What do you think?
Rate this book
Six Little Secrets
The newest fast-paced YA thriller novella from Katlyn Duncan
Some secrets can never stay hidden for long…
Six teenagers meet in Saturday detention: a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl.
But someone is watching. Someone has made sure that they are all in the same room at the same time. Someone knows that each of them is hiding a terrible secret…
…and by the end of detention, everyone will know the truth.
Some secrets can never stay hidden for long…
Six teenagers meet in Saturday detention: a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl.
But someone is watching. Someone has made sure that they are all in the same room at the same time. Someone knows that each of them is hiding a terrible secret…
…and by the end of detention, everyone will know the truth.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2017
7 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Katlyn Duncan
21 books336 followersKatlyn Duncan is a multi-published author of adult and young adult fiction, and has ghostwritten over 40 novels for children and adults.
When she’s not writing, she’s obsessing over many (many) television series’, and hanging out on YouTube where she shares her writing process and all the bookish things.
Keep up with Katlyn by subscribing to her newsletter: www.katlynduncan.com/newsletter.
When she’s not writing, she’s obsessing over many (many) television series’, and hanging out on YouTube where she shares her writing process and all the bookish things.
Keep up with Katlyn by subscribing to her newsletter: www.katlynduncan.com/newsletter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
November 18, 2017
3.75 Stars
Zoe, Cece, Quentin, Jackie, Teddy and Holly are classmates. On one Saturday, they’re all gathered for their detentions for what each of them did (or did not)! Their task is to create the chain from the promises (a project of their Student Council to pledge no to drink). When they were working on their tasks, they hear a voice said from the intercom:
"The six of you were selected to be here today because you are all hiding something. A secret. One that eats you up inside each day. I’m here to set you free … Today you will all learn that each decision you make affects the world around you. You will each complete a task. One that has to be completed by you alone … The choice is yours."
So what they did that made someone so mad?! What’s that they don’t know themselves about it?! what are their secrets?! Could they choose the right choice?! If they don’t choose the right thing what’s their punishment?!
Well, this story was a fact-paced thriller. I enjoyed it but I had a big problem; some of the punishments were really harsh and they were dangerous for them! They are kids, they’re in high school! And that thing was really circumstantial, I mean you can’t blame someone for doing them! And I know some of the habits were really dangerous but you can’t punish someone like that! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novella and you can read it in one seat.
Thanks to Katlyn Duncan, Netgalley and HQ Digital for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
Zoe, Cece, Quentin, Jackie, Teddy and Holly are classmates. On one Saturday, they’re all gathered for their detentions for what each of them did (or did not)! Their task is to create the chain from the promises (a project of their Student Council to pledge no to drink). When they were working on their tasks, they hear a voice said from the intercom:
"The six of you were selected to be here today because you are all hiding something. A secret. One that eats you up inside each day. I’m here to set you free … Today you will all learn that each decision you make affects the world around you. You will each complete a task. One that has to be completed by you alone … The choice is yours."
So what they did that made someone so mad?! What’s that they don’t know themselves about it?! what are their secrets?! Could they choose the right choice?! If they don’t choose the right thing what’s their punishment?!
Well, this story was a fact-paced thriller. I enjoyed it but I had a big problem; some of the punishments were really harsh and they were dangerous for them! They are kids, they’re in high school! And that thing was really circumstantial, I mean you can’t blame someone for doing them! And I know some of the habits were really dangerous but you can’t punish someone like that! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novella and you can read it in one seat.
Thanks to Katlyn Duncan, Netgalley and HQ Digital for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
October 16, 2017
Some secrets can never stay hidden for long…
Six teenagers meet in Saturday detention: a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl.
But someone is watching. Someone has made sure that they are all in the same room at the same time. Someone knows that each of them is hiding a terrible secret…
…and by the end of detention, everyone will know the truth.
Who could read the synopsis on this one and not immediately think that this would be an ominous take on the iconic John Hughes film The Breakfast Club? Being one of my favorite films of the eighties I couldn't resist picking this one up just to see what the author would do to give the story a creepy twist. While it's not without it's faults it did turn into one that I enjoyed reading just because it really is a remake of The Breakfast Club.
The story has taken Saturday detention that we all know from the movie and turned it into an elaborate revenge plot so while you are reminded of a classic film there is a whole new story to enjoy here. Whoever has set up the kids in detention has them doing tasks to keep their secrets hidden and by the end everything tied together quite nicely.
Now my biggest complaint about this book is going to simply be one that most will probably have with it being a short read, it simply lacked the depth that being longer would have given the story. The book is very fast paced as it moves through the story but without more depth it lacked making the characters stand out and be what their descriptions are listed as - a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl. Overall though I think it was worth the read and would rate this one at 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Six teenagers meet in Saturday detention: a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl.
But someone is watching. Someone has made sure that they are all in the same room at the same time. Someone knows that each of them is hiding a terrible secret…
…and by the end of detention, everyone will know the truth.
Who could read the synopsis on this one and not immediately think that this would be an ominous take on the iconic John Hughes film The Breakfast Club? Being one of my favorite films of the eighties I couldn't resist picking this one up just to see what the author would do to give the story a creepy twist. While it's not without it's faults it did turn into one that I enjoyed reading just because it really is a remake of The Breakfast Club.
The story has taken Saturday detention that we all know from the movie and turned it into an elaborate revenge plot so while you are reminded of a classic film there is a whole new story to enjoy here. Whoever has set up the kids in detention has them doing tasks to keep their secrets hidden and by the end everything tied together quite nicely.
Now my biggest complaint about this book is going to simply be one that most will probably have with it being a short read, it simply lacked the depth that being longer would have given the story. The book is very fast paced as it moves through the story but without more depth it lacked making the characters stand out and be what their descriptions are listed as - a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl. Overall though I think it was worth the read and would rate this one at 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
January 29, 2025
Book Blog | Bookstagram
If you lifted lines straight out of The Breakfast Club and plopped them down into One Of Us is Lying, but with worse writing and not an original idea to speak of, you would get this novella.
With the shorter page count, the reader doesn’t get to know the characters in any way other than superficially. And after everything that happened to these kids, I was expecting the motive to be something more interesting than what this gave me.
Maybe a pre-teen would really like this? It’s basically a B-horror movie without any of the things that make a B-horror movie fun, and it’s walking the line of just being straight-up plagiarism.
The vibe for this one:
⭐½ | 1.5 stars rounded down
Book Source: NetGalley in exchange for a review
If you lifted lines straight out of The Breakfast Club and plopped them down into One Of Us is Lying, but with worse writing and not an original idea to speak of, you would get this novella.
With the shorter page count, the reader doesn’t get to know the characters in any way other than superficially. And after everything that happened to these kids, I was expecting the motive to be something more interesting than what this gave me.
Maybe a pre-teen would really like this? It’s basically a B-horror movie without any of the things that make a B-horror movie fun, and it’s walking the line of just being straight-up plagiarism.
