted to pick up Wilde's book, which would be a good thing.
I received a Digital Review Copy of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2018
Thirteen Bryony Gray has an exceptional talent for one her age - she can paint incredible portraits of people. Incredibly life-like!
She is being raised by her aunt and uncle, who know of this talent and keep her locked up and living in the attic. She is allowed downstairs when a rich client comes to sit for their portrait. She has become quite well known and her aunt and uncle are raking in the money, but Bryony wants to be free. She also wants to know about her parents and what is so scandalous about them that makes her aunt and uncle unwilling to tell her.
When clients go missing after receiving their portraits, and the most recent portrait comes to life before Bryony's eyes, it is apparent there is something drastic about her talent and family history. Bryony sets out to find out exactly what it is.
Making friends with the beautiful girl next door and her nervous brother, the trio fin themselves in the middle of an eerie, fast moving and terrifying adventure. Meeting unusual characters along the way, while trying to keep out of the clutches of paintings that have suddenly come to life, the children find themselves in a whirlwind of action and adventure in Victorian London.
This book has action, imagination and excitement from the beginning and it doesn't let up. When you think you'll stop at the end of a paragraph, you find that 'maybe just one more' pulls you on through the book.
The characters also grow and find more confidence in themselves than they though they had. Also that friendships can be as strong as family bonds, when at the start there was no common connection.
Written for the Young Adult audience, I think even adults would thoroughly enjoy it.
She is being raised by her aunt and uncle, who know of this talent and keep her locked up and living in the attic. She is allowed downstairs when a rich client comes to sit for their portrait. She has become quite well known and her aunt and uncle are raking in the money, but Bryony wants to be free. She also wants to know about her parents and what is so scandalous about them that makes her aunt and uncle unwilling to tell her.
When clients go missing after receiving their portraits, and the most recent portrait comes to life before Bryony's eyes, it is apparent there is something drastic about her talent and family history. Bryony sets out to find out exactly what it is.
Making friends with the beautiful girl next door and her nervous brother, the trio fin themselves in the middle of an eerie, fast moving and terrifying adventure. Meeting unusual characters along the way, while trying to keep out of the clutches of paintings that have suddenly come to life, the children find themselves in a whirlwind of action and adventure in Victorian London.
This book has action, imagination and excitement from the beginning and it doesn't let up. When you think you'll stop at the end of a paragraph, you find that 'maybe just one more' pulls you on through the book.
The characters also grow and find more confidence in themselves than they though they had. Also that friendships can be as strong as family bonds, when at the start there was no common connection.
Written for the Young Adult audience, I think even adults would thoroughly enjoy it.
January 3, 2019
Bryony Gray is an orphan who lives with her aunt and uncle. Her mother died when Bryony was very young and no one will speak about her father. She is locked in her aunt and uncle's attic where she spends her time painting portraits. She is quite the young prodigy. Lately, there have been terrible news articles connecting her paintings with the disappearance of those who sit for her. Considering her father was considered cursed, and no one wants to speak of him, Bryony must draw her own conclusions. She has a patron who sends her all kinds of painting supplies. She has come to believe that her father is truly alive, and he is in fact her benefactor. One day during a sittiing Bryony throws a tantrum that sets evil into motion. While painting a lady who is acting spoiled and impatient; and having her aunt stand over her shoulder yelling at her, Bryony has had enough. She destroys the painting by ruining it with her paints. This sets into motion an evil like the city has never seen. Realizing she can leave the house, Bryony goes to the museum to discover that the paintings have come to life in a horrible way. She also discovers her neighbors who become her friends. Will they live long enough to figure out what the curse is all about and how to break it? Is it possible that there is something even more evil behind the evil destroying the city?
I loved this book. It was creepy, there were several different story lines going that all connected smoothly at the end. I would definitely read more by this author.
I received a copy form LibraryThing to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I loved this book. It was creepy, there were several different story lines going that all connected smoothly at the end. I would definitely read more by this author.
I received a copy form LibraryThing to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
February 27, 2018
The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of my favourite Victorian novels. This is a great sequel to the story.
This story had great pacing. Bryony’s paintings began to come to life right at the beginning. It was so creepy! It kept me hooked through the whole story. I really couldn’t predict what was going to happen next, so I was always surprised.
I think this story is actually creepier than The Picture of Dorian Gray. Though it is a sequel, it follows Gray’s daughter, so it is for a younger audience. I loved this story and I got a lot out of it, even though it is aimed toward middle grade readers. It is a great choice for both young readers and older fans of Dorian Gray and Oscar Wilde.