The vibe for this one:
⭐½ | 1.5 stars rounded down
Book Source: NetGalley in exchange for a review
November 24, 2017
If Pretty Little Liars and The Breakfast Club had a baby, then you would have Six Little Secrets.
Six students who fit YA and high school fiction stereotypes to a t, are forced together in detention one Saturday. Even though none of them realize it they are all connected. What starts off as a busy work task of stapling “alcohol free” promise chains, turns into so much more. When someone starts to mess with them by doling out less than delightful tasks meant to punish them and expose their deepest secret they all band together to solve the mystery of WHO is messing with them, and why.
Six Little Secrets was good. Even though each character fit a stereotype their secrets were still pretty surprising. I guessed a couple of them, but the others kept me guessing. I think the author does a good job giving clues, but putting red herrings in there as well to keep the reader on their toes. Do I think this story was super original... hmm... I’d maybe give it a five out of ten in that department, BUT it was definitely a page turner. Every new task that was unveiled made me want to know more. I needed to know who was messing with these people, and the answer is a pretty darn good one if you ask me.
All in all a pretty good ya suspense.
*ARC provided by NetGalley.*
https://instagram.com/p/BarXJ2agHBt/
^check out a fan edit I made on Instagram!
Six students who fit YA and high school fiction stereotypes to a t, are forced together in detention one Saturday. Even though none of them realize it they are all connected. What starts off as a busy work task of stapling “alcohol free” promise chains, turns into so much more. When someone starts to mess with them by doling out less than delightful tasks meant to punish them and expose their deepest secret they all band together to solve the mystery of WHO is messing with them, and why.
Six Little Secrets was good. Even though each character fit a stereotype their secrets were still pretty surprising. I guessed a couple of them, but the others kept me guessing. I think the author does a good job giving clues, but putting red herrings in there as well to keep the reader on their toes. Do I think this story was super original... hmm... I’d maybe give it a five out of ten in that department, BUT it was definitely a page turner. Every new task that was unveiled made me want to know more. I needed to know who was messing with these people, and the answer is a pretty darn good one if you ask me.
All in all a pretty good ya suspense.
*ARC provided by NetGalley.*
https://instagram.com/p/BarXJ2agHBt/
^check out a fan edit I made on Instagram!
October 10, 2017
I thought the description of this book sounded familiar when I first read it and then I realised it is basically the exact same plot as One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus. Only that book does it a lot better in my opinion.
The story is so cliched and predictable that verges on annoying. I guessed who the manipulator (or whatever you want to call them) was within the first few moments of dialogue between them all, so there weren't any surprises for me. The big reveal just made me roll my eyes instead.
The little tasks they had to start started off interesting but then they got more and more ridiculous as it went on. The whole storyline was just too far fetched.
We only got to know the characters on a superficial level so I didn't really care about what happened to any of them.
Overall, I found this book massively disappointing.
The story is so cliched and predictable that verges on annoying. I guessed who the manipulator (or whatever you want to call them) was within the first few moments of dialogue between them all, so there weren't any surprises for me. The big reveal just made me roll my eyes instead.
The little tasks they had to start started off interesting but then they got more and more ridiculous as it went on. The whole storyline was just too far fetched.
We only got to know the characters on a superficial level so I didn't really care about what happened to any of them.
Overall, I found this book massively disappointing.
October 25, 2017
Six Little Secrets started off interesting. The first couple of chapters were decent when it came to setting up the book and intriguing me, but after that it all fell apart. I felt like the novella was too short (I realise there's a reason it's called a NOVELLA, but whatever) for this kind of story. There wasn't enough time to set up each of the characters, and I really didn't care about any of them. When the reveal came, I wasn't shocked, because I didn't really care.
I was pretty bored after the first two or three chapters, to be honest. Also, this book is pretty much One of Us is Lying all over again, except OOUIL does everything better.
I was pretty bored after the first two or three chapters, to be honest. Also, this book is pretty much One of Us is Lying all over again, except OOUIL does everything better.
July 22, 2019
UPDATED REVIEW:
Thank you so much to HQ Digital for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Six seemingly random teens are gathered in their high school library for a Saturday detention. Mere minutes after being left alone with their task for the day an ominous voice comes over the speaker system to announce that their detention wasn't as arbitrary as it seemed:
"The six of you were selected to be here today because you are all hiding something. A secret. One that eats you up inside each day. I'm here to set you free."
The teens (unsure of the validity of the statement) at first ignore the mystery message. But they soon discover their twisted taunter is not to be ignored. Each teen is presented with a time-sensitive task that should they fail to complete will result in their secret being divulged.
Dun dun dun...
This mystery novella is getting lots of comparisons to One of Us is Lying in other reviews, which I get given The Breakfast Club crew and the detention setting. However, saying one is better than the other is difficult when you consider their lengths. As I stated previously, this is a novella as opposed to a full-length novel and thus the characterization and plot don't have as much room to develop -- leaving each work with their individual strengths. And while OoUiL obviously has the upper hand in terms of side plots and expansion on character stereotypes, I do believe Six Little Secrets is a better whodunit overall.
That's probably why I was hooked into this novella pretty quickly. I not only wanted to know who was behind this revenge mission, but also why these particular students were involved. I enjoyed reading about the first task (which seemed reasonable) and discovering the teen's secrets and punishment, but after task one things escalated a little too quickly. The tasks became extreme, uncomfortable, and (in my opinion...obviously) WAY too intense given the final reveal.
Which brings me to my main problem with this thriller: the ending; the kryptonite to many a well-built mystery. In this case, the ending just didn't pack the same punch as the preceding segments. The explanation for how this odd group came together and the punishments they were served just didn't sit right and left me with a "whomp whomp" feeling. I get that some of these characters deserved a "tough love" lesson, but others felt like they were punished for super trivial and circumstantial reasons.
At the end of the day, Six Little Secrets kept my interest and if you're a fan of high-school based whodunits this may be the thriller for you.
Thank you so much to HQ Digital for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Six seemingly random teens are gathered in their high school library for a Saturday detention. Mere minutes after being left alone with their task for the day an ominous voice comes over the speaker system to announce that their detention wasn't as arbitrary as it seemed:
"The six of you were selected to be here today because you are all hiding something. A secret. One that eats you up inside each day. I'm here to set you free."
The teens (unsure of the validity of the statement) at first ignore the mystery message. But they soon discover their twisted taunter is not to be ignored. Each teen is presented with a time-sensitive task that should they fail to complete will result in their secret being divulged.
Dun dun dun...
This mystery novella is getting lots of comparisons to One of Us is Lying in other reviews, which I get given The Breakfast Club crew and the detention setting. However, saying one is better than the other is difficult when you consider their lengths. As I stated previously, this is a novella as opposed to a full-length novel and thus the characterization and plot don't have as much room to develop -- leaving each work with their individual strengths. And while OoUiL obviously has the upper hand in terms of side plots and expansion on character stereotypes, I do believe Six Little Secrets is a better whodunit overall.
That's probably why I was hooked into this novella pretty quickly. I not only wanted to know who was behind this revenge mission, but also why these particular students were involved. I enjoyed reading about the first task (which seemed reasonable) and discovering the teen's secrets and punishment, but after task one things escalated a little too quickly. The tasks became extreme, uncomfortable, and (in my opinion...obviously) WAY too intense given the final reveal.
Which brings me to my main problem with this thriller: the ending; the kryptonite to many a well-built mystery. In this case, the ending just didn't pack the same punch as the preceding segments. The explanation for how this odd group came together and the punishments they were served just didn't sit right and left me with a "whomp whomp" feeling. I get that some of these characters deserved a "tough love" lesson, but others felt like they were punished for super trivial and circumstantial reasons.
At the end of the day, Six Little Secrets kept my interest and if you're a fan of high-school based whodunits this may be the thriller for you.
October 28, 2017
Note: I received an ARC copy of this via Netgalley. This in no way influences my opinion.
I stumbled across this book whilst looking through titles on Netgalley. The cover and blurb immediately drew me in and I had to know what was going to happen. Unfortunately, I was hugely disappointed with this book and I found it relatively predictable.
The biggest issue within this book for me was the characters. They are completely superficial and there is no depth created – we see short snippets of the characters a few days earlier (what ultimately lands them in detention) and we find out the secrets they didn’t want everyone to know. However, other than that, we don’t really delve into the lives of the characters; there is no connection created between the characters and the readers and it makes the book difficult to read because I didn’t really care about them enough to not want them to get hurt etc.
The secrets they didn’t want everyone to know were also pretty cliche to the genre. It was nothing mind blowing and they were all pretty predictable. I was expecting something that would have really shocked me and it never came. The reasoning behind what someone was doing to the characters during detention was also uninteresting and cliche. I feel like a better reason could have been thought out than what was given.
The book didn’t have enough time to develop any aspect of it – plot wise or with the characters. We see a couple of the punishments and then the reason was suddenly told by the perpetrator and then… nothing. Suddenly our characters, who previously had NOTHING in common, were suddenly all best friends and walking down the school hallway together? The relationship between the characters never developed during the events to warrant them suddenly being connected to each other. There was no consequences for the perpetrator, either, they just suddenly disappear – which is completely unrealistic. No social media, no online print, not anywhere to be found anywhere even though we eventually find out their real name…
The author also skimmed over the issue of Teacher/student relationships without actually delving into the the societal issues and the consequences that it has on the student as well as the teacher – along with the school and the community itself. It is a problem that we face in todays society and it was gleaned over without enough of an explanation or representation. The other issues from the other students should have also been represented in a much more in depth and personal way to really show the issues and the consequences of those – whether they be the issues the characters themselves face or the effect they have on the society within the book.
All in all, I was pretty disappointed with this book. The characters were superficial at best and the issues were not represented properly to show the consequences for the characters involved, along with the community as a whole. I was expecting a lot more from this book and it just didn’t deliver. I gave this book 1/5 stars.
I stumbled across this book whilst looking through titles on Netgalley. The cover and blurb immediately drew me in and I had to know what was going to happen. Unfortunately, I was hugely disappointed with this book and I found it relatively predictable.
The biggest issue within this book for me was the characters. They are completely superficial and there is no depth created – we see short snippets of the characters a few days earlier (what ultimately lands them in detention) and we find out the secrets they didn’t want everyone to know. However, other than that, we don’t really delve into the lives of the characters; there is no connection created between the characters and the readers and it makes the book difficult to read because I didn’t really care about them enough to not want them to get hurt etc.
The secrets they didn’t want everyone to know were also pretty cliche to the genre. It was nothing mind blowing and they were all pretty predictable. I was expecting something that would have really shocked me and it never came. The reasoning behind what someone was doing to the characters during detention was also uninteresting and cliche. I feel like a better reason could have been thought out than what was given.
The book didn’t have enough time to develop any aspect of it – plot wise or with the characters. We see a couple of the punishments and then the reason was suddenly told by the perpetrator and then… nothing. Suddenly our characters, who previously had NOTHING in common, were suddenly all best friends and walking down the school hallway together? The relationship between the characters never developed during the events to warrant them suddenly being connected to each other. There was no consequences for the perpetrator, either, they just suddenly disappear – which is completely unrealistic. No social media, no online print, not anywhere to be found anywhere even though we eventually find out their real name…
The author also skimmed over the issue of Teacher/student relationships without actually delving into the the societal issues and the consequences that it has on the student as well as the teacher – along with the school and the community itself. It is a problem that we face in todays society and it was gleaned over without enough of an explanation or representation. The other issues from the other students should have also been represented in a much more in depth and personal way to really show the issues and the consequences of those – whether they be the issues the characters themselves face or the effect they have on the society within the book.
All in all, I was pretty disappointed with this book. The characters were superficial at best and the issues were not represented properly to show the consequences for the characters involved, along with the community as a whole. I was expecting a lot more from this book and it just didn’t deliver. I gave this book 1/5 stars.
December 12, 2017
Six Little Secrets is a novella that I devoured in a few short hours. I enjoyed it but I felt it was a bit too quick - the ending felt a bit rushed but overall I thought it was a good read.
Six students are having Saturday detention but it seems they're not there by chance. Someone has gathered them there for one reason - to wreck havoc on their lives. They must bond together to figure out what's going on and find out who is after them.
It's a YA book which I only sometimes read so it was nice to read a thriller in the YA genre. Katlyn Duncan's writing was easy to read and it kept me gripped to keep reading. The chapters alternate between past and present as well as between different character voices however it's very easy to follow and you always know who's view we're at and on what day.
I didn't quite guess the ending which was a nice surprise and it was all tied together neatly at the end - the questions I had throughout were answered.
Overall it was a good read - perfect for someone who wants a quick read that's also gripping.
Six students are having Saturday detention but it seems they're not there by chance. Someone has gathered them there for one reason - to wreck havoc on their lives. They must bond together to figure out what's going on and find out who is after them.
It's a YA book which I only sometimes read so it was nice to read a thriller in the YA genre. Katlyn Duncan's writing was easy to read and it kept me gripped to keep reading. The chapters alternate between past and present as well as between different character voices however it's very easy to follow and you always know who's view we're at and on what day.
I didn't quite guess the ending which was a nice surprise and it was all tied together neatly at the end - the questions I had throughout were answered.
Overall it was a good read - perfect for someone who wants a quick read that's also gripping.