After reading this book, I’ll never look at paintings the same way again!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher on NetGalley.
This story had great pacing. Bryony’s paintings began to come to life right at the beginning. It was so creepy! It kept me hooked through the whole story. I really couldn’t predict what was going to happen next, so I was always surprised.
I think this story is actually creepier than The Picture of Dorian Gray. Though it is a sequel, it follows Gray’s daughter, so it is for a younger audience. I loved this story and I got a lot out of it, even though it is aimed toward middle grade readers. It is a great choice for both young readers and older fans of Dorian Gray and Oscar Wilde.
After reading this book, I’ll never look at paintings the same way again!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher on NetGalley.
August 13, 2026
I never do this, ever. I never buy a book based on its cover. Ever. I check out books that way, but I don't buy them. But. I love Janet Hill, the cover illustrator. I love books with long, weird titles like The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray. The back matter clinched it. This book is fantastic. I've spent nearly every morning this summer outside reading a book on paper. It has been pure delight to read on paper again. I've done it with a blue colored pencil in my hand, marking passages as I go. Just simple things that delight me. For example, was this.
It was the light that woke her. It filtered in through the dusty attic window, a shaft of sunlight that seemed to split the foggy morning with the specific purpose of landing in her left eye. Bryony blinked awake, groaning, she draped an arm over her face.
March 3, 2018
In this creepy and thoroughly enjoyable romp through London, Bryony Gray, a young artist contends with misbehaving mirrors, murderous paintings, and a wicked uncle. Along with the intriguing siblings next door, Bryony sets out to find her mysterious patron and investigate her family’s secrets. Can these young friends survive the living paintings on a rampage and the Gray family curse?
Beautifully written, you can really see the author’s love of literature throughout this book. Riddled with chilling scenes from the prologue on, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and cheering for our three young protagonists, start to finish. This story has carved out a spot amongst my favorite YA novels. I’m so excited to add E. Latimer to my list of favorites!
Beautifully written, you can really see the author’s love of literature throughout this book. Riddled with chilling scenes from the prologue on, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and cheering for our three young protagonists, start to finish. This story has carved out a spot amongst my favorite YA novels. I’m so excited to add E. Latimer to my list of favorites!
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January 24, 2018Stylish, gothic, and occasionally terrifying, with a prickly, vulnerable heroine and some delightfully scary monsters. A great book to read under the covers with a flashlight. And - confession time - I haven't actually read THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY, but this book makes me want to!
November 24, 2017
ARC...copy deliciously dark (darker then most middle grade horrors I read actually) retelling/take on Dorian Grey (especially the themes of vanity-beauty), and imaginative in the artistic-world building of the "painted" Grey family curse. It felt especially creepy when the portraits do come to murderous life in creepy imagery right to their painted faces and killer smirks.
March 11, 2018
This was a delightfully creepy read. Beautifully written with enough twists to keep my flipping the pages.
January 20, 2018
I received this ARC from penguin random house
Woohoo my first book of 2018! I greatly enjoyed this book. I loved Bryony. She was a wonderful lead character. I especially liked her friendship with Thomas and Myra. This was a very well written book with a very interesting storyline. 4 stars all day long!
Woohoo my first book of 2018! I greatly enjoyed this book. I loved Bryony. She was a wonderful lead character. I especially liked her friendship with Thomas and Myra. This was a very well written book with a very interesting storyline. 4 stars all day long!
July 8, 2018
My review of this book appears in Historical Novels Review 84 (May 2018):
Described as “Lemony Snicket meets Oscar Wilde meets Edgar Allan Poe,” this supernatural adventure for middle-grade readers is not quite witty or gothic enough to live up to its billing.
Set in an approximate version of 1901 London, the story of Bryony Gray’s discovery of her family ties to the Dorian of Wilde’s horror tale offers plenty of potentially entertaining elements: an artistic prodigy, a family of cheerful morticians, costume balls, and anachronistically positive references to same-sex affections. The novel’s premise is that Bryony has inherited a version of her father Dorian’s curse, in which the portraits she paints come to life and terrorize their subjects. With few resources aside from stubbornness and skill with a paintbrush, she plots to escape her evil guardians and find her mysterious Patron.