October 29, 2017
Remember the 80's movie The Breakfast Club? Of course, you do, it's a teen classic. Well lately, it seems that a common theme amongst new YA novels is The Breakfast Club with a Mystery spin. I have read three books so far with this theme. Six Little Secrets was the second one. In this book, it is Saturday Detention time, and six teens each from a different clique are all in today's session. During the detention, something dark happens and turns out the six are there for a reason, they all are hiding dark secrets, and if they don't follow the instructions given to them and reveal their secrets, then they will be facing the consequences. Who is doing this to them and why? Six Little Secrets was a fast-paced novella though I would consider it more a novel as novellas are short and quick. I have to admit I liked the twist for who the sixth person was as I didn't see that coming. Six Little Secrets is The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars and perfect for YA Mystery lovers.
November 24, 2017
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Six Little Secrets is about six teenagers during detention after having been framed into being there. They’re trapped by an anonymous voice claiming to know each of their secret and that if they don’t comply to their give, missions, the secrets will be revealed.
I mostly enjoyed this book. The intrigued was pretty good even though it felt like I had already read similar books before.
The characters were pretty clichéd but I could tell it was on purpose.
Still, I liked the characters and found myself rooting for them pretty quickly…
I related to some of the characters and wanted to shake others.
The main twist was interesting.
All in all, an enjoyable novella.
Six Little Secrets is about six teenagers during detention after having been framed into being there. They’re trapped by an anonymous voice claiming to know each of their secret and that if they don’t comply to their give, missions, the secrets will be revealed.
I mostly enjoyed this book. The intrigued was pretty good even though it felt like I had already read similar books before.
The characters were pretty clichéd but I could tell it was on purpose.
Still, I liked the characters and found myself rooting for them pretty quickly…
I related to some of the characters and wanted to shake others.
The main twist was interesting.
All in all, an enjoyable novella.
December 20, 2017
Six Little Secrets
I recently read Duncan’s book As You Lay Sleeping and really enjoyed it, so jumped at the chance to read this book!
Six Little Secrets reads like a teen horror type movie, I just felt it lacked a certain ‘je ne sais pas’ that I really can’t explain. This makes me sad as I wanted to love it, not just like it! Six teens are in detention together one Saturday morning; but it transpires they’re not there by chance. They find themselves embroiled in a sick game intent on ruining their lives.
The storyline grips you, it’s easy to become lost in the roller coaster ride that is Six Little Secrets, it’s fast paced and has moments where you hold your breath in anticipation. I do feel this could have been fleshed out into a novel as opposed to a novella. This was a quick read that I did enjoy but I feel the end could have been done in more detail too and not skimmed over.
All in all I did enjoy this book. I like Duncan’s writing style and her characters are great. While I enjoyed it, I don’t feel it was perhaps her best work but I do look forward to her next offering! I definitely recommend people read Duncan’s other books too! Three and a half stars from purplebookstand.
I recently read Duncan’s book As You Lay Sleeping and really enjoyed it, so jumped at the chance to read this book!
Six Little Secrets reads like a teen horror type movie, I just felt it lacked a certain ‘je ne sais pas’ that I really can’t explain. This makes me sad as I wanted to love it, not just like it! Six teens are in detention together one Saturday morning; but it transpires they’re not there by chance. They find themselves embroiled in a sick game intent on ruining their lives.
The storyline grips you, it’s easy to become lost in the roller coaster ride that is Six Little Secrets, it’s fast paced and has moments where you hold your breath in anticipation. I do feel this could have been fleshed out into a novel as opposed to a novella. This was a quick read that I did enjoy but I feel the end could have been done in more detail too and not skimmed over.
All in all I did enjoy this book. I like Duncan’s writing style and her characters are great. While I enjoyed it, I don’t feel it was perhaps her best work but I do look forward to her next offering! I definitely recommend people read Duncan’s other books too! Three and a half stars from purplebookstand.
October 10, 2017
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of SIX LITTLE SECRETS by Katlyn Duncan in exchange for my honest review.***
GRADE: B-
3.5 STARS
Take The Breakfast Club. Add in six secrets. Sprinkle with blackmail and you’ve got SIX LITTLE SECRETS. Two boys and four girls land in detention for various misdeeds. Make that three girls, Zoe is present voluntarily to avoid her home. Each is given a task to complete by a certain time, if not the consequences is secret disclosure.
I finished SIX LITTLE SECRETS in a few hours in one sitting enjoying every minute of this fast paced mystery. Although some of the characters were cliché, the plot mattered more than the individuals. The somewhat corny ending satisfied my questions.
While SIX LITTLE SECRETS is probably not a book I will reread, I recommend it.
GRADE: B-
3.5 STARS
Take The Breakfast Club. Add in six secrets. Sprinkle with blackmail and you’ve got SIX LITTLE SECRETS. Two boys and four girls land in detention for various misdeeds. Make that three girls, Zoe is present voluntarily to avoid her home. Each is given a task to complete by a certain time, if not the consequences is secret disclosure.
I finished SIX LITTLE SECRETS in a few hours in one sitting enjoying every minute of this fast paced mystery. Although some of the characters were cliché, the plot mattered more than the individuals. The somewhat corny ending satisfied my questions.
While SIX LITTLE SECRETS is probably not a book I will reread, I recommend it.
October 16, 2017
Some secrets can never stay hidden for long…
Six teenagers meet in Saturday detention: a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl.
But someone is watching. Someone has made sure that they are all in the same room at the same time. Someone knows that each of them is hiding a terrible secret…
…and by the end of detention, everyone will know the truth.
My thoughts
3.5
The Breakfast club all over again but with a twist to it, and that's all I have to say about , each of the six students and the teacher all have a dark secret that links them together but how, to find out you have to read the book.Its an ok read ,but slow from beginning to the end.And it's one of those books that shows no matter how hard you try to keep a secret ,they all ways come out, like I said it's ok,but other books that follow that same line have been done way better. None of the characters are very remember to tell you the truth. With that said I would like to think NetGalley for giving me a chance at reading and reviewing .
Six teenagers meet in Saturday detention: a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl.
But someone is watching. Someone has made sure that they are all in the same room at the same time. Someone knows that each of them is hiding a terrible secret…
…and by the end of detention, everyone will know the truth.
My thoughts
3.5
The Breakfast club all over again but with a twist to it, and that's all I have to say about , each of the six students and the teacher all have a dark secret that links them together but how, to find out you have to read the book.Its an ok read ,but slow from beginning to the end.And it's one of those books that shows no matter how hard you try to keep a secret ,they all ways come out, like I said it's ok,but other books that follow that same line have been done way better. None of the characters are very remember to tell you the truth. With that said I would like to think NetGalley for giving me a chance at reading and reviewing .
October 9, 2017
"The five of them were bound forever by one boy. May he finally rest in peace."
This book was annoying. That's literally the best word for it. It's a super cliche and it's clearly inspired by The Breakfast Club and it was rather embarrassing reading a cheap, horror knock-off, however, I did get sucked in reading it. But it wasn't that good. At the begin, the plot seemed fun and I enjoyed reading the little tasks they had, but then it got boring.
I didn't suspect Holly/Megan, although I did suspect Victor so I get half a point to be fair. The reasoning was really far-fetched, like I've had bad days but never have I been forced out of the closet, then robbed, then not been allowed a free bus ride home, then have two guys not give me spare change, then be given second degree burns on my hands and be blinded by an explosion before being blasted into the road (or was it walked into the road?) and then got run over all in one day. It's way over exaggerated, I think the author should have chosen one topic and had the kids share the secret because reading all that was so extra and totally unbelievable.
When it came to Zoe and Mr Curtis I was yelling, I wasn't expecting a student teacher romance, and when I did click onto that, I didn't think Zoe was dating the teacher, I expected something much more exciting in all honesty. After everything, I felt like her secret was a letdown, she was a victim, yet throughout the whole book, I had a picture of something much more bigger than dating a teacher. I wanted something better.
I had a problem with the author using the word 'madder' in the sentence "He looked madder than she'd ever seen." And I don't know if it's correct, but I really think the editor, or maybe the author, should have changed that as it's such an ugly word. It sounds so messy and I hate the word. I've just discovered I have a new pet peeve apparently because there are so many other words they could have used but instead, they use madder. How gross.
This book was annoying. That's literally the best word for it. It's a super cliche and it's clearly inspired by The Breakfast Club and it was rather embarrassing reading a cheap, horror knock-off, however, I did get sucked in reading it. But it wasn't that good. At the begin, the plot seemed fun and I enjoyed reading the little tasks they had, but then it got boring.
I didn't suspect Holly/Megan, although I did suspect Victor so I get half a point to be fair. The reasoning was really far-fetched, like I've had bad days but never have I been forced out of the closet, then robbed, then not been allowed a free bus ride home, then have two guys not give me spare change, then be given second degree burns on my hands and be blinded by an explosion before being blasted into the road (or was it walked into the road?) and then got run over all in one day. It's way over exaggerated, I think the author should have chosen one topic and had the kids share the secret because reading all that was so extra and totally unbelievable.
When it came to Zoe and Mr Curtis I was yelling, I wasn't expecting a student teacher romance, and when I did click onto that, I didn't think Zoe was dating the teacher, I expected something much more exciting in all honesty. After everything, I felt like her secret was a letdown, she was a victim, yet throughout the whole book, I had a picture of something much more bigger than dating a teacher. I wanted something better.
I had a problem with the author using the word 'madder' in the sentence "He looked madder than she'd ever seen." And I don't know if it's correct, but I really think the editor, or maybe the author, should have changed that as it's such an ugly word. It sounds so messy and I hate the word. I've just discovered I have a new pet peeve apparently because there are so many other words they could have used but instead, they use madder. How gross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2018
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Six teenagers meet in Saturday detention: a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl.
But someone is watching. Someone has made sure that they are all in the same room at the same time. Someone knows that each of them is hiding a terrible secret…
…and by the end of detention, everyone will know the truth.
This book is a quick, easy and fun read. You could easily sit down and read it all in one go. However, I did have some issues with the plot and the characters.
In terms of the characters, they were just stereotypical and lacked any sort of depth. The issues or problems that they struggled with were too clichéd for me. I've seen it all too many times before to really get invested or care about what happens.
The plot was highly unoriginal, which wouldn't be a problem for me really, except that it didn't do enough to stand out from its competition. 'One of Us is Lying', a book with a similar plot released earlier in the year, is just so much better. 'Six Little Secrets' left me feeling underwhelmed with the twists, underwhelmed with the ending, and in fact, the whole book left me with a general 'meh' feeling.
I do realise that I'm coming over quite negative about this book now, but it's not all bad. It grabbed my attention enough to read all the way to the end, and I do think it could possibly find its niche. For fans of Pretty Little Liars perhaps, or those suffering from withdrawal after 'One of Us is Lying'.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Six teenagers meet in Saturday detention: a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl.
But someone is watching. Someone has made sure that they are all in the same room at the same time. Someone knows that each of them is hiding a terrible secret…
…and by the end of detention, everyone will know the truth.
This book is a quick, easy and fun read. You could easily sit down and read it all in one go. However, I did have some issues with the plot and the characters.
In terms of the characters, they were just stereotypical and lacked any sort of depth. The issues or problems that they struggled with were too clichéd for me. I've seen it all too many times before to really get invested or care about what happens.
The plot was highly unoriginal, which wouldn't be a problem for me really, except that it didn't do enough to stand out from its competition. 'One of Us is Lying', a book with a similar plot released earlier in the year, is just so much better. 'Six Little Secrets' left me feeling underwhelmed with the twists, underwhelmed with the ending, and in fact, the whole book left me with a general 'meh' feeling.
I do realise that I'm coming over quite negative about this book now, but it's not all bad. It grabbed my attention enough to read all the way to the end, and I do think it could possibly find its niche. For fans of Pretty Little Liars perhaps, or those suffering from withdrawal after 'One of Us is Lying'.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
October 21, 2017
Obviously a takeoff on One of Us Is Lying, but nowhere near as good.
November 19, 2017
*** I received an advanced copy from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
A cheerleader, a troublemaker, a fashionista wannabe, a guy who is seemingly perfect, the new girl.......this sounds like it could be the beginning of a joke, or maybe an 80's John Hughes movie. Instead, this eclectic group is all taking detention together on Saturday morning. What starts as a morning filled with barbed insults and snappy retorts turns into a game of revenge where everyone loses and someone unknown is calling the shots.
This was really enjoyable and kept me engrossed. I felt the ending was a little rushed, but other than that I thought it was an excellent read. I would definitely recommend it.
A cheerleader, a troublemaker, a fashionista wannabe, a guy who is seemingly perfect, the new girl.......this sounds like it could be the beginning of a joke, or maybe an 80's John Hughes movie. Instead, this eclectic group is all taking detention together on Saturday morning. What starts as a morning filled with barbed insults and snappy retorts turns into a game of revenge where everyone loses and someone unknown is calling the shots.
This was really enjoyable and kept me engrossed. I felt the ending was a little rushed, but other than that I thought it was an excellent read. I would definitely recommend it.
October 19, 2017
Six little secrets by katlyn duncan.
Six teenagers meet in Saturday detention: a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl.
But someone is watching. Someone has made sure that they are all in the same room at the same time. Someone knows that each of them is hiding a terrible secret…
…and by the end of detention, everyone will know the truth.
This was a really good read. A twister of a read. What a rollercoaster. Didn't see that coming. 4*. Netgalley and hq digital.
Six teenagers meet in Saturday detention: a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl.
But someone is watching. Someone has made sure that they are all in the same room at the same time. Someone knows that each of them is hiding a terrible secret…
…and by the end of detention, everyone will know the truth.
This was a really good read. A twister of a read. What a rollercoaster. Didn't see that coming. 4*. Netgalley and hq digital.