The friends she makes in her quest seem to come from The Importance of Being Earnest by way of the Addams family, and the cityscape they criss-cross in frantic search of a cure for the curse is similarly a mishmash of Edwardian and modern. Young readers will be charmed by the cheeky dialogue, but may wish for more character interaction and less dashing around; older readers may become frustrated by the inconsistent tone and slapdash approach to historical detail.
Described as “Lemony Snicket meets Oscar Wilde meets Edgar Allan Poe,” this supernatural adventure for middle-grade readers is not quite witty or gothic enough to live up to its billing.
Set in an approximate version of 1901 London, the story of Bryony Gray’s discovery of her family ties to the Dorian of Wilde’s horror tale offers plenty of potentially entertaining elements: an artistic prodigy, a family of cheerful morticians, costume balls, and anachronistically positive references to same-sex affections. The novel’s premise is that Bryony has inherited a version of her father Dorian’s curse, in which the portraits she paints come to life and terrorize their subjects. With few resources aside from stubbornness and skill with a paintbrush, she plots to escape her evil guardians and find her mysterious Patron.
The friends she makes in her quest seem to come from The Importance of Being Earnest by way of the Addams family, and the cityscape they criss-cross in frantic search of a cure for the curse is similarly a mishmash of Edwardian and modern. Young readers will be charmed by the cheeky dialogue, but may wish for more character interaction and less dashing around; older readers may become frustrated by the inconsistent tone and slapdash approach to historical detail.
April 2, 2019
Have you ever read a book about paintings coming out of a canvas? Well if you are interested in reading one this is just the book for you. Similar to The Picture of Dorian Gray, but from a more feminine side. possibly how we have an image of ourselves which we try to preserve, but its is our actions that defines us. To look one way and act another is ruinous. I think there is a meaning of not pretending, not to be a hedonist and not to follow others blindly.
The Novel Strange and Deadly Portraits Of Bryony Gray is not the most interesting or intense novel within red maple category. To my defense the plot of the story is beautiful it was just the amount of repetition in the story that kind of got the best of the novel. Though don't get me wrong the overall the book was amazing it was just how the author kept repeating the same things over and over. If you don't agree I didn't say this is everyone s opinion it's just mine.
The Novel Strange and Deadly Portraits Of Bryony Gray is not the most interesting or intense novel within red maple category. To my defense the plot of the story is beautiful it was just the amount of repetition in the story that kind of got the best of the novel. Though don't get me wrong the overall the book was amazing it was just how the author kept repeating the same things over and over. If you don't agree I didn't say this is everyone s opinion it's just mine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2017
What a delightful and exciting read. I had not known what to expect when I started reading, but I certainly had not anticipated how much I would enjoy this book.
It’s an engaging, interesting, story line, with compelling characters. I'll want to keep an eye out for more books by this author.
I received this ebook from netgalley for my honest opinion.
It’s an engaging, interesting, story line, with compelling characters. I'll want to keep an eye out for more books by this author.
I received this ebook from netgalley for my honest opinion.
February 28, 2018
After multiple attempts, I just couldn't get into this book. More than 50 pages in, and I still didn't care for any of the characters. The writing style was a little stilted for me as well. I give myself a certain percentage with every book that I have to read. After I reach that point, and I'm still struggling, I move on. That's what I did here.
May 26, 2019
It took me forever to finish this book. I just couldn’t get into it. I plan to revisit over the summer and see if the second time around is more engaging.
March 16, 2018
When I saw the great cover and read the blurb for E. Latimer's The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray I thought it sounded terrifically spooky and added it to my reading list. A gothic historically-set middle grade novel, inspired by Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray? Count me in! More sinister and more fantastical than I imagined, Latimer's novel is a surprising treat.
The novel opens with a prologue that takes us into the extravagant, lush and self-indulgent life of Lady Dashworth, who is eagerly awaiting the delivery of a portrait of herself done by a supposedly odd but extremely talented thirteen year old girl. Upon opening, Lady Dashworth finds the portrait stunning...remarkable...so remarkable in fact, that the portrait seems too life-like. It is then that Latimer takes the already eerie opening and takes the story to its darker core: the portraits being done by that thirteen year old artist- Bryony Gray- are coming to life, ripping from their canvases and causing deadly mayhem in London. As readers meet Bryony and the terrible aunt and uncle who keep her prisoner in their attic, the story takes one fascinating turn after another.
Having planned an escape from her attic confines for some time, Bryony finds herself freed quite suddenly by accident when a portrait she purposely painted to look monstrous tears itself to life off the canvas. It is then, as Bryony escapes into the city slowly being tyrannized by her art, that she meets siblings Mira and Thompson- the next-door neighbors she had only dreamed to meet one day. Latimer weaves multiple elements as the story continues to unfold: Bryony experiencing London, her surroundings, and children her own age for almost the first time in her life; the trio of children having to escape for their lives time after time while attempting to help Bryony stop the madness; and perhaps the biggest thing of all, Bryony finally learning truths about her long-absent father who presumably cursed the Gray family. It is a lot to pack into a tale, but Latimer does a solid job of maintaining all of the elements, adding some bombshell reveals, and threading in some very interesting ties to an imagined incident that lead to The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Overall, The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray is wonderfully unusual and atmospheric, with terrifying and surprising moments. It is written with such precise, intriguing detail that I vividly pictured the story from beginning to end, and even thought to myself how incredible it would be to see this story brought to life on-screen! Readers who enjoy gothic, scary stories or the work of authors such as Claire Legrand, Charis Cotter, Neil Gaiman, Roald Dahl or Laura Amy Schlitz might especially enjoy this dark tale.
I received a copy of this title courtesy of Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.
March 30, 2018
I absolutely adored this frighteningly scary new take on Oscar Wilde’s The Portrait of Dorian Gray; which is also one of my favorite classic tales that reread often! The creations that came alive in the story were straight from your worst nightmare. The things that you collect and use to show your stature in society come to life to murder you outright or suck your vitality dry! The way that the author describes in stark detail the portraits coming to life and crawling through the canvas was so on point that I felt like I was there!
This book is not for the faint of heart or those who not endure stories with violent content or blatant abuse of the main character. The family members of the main character are especially hard on her and treat her with pure vehemence. They knowingly and willingly mentally, physically and emotionally abuse her with every interaction. With that being said, it’s in a way that’s tasteful enough for younger readers and adults who can look past the afore mentioned troupes because the message outweighs the bad situations. There also seems to be a couple in accuracies in the history references in the book but they are subtle and only the sublimely picky would take away the great aspects of the book to rant over them.
Aside from the fantastic imagery and creepy situations that Bryony finds herself in, the story is well thought out and highly developed. Even throughout the struggles and the hardships the MC still uses her wit and perseverance to find her way through the tough obstacles. This will teach the message that even in the bleakest of times hope and determination will get you through the worst of times. I really applaud this author for the vision and follow through that made this tale epically harrowing!
As I previously mentioned, I adored this story being in the same world as The Portrait of Dorian Gray but I would not necessarily call it a retailing as Dorian is in fact Bryony’s long-lost father. I would recommend reading Oscar Wilde’s story and then reading The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray. Overall this book was highly entertaining and vividly thrust upon the world! I would recommend it to anyone who likes dark Victorian England Historical themed books such as Lemony Snickets!
This book is not for the faint of heart or those who not endure stories with violent content or blatant abuse of the main character. The family members of the main character are especially hard on her and treat her with pure vehemence. They knowingly and willingly mentally, physically and emotionally abuse her with every interaction. With that being said, it’s in a way that’s tasteful enough for younger readers and adults who can look past the afore mentioned troupes because the message outweighs the bad situations. There also seems to be a couple in accuracies in the history references in the book but they are subtle and only the sublimely picky would take away the great aspects of the book to rant over them.
Aside from the fantastic imagery and creepy situations that Bryony finds herself in, the story is well thought out and highly developed. Even throughout the struggles and the hardships the MC still uses her wit and perseverance to find her way through the tough obstacles. This will teach the message that even in the bleakest of times hope and determination will get you through the worst of times. I really applaud this author for the vision and follow through that made this tale epically harrowing!
As I previously mentioned, I adored this story being in the same world as The Portrait of Dorian Gray but I would not necessarily call it a retailing as Dorian is in fact Bryony’s long-lost father. I would recommend reading Oscar Wilde’s story and then reading The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray. Overall this book was highly entertaining and vividly thrust upon the world! I would recommend it to anyone who likes dark Victorian England Historical themed books such as Lemony Snickets!
January 11, 2018
The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray is a fresh take on Oscar Wilde’s The Portrait of Dorian Gray aimed at a middle grade audience. When I first heard of this novel, I was ecstatic and eager to read it. In London, in the late eighteen hundreds, there have been strange disappearances of prominent noblemen and ladies who have had their portraits painted by the mysterious prodigy, Bryony Gray. Bryony’s art takes London by storm, meanwhile, Bryony is held captive by her aunt and uncle and dreams of a day when she can escape. One day, one of Bryony’s newest portrait comes to life and claws its way out of the canvas. Then suddenly, all of Bryony’s portraits begin to come to life, terrorizing London. Little did she know… Bryony has triggered her family’s curse. With the help of a few unlikely friends, Bryony tries to find a way to stop the portraits before they destroy London. The question is… could she be too late?
This novel is an imaginative take on The Portrait of Dorian Gray along the lines of a Neil Gaiman novel or Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. I really enjoyed the adventure and all of the artist facts scattered throughout the novel. Unfortunately, I found the characters to be a little bland and underdeveloped. While each of the main characters have their distinctive quirks, I found them to be too contrived and cartoonish to enjoy this novel to the fullest. However, overall, the plotline is very imaginative and original, full of quirky and creepy surprises. The descriptions leap off the page and the language has a distinctive Victorian quality without being overly dense for its intended audience. I would recommend this book to those who are a fan of A Series of Unfortunate Events and Coraline .
* I received an advanced copy of this book via the Goodreads giveaway *
This novel is an imaginative take on The Portrait of Dorian Gray along the lines of a Neil Gaiman novel or Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. I really enjoyed the adventure and all of the artist facts scattered throughout the novel. Unfortunately, I found the characters to be a little bland and underdeveloped. While each of the main characters have their distinctive quirks, I found them to be too contrived and cartoonish to enjoy this novel to the fullest. However, overall, the plotline is very imaginative and original, full of quirky and creepy surprises. The descriptions leap off the page and the language has a distinctive Victorian quality without being overly dense for its intended audience. I would recommend this book to those who are a fan of A Series of Unfortunate Events and Coraline .
* I received an advanced copy of this book via the Goodreads giveaway *
March 3, 2018
The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray is one of the most fun and well-crafted middle grade books I've read in a long while. The story is essentially—"What if Dorian Gray, (from Oscar Wilde's The Portrait of Dorian Gray) had a daughter who inherited his curse?
The answer: Utter mayhem on the streets, in the tearooms, museums, and drawing rooms of London!
At the beginning of the story, Bryony Gray is a prisoner of her evil aunt and uncle. She's a brilliant portrait painter but is locked in her attic room painting the wealthy, spoiled, and vain members of the British aristocracy. And her family is getting rich from Bryony's work. But now, someone has reignited the Gray curse, and the human subjects of Bryony's paintings are coming to life with a keen desire to murder people in rather awful ways. It's up to Bryony and her two new friends—Mira and Thompson, to save the day.
At its essence, this is a story about family. Here is one of my favorite lines from the book: "...they were there for her, searching with her, because they were her true family, not by blood but by everything else in the world." Even though Bryony's biological family is full of rather dubious often insane characters, she is able to find a family of her own making—the development of which is beautifully rendered in the story.
This book is full of depth and surprises all while keeping it fun and fast-paced. I can't wait to see future books by this brilliant author.
The answer: Utter mayhem on the streets, in the tearooms, museums, and drawing rooms of London!
At the beginning of the story, Bryony Gray is a prisoner of her evil aunt and uncle. She's a brilliant portrait painter but is locked in her attic room painting the wealthy, spoiled, and vain members of the British aristocracy. And her family is getting rich from Bryony's work. But now, someone has reignited the Gray curse, and the human subjects of Bryony's paintings are coming to life with a keen desire to murder people in rather awful ways. It's up to Bryony and her two new friends—Mira and Thompson, to save the day.
At its essence, this is a story about family. Here is one of my favorite lines from the book: "...they were there for her, searching with her, because they were her true family, not by blood but by everything else in the world." Even though Bryony's biological family is full of rather dubious often insane characters, she is able to find a family of her own making—the development of which is beautifully rendered in the story.
This book is full of depth and surprises all while keeping it fun and fast-paced. I can't wait to see future books by this brilliant author.
October 18, 2020
This book, about a young painter, locked in her attic and forced to paint for her aunt and uncle, was an enjoyable read but somehow I didn't "love" it.
Byrony Gray is the daughter of the fictional Dorian Gray from Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray." When she paints a portrait, at the bidding of her aunt and uncle, Byrony's painting-ruining tantrum causes it, and others like it, to come to life and not in a good way.
One thing I had trouble understanding in this book, was why was the daughter of Dorian Gray an artist with a painting curse? Dorian wasn't an artist, he was merely the subject, the model of the original painting. There was no mention at all of the original painter, Basil Hallward, which I would have expected. The tying in of Dorian's daughter as an artist actually confused me and I was waiting for that plot point to be solved and it wasn't. To me, it would have made more sense if Byrony was the daughter of Basil Hallward, rather than Dorian Grey. Oh well.