November 29, 2017
The book was refreshing to read. It was about a boy .And the 6 little persons who was into detention had to follow the red of paper which had instructions on . The teacher who gave them the detention was a Mr Curtis . I thank Helen Boyce for allowing me to read it .
November 11, 2017
* Review copy received from publisher
This is not the first book published this year with the same plot. A collection of stereotypical students in detention and the revealing of their secrets. I have just recently read One of Us is Lying so I found the storyline unoriginal and predictable.
This is not the first book published this year with the same plot. A collection of stereotypical students in detention and the revealing of their secrets. I have just recently read One of Us is Lying so I found the storyline unoriginal and predictable.
November 14, 2017
Zoe enjoys her Saturday mornings in detention, not that she actually has detention, but it gives her a chance to escape her home situation. But this Saturday is unlike all the rest because she is not alone- instead there are five other teens present, the most random assortment of people. Instead of chance though, the group was brought together for a specific purpose- to be set free, even if they don't want to be. And some may not make it out of detention.
I love the idea of Breakfast club style books, where a group of random kids is brought together against their will and they end up bonding somehow- be it romance or mystery, so I wanted to read this story when I first came across it. I usually don't like to read novellas as a general rule since I feel like I am missing out on either character or plot development, and to be honest I did not realize that this was a novella until I started to read and found that it was only 130ish pages. I have read another mystery, As You Lay Sleeping, by Katlyn and really enjoyed it so I jumped at the opportunity to read another book by her. This will be a fairly short review since I don't want to spoil anything (this is a mystery after all!) and the story itself was not super long.
This book was narrated predominately by Zoe, the loner girl who enjoys her solitude by attending Saturday morning detentions, even though she has not received detention. Throughout the novella the other characters get a chapter here and there with their narration included to help create backstory and motivation. There appears to be no connection between the six teens, but as the story progresses, clues are dropped and lies are revealed, making for a twisty turny mystery that I kept guessing at.
I really enjoy Katlyn's writing style and pacing, making for engaging flawed characters and surprising plot reveals. That being said, I would have liked this to be a longer, full length book with a little bit more emphasis on the character development, but that may just be for selfish reasons because Katlyn was able to deliver a complete read within the pages she produced. I enjoyed this fast little story and look forward to more from the author.
I received this title for reviewing purposes.
I love the idea of Breakfast club style books, where a group of random kids is brought together against their will and they end up bonding somehow- be it romance or mystery, so I wanted to read this story when I first came across it. I usually don't like to read novellas as a general rule since I feel like I am missing out on either character or plot development, and to be honest I did not realize that this was a novella until I started to read and found that it was only 130ish pages. I have read another mystery, As You Lay Sleeping, by Katlyn and really enjoyed it so I jumped at the opportunity to read another book by her. This will be a fairly short review since I don't want to spoil anything (this is a mystery after all!) and the story itself was not super long.
This book was narrated predominately by Zoe, the loner girl who enjoys her solitude by attending Saturday morning detentions, even though she has not received detention. Throughout the novella the other characters get a chapter here and there with their narration included to help create backstory and motivation. There appears to be no connection between the six teens, but as the story progresses, clues are dropped and lies are revealed, making for a twisty turny mystery that I kept guessing at.
I really enjoy Katlyn's writing style and pacing, making for engaging flawed characters and surprising plot reveals. That being said, I would have liked this to be a longer, full length book with a little bit more emphasis on the character development, but that may just be for selfish reasons because Katlyn was able to deliver a complete read within the pages she produced. I enjoyed this fast little story and look forward to more from the author.
I received this title for reviewing purposes.
January 30, 2018
REVIEW: SIX LITTLE SECRETS
TUESDAY, 30 JANUARY 2018
*This book was sent to me through Netgalley*
Title: Six Little Secrets
Author: Katlyn Duncan
Publisher: HQ Digital
My rating:
Some secrets can never stay hidden for long…
Six teenagers meet in Saturday detention: a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl. But someone is watching. Someone has made sure that they are all in the same room at the same time.
Someone knows that each of them is hiding a terrible secret… …and by the end of detention, everyone will know the truth.
I went into this not knowing it was a novella but I think my rating would have been the same.
I really didn't like this novella. It wasn't well developed... It's actually hard to talk about this book ahah
So it started well, I was intrigued and really wanted to know what was going to happen. The problem was that when everything started happening it all seemed way to fake and it was obvious some characters were involved.
I didn't like any of the characters...they were all annoying. The one character I actually tolerated, which the author totally did intended for me to like this character, in the end was also crappy. I was and still am mad about it.
This novella felt like a book without the middle part. The start was tolerable and it could have actually been developed into a really interesting story but everything was thrown at you from nowhere. Literally nowhere, I had to reread the same page twice to try to understand why on one page I'm with the characters trying to figure everything out and on the next the culprit is just thrown at you. It was annoying.
Also the motive was kinda boring.
I can't with this novella. I'm so disappointed.
I don't recommend this novella unless you want to be mad at it.
You can also find more reviews on my blog Girl Hearts Books
TUESDAY, 30 JANUARY 2018
*This book was sent to me through Netgalley*
Title: Six Little Secrets
Author: Katlyn Duncan
Publisher: HQ Digital
My rating:
Some secrets can never stay hidden for long…
Six teenagers meet in Saturday detention: a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl. But someone is watching. Someone has made sure that they are all in the same room at the same time.
Someone knows that each of them is hiding a terrible secret… …and by the end of detention, everyone will know the truth.
I went into this not knowing it was a novella but I think my rating would have been the same.
I really didn't like this novella. It wasn't well developed... It's actually hard to talk about this book ahah
So it started well, I was intrigued and really wanted to know what was going to happen. The problem was that when everything started happening it all seemed way to fake and it was obvious some characters were involved.
I didn't like any of the characters...they were all annoying. The one character I actually tolerated, which the author totally did intended for me to like this character, in the end was also crappy. I was and still am mad about it.
This novella felt like a book without the middle part. The start was tolerable and it could have actually been developed into a really interesting story but everything was thrown at you from nowhere. Literally nowhere, I had to reread the same page twice to try to understand why on one page I'm with the characters trying to figure everything out and on the next the culprit is just thrown at you. It was annoying.
Also the motive was kinda boring.
I can't with this novella. I'm so disappointed.
I don't recommend this novella unless you want to be mad at it.
You can also find more reviews on my blog Girl Hearts Books
December 21, 2017
A fabulous novella that ended a little too soon.
I have to admit that YA is not generally a genre I would pick up by choice, but when I saw the blurb for this book, my interest was piqued. It seems over the last few years, that YA books are not only exposing the true life ordeals that young people face these days (think 13 Reasons Why) but are also illuminating issues that parents should be aware of when raising children in today's social media dominated world.
Zoe, Cece, Quentin, Jackie, Teddy and Holly are classmates brought together one Saturday for detention! But the actions that saw them brought together are not the reason they are being punished.
"The six of you were selected to be here today because you are all hiding something. A secret. One that eats you up inside each day. I’m here to set you free …"
It's clear none of these young adults is innocent, but what secrets could have them targeted in this way?
Many have described this book as a modern-day "Breakfast Club", and in many ways, I can understand that - but I think that is far too simplistic an explanation. If you combine The Breakfast Club with 13 Reasons Why I think you may be close.
Six Little Lies takes a very simple concept and highlights the ways that social media can be used in our children's lives. All children hide secrets, all young adults face testing moments during their young lives, but mistakes you make are no longer hidden behind closed doors.
Six Little Lies is a fabulous novella, and my only negative would be that it is almost 'not enough.' I would have loved more insight into each character, I found myself being drawn into their individual stories just as the book was coming to a close. With such relatable characters, this could well have been a much longer novel rather than a short novella.
I have to admit that YA is not generally a genre I would pick up by choice, but when I saw the blurb for this book, my interest was piqued. It seems over the last few years, that YA books are not only exposing the true life ordeals that young people face these days (think 13 Reasons Why) but are also illuminating issues that parents should be aware of when raising children in today's social media dominated world.
Zoe, Cece, Quentin, Jackie, Teddy and Holly are classmates brought together one Saturday for detention! But the actions that saw them brought together are not the reason they are being punished.
"The six of you were selected to be here today because you are all hiding something. A secret. One that eats you up inside each day. I’m here to set you free …"
It's clear none of these young adults is innocent, but what secrets could have them targeted in this way?
Many have described this book as a modern-day "Breakfast Club", and in many ways, I can understand that - but I think that is far too simplistic an explanation. If you combine The Breakfast Club with 13 Reasons Why I think you may be close.
Six Little Lies takes a very simple concept and highlights the ways that social media can be used in our children's lives. All children hide secrets, all young adults face testing moments during their young lives, but mistakes you make are no longer hidden behind closed doors.
Six Little Lies is a fabulous novella, and my only negative would be that it is almost 'not enough.' I would have loved more insight into each character, I found myself being drawn into their individual stories just as the book was coming to a close. With such relatable characters, this could well have been a much longer novel rather than a short novella.
January 30, 2018
Six very different students end up in Saturday detention together. Zoe, a loner and social outsider. Teddy, a smart kid on his way to becoming class valedictorian. Jackie, head cheerleader and gossip queen. Q troublemaker and bad boy. CeCe a spoilt rich girl.
They are trapped in a library and forcing them to complete tasks, each one getting more and more dangerous. Everyone of them has a secret and somebody is hell bent on exposing them.
I devoured this novella in a day, I just couldn’t put it down! To me it was a mix of 80’s movie The Breakfast Club and Pretty Little Liars.
It’s fast paced, well written and there is some good twists and turns.
I really liked Zoe, she seems the most sane one of the group and the one throughout the story that we get to know the best. She’s still grieving the death of her father and hiding out at Saturday detention, even though she doesn’t have to be there.
Okay yes there are a few cliches, the mean cheerleader and the spoilt rich girl for example but I think the author makes each character memorable, especially when the characters’ secrets are revealed.
My only compliant was I wish it was longer and maybe delved deeper into each of the characters backgrounds more. The ending was also a little predictable too but sometimes that’s just what a story needs.
I will definitely be reading more from this author again.
They are trapped in a library and forcing them to complete tasks, each one getting more and more dangerous. Everyone of them has a secret and somebody is hell bent on exposing them.
I devoured this novella in a day, I just couldn’t put it down! To me it was a mix of 80’s movie The Breakfast Club and Pretty Little Liars.
It’s fast paced, well written and there is some good twists and turns.
I really liked Zoe, she seems the most sane one of the group and the one throughout the story that we get to know the best. She’s still grieving the death of her father and hiding out at Saturday detention, even though she doesn’t have to be there.
Okay yes there are a few cliches, the mean cheerleader and the spoilt rich girl for example but I think the author makes each character memorable, especially when the characters’ secrets are revealed.
My only compliant was I wish it was longer and maybe delved deeper into each of the characters backgrounds more. The ending was also a little predictable too but sometimes that’s just what a story needs.
I will definitely be reading more from this author again.
October 12, 2017
This was a fantastic story with a great mystery! They got focused on thinking that it was the who, but it was the why. Great read!
November 26, 2017
I received an ARC copy of Six Little Secrets from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Okay, so...I'm not quite sure what I just read. I guess I'll start this review off by saying that I really, really hope the copy I received was just a draft and not the final product because there were several spelling and grammar issues. The biggest and by far the most frequent was that words were often split down the middle (li ke th is)—I tried counting, but quickly lost track. The manuscript was also filled with several awkward paragraphs and choppy sentences, including dialogue that was not separated onto different lines.
Now that I've got that out of the way, it's time to move onto the plot. Six Little Secrets had an interesting premise and I'm always down for an interesting mystery. It was quite obviously inspired by The Breakfast Club and perhaps (though I haven't read it yet) One of Us is Lying. Six students are brought to detention because they all have secrets that connect them to a terrible event. The cover and summary (which, unlike the book itself, was not littered with errors) definitely drew me in...but I was quickly let down.
I will give the author credit that the characters were interesting (albeit carbon copies of those in The Breakfast Club) and the tasks they had to complete were, to my knowledge, fairly unique. But as far as descriptive detail goes, Katlyn Duncan hardly scratches the surface. According to Goodreads this is not the author's debut so I can only hope that her other books are not like this...because major plot points are skimmed over and the entire book reads like a first draft. It is a fairly short novel (140 pages according to Goodreads) and a lot of readers LIKE short novels, but I personally think more length—as in, more detail, more fleshing out—could've seriously done this book some justice. Would it have been a five star? No because, like I said, there were still several errors and the characters, though interesting, were not unique in their personalities (their backstories, yes). But I think it could've at least raised my rating to a 3-star or *maybe* even a 4-star depending on what was done.
As for how things play out, I will admit that I was not expecting Zoe's secret, so I will give Katlyn Duncan props for that. However, I was able to predict that so the end did not shock me much. I also feel like Katlyn Duncan skimmed over a lot of major details to make her scenes seem more 'convenient'—like for instance. It left me, as a reader, feeling pretty confused and it's lazy writing, in my opinion.
All in all, this book was a pretty major disappointment and I can see from the other reviews rolling in (as of the date of this review) that I'm not the only one who thinks so. Like I said before, I have no idea what the author's other books are like so I'm going to hope for her sake that this one was merely a flop, or maybe she just sent out a draft, while her others might be decent. Might be wishful thinking on my part, but I'm choosing to give the author and her writing the benefit of the doubt. Thank you again, to the publisher and NetGalley, for allowing me to read this book.
That is all.