Nevertheless, the story starts out rather well. I loved the frightening scenes of the paintings coming to life, and there was a lot of action. To me though, it was hard for the author to keep up that pace at the end, and I started to lose interest waiting for plot points to be resolved. I don't know, hard to explain why I didn't love it. It just wasn't quite "there" somehow. But it still had a lot going for it. Many people will enjoy the book.
Byrony Gray is the daughter of the fictional Dorian Gray from Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray." When she paints a portrait, at the bidding of her aunt and uncle, Byrony's painting-ruining tantrum causes it, and others like it, to come to life and not in a good way.
One thing I had trouble understanding in this book, was why was the daughter of Dorian Gray an artist with a painting curse? Dorian wasn't an artist, he was merely the subject, the model of the original painting. There was no mention at all of the original painter, Basil Hallward, which I would have expected. The tying in of Dorian's daughter as an artist actually confused me and I was waiting for that plot point to be solved and it wasn't. To me, it would have made more sense if Byrony was the daughter of Basil Hallward, rather than Dorian Grey. Oh well.
Nevertheless, the story starts out rather well. I loved the frightening scenes of the paintings coming to life, and there was a lot of action. To me though, it was hard for the author to keep up that pace at the end, and I started to lose interest waiting for plot points to be resolved. I don't know, hard to explain why I didn't love it. It just wasn't quite "there" somehow. But it still had a lot going for it. Many people will enjoy the book.
January 12, 2019
Although there are lots of great Red Maple Fiction titles nominated this year as part of the 2019 Forest of Reading program run by the Ontario Library Association, "The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray" by E. Latimer is one that I’ve been curious about since it came out last year. I’m a sucker for stories set in Victorian London as well as anything slightly spooky so a book about evil paintings coming to life sounded like a perfect choice.
The first thing I realized while reading is that this story kind of acts as a follow-up/companion novel to the classic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. I was impressed with the way the author sustained an entertaining yet sinister feeling throughout the book. The idea of portraits coming out of canvases as ghoulish, soul-seeking creatures provide an evocative and creepy quality that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Overall, I thought this book was an engaging action-packed adventure lightly laced with horror that offered a little something for everyone. It’s not too scary but definitely has an old-school creepiness to it. I would definitely recommend it to readers who like spooky stories or are interested in contemporary books written in the style of classic and/or gothic British novels.
The first thing I realized while reading is that this story kind of acts as a follow-up/companion novel to the classic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. I was impressed with the way the author sustained an entertaining yet sinister feeling throughout the book. The idea of portraits coming out of canvases as ghoulish, soul-seeking creatures provide an evocative and creepy quality that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Overall, I thought this book was an engaging action-packed adventure lightly laced with horror that offered a little something for everyone. It’s not too scary but definitely has an old-school creepiness to it. I would definitely recommend it to readers who like spooky stories or are interested in contemporary books written in the style of classic and/or gothic British novels.
March 17, 2019
Quick Summary - Bryony Gray has a talent for painting. Her paintings are lifelike and she is sought out by the elite for their portraits. Her talent is taken advantage by her social-climbing Aunt and Uncle. An evil curse (not a great word) falls upon her and she and her friends must save Bryony from an unnatural fate.
This is about evil doppelgängers and was inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray. Personally I don't think that is a spoiler since those are given away on the cover, but I treated it as such. The story makes me want to delve into the original but it isn't necessary to understand this story. The story takes place in Victorian England. As an adult I found it interesting and I like this time period. I would love to hear what children and teens think. I think that the different personalities of her friends Mira and Thomas help push the story and later Constantine.
Because of the time period and vocabulary I would recommend it to middle school age students as the minimum age. If you like Victorian England, mystery and maybe a little horror this would be the book for you.
This is about evil doppelgängers and was inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray. Personally I don't think that is a spoiler since those are given away on the cover, but I treated it as such. The story makes me want to delve into the original but it isn't necessary to understand this story. The story takes place in Victorian England. As an adult I found it interesting and I like this time period. I would love to hear what children and teens think. I think that the different personalities of her friends Mira and Thomas help push the story and later Constantine.
Because of the time period and vocabulary I would recommend it to middle school age students as the minimum age. If you like Victorian England, mystery and maybe a little horror this would be the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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