Okay, so...I'm not quite sure what I just read. I guess I'll start this review off by saying that I really, really hope the copy I received was just a draft and not the final product because there were several spelling and grammar issues. The biggest and by far the most frequent was that words were often split down the middle (li ke th is)—I tried counting, but quickly lost track. The manuscript was also filled with several awkward paragraphs and choppy sentences, including dialogue that was not separated onto different lines.
Now that I've got that out of the way, it's time to move onto the plot. Six Little Secrets had an interesting premise and I'm always down for an interesting mystery. It was quite obviously inspired by The Breakfast Club and perhaps (though I haven't read it yet) One of Us is Lying. Six students are brought to detention because they all have secrets that connect them to a terrible event. The cover and summary (which, unlike the book itself, was not littered with errors) definitely drew me in...but I was quickly let down.
I will give the author credit that the characters were interesting (albeit carbon copies of those in The Breakfast Club) and the tasks they had to complete were, to my knowledge, fairly unique. But as far as descriptive detail goes, Katlyn Duncan hardly scratches the surface. According to Goodreads this is not the author's debut so I can only hope that her other books are not like this...because major plot points are skimmed over and the entire book reads like a first draft. It is a fairly short novel (140 pages according to Goodreads) and a lot of readers LIKE short novels, but I personally think more length—as in, more detail, more fleshing out—could've seriously done this book some justice. Would it have been a five star? No because, like I said, there were still several errors and the characters, though interesting, were not unique in their personalities (their backstories, yes). But I think it could've at least raised my rating to a 3-star or *maybe* even a 4-star depending on what was done.
As for how things play out, I will admit that I was not expecting Zoe's secret, so I will give Katlyn Duncan props for that. However, I was able to predict that so the end did not shock me much. I also feel like Katlyn Duncan skimmed over a lot of major details to make her scenes seem more 'convenient'—like for instance. It left me, as a reader, feeling pretty confused and it's lazy writing, in my opinion.
All in all, this book was a pretty major disappointment and I can see from the other reviews rolling in (as of the date of this review) that I'm not the only one who thinks so. Like I said before, I have no idea what the author's other books are like so I'm going to hope for her sake that this one was merely a flop, or maybe she just sent out a draft, while her others might be decent. Might be wishful thinking on my part, but I'm choosing to give the author and her writing the benefit of the doubt. Thank you again, to the publisher and NetGalley, for allowing me to read this book.
That is all.
December 21, 2017
Duncan’s Six Little Secrets is a young adult fiction that has a John Hughes Breakfast Club feeling with a dark edge. Told in the third person, the characters are well drawn and the plot is very engaging. Each of the seven main characters all play to prototypes which include the class clown, prom queen, fashionista, geek, etc . As each character becomes part of a dangerous game concerning the dark deed that they may or may not be part of, things take a drastic turn.
Duncan’s plot is captivating and keeps the reader entertained. She jumps back and forth in time to show the circumstances of how each of the characters find themselves in Saturday detentions. This works extremely well as it gives some depth to their personality types. This is where the author really comes into her own as she has perfectly captured her audience and characters. What starts out as stereotyping, Duncan switches things up to break away from the mould with great aplomb.
As this is a young adult fiction, the game is toned down for its audience and there maybe some hardened readers out there that may feel slightly cheated. The ending is a bit rushed and felt that with some lengthening and a better build up to the grand finale would have worked a treat. Saying this, I thoroughly enjoyed the book overall.
Overall, Duncan’s novella is a winner for the young adult fiction market. As she has broken the classic science-fiction tropes that most YA authors tend to go for, chasing the Maze Runner and Hunger Games dollars. It is refreshing to see a contemporary novel aimed for its audience. It does lend itself to the 13 Reasons Why audience but that shouldn’t take away from the over all premise.
Enjoyable, engaging and quick read that ticks all the boxes but lacks a certain depth to make it a fully rewarding read.
Duncan’s plot is captivating and keeps the reader entertained. She jumps back and forth in time to show the circumstances of how each of the characters find themselves in Saturday detentions. This works extremely well as it gives some depth to their personality types. This is where the author really comes into her own as she has perfectly captured her audience and characters. What starts out as stereotyping, Duncan switches things up to break away from the mould with great aplomb.
As this is a young adult fiction, the game is toned down for its audience and there maybe some hardened readers out there that may feel slightly cheated. The ending is a bit rushed and felt that with some lengthening and a better build up to the grand finale would have worked a treat. Saying this, I thoroughly enjoyed the book overall.
Overall, Duncan’s novella is a winner for the young adult fiction market. As she has broken the classic science-fiction tropes that most YA authors tend to go for, chasing the Maze Runner and Hunger Games dollars. It is refreshing to see a contemporary novel aimed for its audience. It does lend itself to the 13 Reasons Why audience but that shouldn’t take away from the over all premise.
Enjoyable, engaging and quick read that ticks all the boxes but lacks a certain depth to make it a fully rewarding read.
January 6, 2018
SIX LITTLE SECRETS by Katlyn Duncan was a fast paced high school thriller. Six kids get tricked into detention where they are stalked and forced to play a game they never wanted to. If they passed their secrets stayed safe, but if they failed their pasts will come to haunt them.
I really liked how quick it was, although it was what I found lacking too. All the characters were very unique and their pasts were all equally as troubling. Duncan did a good job with the characterizations.
The whole plot was pretty intricate and I liked it. But on the other hand I wonder if it was really that realistic. I had trouble believing the big baddie would go to such lengths to do what they did. If you read it, you’ll know what I’m talking about! Sorry, no spoilers! Ha!
Some of the punishments were interesting, and some were uncomfortable to read (Poor Cece). I kind of wish there was more deadly consequences. I feel like that would have had my interest piqued to the max.
So though I wish it was longer, I still enjoyed it as a whole and would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a quick YA thriller.
I really liked how quick it was, although it was what I found lacking too. All the characters were very unique and their pasts were all equally as troubling. Duncan did a good job with the characterizations.
The whole plot was pretty intricate and I liked it. But on the other hand I wonder if it was really that realistic. I had trouble believing the big baddie would go to such lengths to do what they did. If you read it, you’ll know what I’m talking about! Sorry, no spoilers! Ha!
Some of the punishments were interesting, and some were uncomfortable to read (Poor Cece). I kind of wish there was more deadly consequences. I feel like that would have had my interest piqued to the max.
So though I wish it was longer, I still enjoyed it as a whole and would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a quick YA thriller.
September 3, 2018
6 kids in detention, with nothing in common except that they each have a secret. Even the main character is keeping something from us.
This is quite a short book so everything happens quickly, but this keeps it fast paced and interesting. I have read other books with a similar premise though there are a few surprises.
Not quite as deadly as it says on the cover.
This is quite a short book so everything happens quickly, but this keeps it fast paced and interesting. I have read other books with a similar premise though there are a few surprises.
Not quite as deadly as it says on the cover.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews