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The Pure Heart
When Iseabail is employed by a wealthy merchant to be his daughter's companion, her life changes forever. Transported from her remote island home to the Scottish borderlands, Iseabail is unnerved both by her precocious young charge and the house's secrets: a hidden chapel, servants who speak in a foreign tongue, a mute stableboy. And then the merchant returns with a mysterious cargo. Why has Iseabail really been summoned here? And will she ever make it back home?
288 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 12, 2020
The nice thing about the Book Box Club is that I not only get books I normally wouldn't have gotten in the bookstore myself, but it's also that we do this buddy read, whether or not I'm in the mood for it. That means that I usually don't even bother to read blurbs or check out what the story is about. I dive in and then I see how it ends and what I think of it.
I'm not entirely sure what to think of this book though. I think the premise and the story itself are actually quite nice and interesting. Although a lot of elements were quite predictable, it was nice to watch the mystery unfold and to slowly get a much better image of what was actually going on and happening. But the pacing of the story felt a little off at times. The story starts quite slow and we're already past the halfway point when the plot actually becomes more visible and thickens. The last 60 pages however are a rollercoaster, although mostly filled with info dumps.
On top of that the characters were not that fleshed out either. Isaebail is kind enough, but somehow it's also hard to understand her actions and why she does certain things. Her curiosity often borders on downright stupidity and in a lot of cases it's hard to understand why she does something or why she doesn't run from something. Maria, on top of that, is extremely annoying and spoiled. And the explanation for that didn't feel good enough in the end.
So, I'd say it's a story that could have been amazing, but fell a little flat because of the execution. It's not a bad book, far from it, but it's not a really great book either.
I'm not entirely sure what to think of this book though. I think the premise and the story itself are actually quite nice and interesting. Although a lot of elements were quite predictable, it was nice to watch the mystery unfold and to slowly get a much better image of what was actually going on and happening. But the pacing of the story felt a little off at times. The story starts quite slow and we're already past the halfway point when the plot actually becomes more visible and thickens. The last 60 pages however are a rollercoaster, although mostly filled with info dumps.
On top of that the characters were not that fleshed out either. Isaebail is kind enough, but somehow it's also hard to understand her actions and why she does certain things. Her curiosity often borders on downright stupidity and in a lot of cases it's hard to understand why she does something or why she doesn't run from something. Maria, on top of that, is extremely annoying and spoiled. And the explanation for that didn't feel good enough in the end.
So, I'd say it's a story that could have been amazing, but fell a little flat because of the execution. It's not a bad book, far from it, but it's not a really great book either.
February 22, 2020
I received The Pure Heart by Trudi Tweedie in Book Box Club's January box. I'm a little surprised by the number of negative reviews because I enjoyed the story (mostly), but each to their own and all that! I can understand why people found Iseabail annoying or difficult to like.
This was a very different type of book to what I was expecting. In a good way! I was expecting a YA historical romance with a love triangle or two. Without giving anything away, this is SO not what The Pure Heart is about!
Iseabail lives on a remotes Scottish island with her family but finds herself sent away from everything she knows and the boy she's supposed to marry, to be the companion of a rich merchant's daughter, Maria. Iseabail is taken to a Bronte like manor house full of mystery, gothic beauty and all kinds of drama. Scotland and the house are described beautifully, I could almost taste the waters myself.
I liked Iseabail although I would have liked her to follow her instincts and ask more questions. Something about Maria reminded me of cousin Colin from The Secret Garden and she was just as demanding and irritating.
The Pure Heart has all the twists. Oh the ending! In terms of closure I would like a follow up, although on the other hand I did like the different ending and particularly enjoyed the world building.
4 Stars in my Sky!
This was a very different type of book to what I was expecting. In a good way! I was expecting a YA historical romance with a love triangle or two. Without giving anything away, this is SO not what The Pure Heart is about!
Iseabail lives on a remotes Scottish island with her family but finds herself sent away from everything she knows and the boy she's supposed to marry, to be the companion of a rich merchant's daughter, Maria. Iseabail is taken to a Bronte like manor house full of mystery, gothic beauty and all kinds of drama. Scotland and the house are described beautifully, I could almost taste the waters myself.
I liked Iseabail although I would have liked her to follow her instincts and ask more questions. Something about Maria reminded me of cousin Colin from The Secret Garden and she was just as demanding and irritating.
The Pure Heart has all the twists. Oh the ending! In terms of closure I would like a follow up, although on the other hand I did like the different ending and particularly enjoyed the world building.
4 Stars in my Sky!
January 22, 2020
This was a lot more basic than I was expecting and I feel like it's being wrongly marketed as YA fantasy (which is a huge and rich category) when it is definitely more like middlegrade fantasy, aimed at age 12ish. The writing was quite bland and there was a lack of characterisation, and the exclamation points in the narrative bothered me. It also felt a bit ... loose. It didn't satisfy, and I don't think it was right to be included in a YA book box as that is not the right audience - this is much more a kids/preteen book.
February 19, 2020
There are some books that leave you rattled, an unexpected twist to the end that leaves you unsettled and, in my case, aimlessly pacing the house to help process what just happened.
The Pure Heart is gloriously gothic, set in the atmospheric Scottish Isles and on the border to England at a time of unrest. There’s a genuine fear, despite being the middle of nowhere, that the Protestant English could arrive and this bubbles away under the surface throughout.
Opening as what feels like a MG Fantasy, I adore the no-nonsense attitude of our MC Iseabail and her predicament. In her shoes, I’d do the same. Tweedie carefully layers in more and more hints of the supernatural, ramping up the tension. When that ‘rubber band snaps’ moment hits, it’s a whirlwind ending and beware getting that metaphoric whip of the rubber as it breaks. It’s a classically-YA dark ending and it did NOT go anywhere remotely like what I was expecting. It’s an emotional punch that will stay with you, much longer than you may like... And, in the tradition of any bookworm, this book left me emotionally shredded AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ IT.
I haven’t been so thoroughly impacted by a book since O’Neill’s Only Ever Yours - a book that years later still leaves me staring blankly at the wall. Don’t be misled by the innocent start, this one is going to get you good and not to be missed
The Pure Heart is gloriously gothic, set in the atmospheric Scottish Isles and on the border to England at a time of unrest. There’s a genuine fear, despite being the middle of nowhere, that the Protestant English could arrive and this bubbles away under the surface throughout.
Opening as what feels like a MG Fantasy, I adore the no-nonsense attitude of our MC Iseabail and her predicament. In her shoes, I’d do the same. Tweedie carefully layers in more and more hints of the supernatural, ramping up the tension. When that ‘rubber band snaps’ moment hits, it’s a whirlwind ending and beware getting that metaphoric whip of the rubber as it breaks. It’s a classically-YA dark ending and it did NOT go anywhere remotely like what I was expecting. It’s an emotional punch that will stay with you, much longer than you may like... And, in the tradition of any bookworm, this book left me emotionally shredded AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ IT.
I haven’t been so thoroughly impacted by a book since O’Neill’s Only Ever Yours - a book that years later still leaves me staring blankly at the wall. Don’t be misled by the innocent start, this one is going to get you good and not to be missed
April 22, 2020
This is a stunning book – a suspenseful gothic novel set in Scotland in the time of the plague. The plight of Iseabail, and her dilemma as to whether she can ever return to her old life, resonates poignantly with the current world situation. Trudi Tweedie creates an eminently believable historical world, in which magic and fantasy seem somehow anchored in gritty reality. The period detail is beautifully described and never heavy-handed. Iseabail’s characterisation is meticulous and compelling, and the reader cannot help being drawn in as the plot winds ever more darkly towards its murky end. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
February 16, 2020
The Pure Heart by Trudi Tweedie was the second book I received in Book Box Club's January box. I am officially all caught up! I mainly loved this story but there were a few things that irritated me slightly which is why I knocked a star off.
The story is centered around Iseabail who lives on an island off of Scotland. She's due to marry the boy she loves but a stranger's letter takes her away from her home into the Scottish borderlands and to a mansion in order to be a companion to the daughter of the wealthy merchant that summoned her.
This book is full of twists and turns and unexpected happenings. The imagery is great and I really could imagine the rugged landscape and the elegant house. The one thing that annoyed me was the character of Iseabail as she just seemed so naive and trusting. Even though she questioned her surroundings and her new life constantly, whenever another character told her anything she took it as truth. In the end I got so frustrated with her and had so little empathy for her that I thought she got what she deserved.
Even though it shocked me, I did enjoy the fact that it wasn't a typical happy ending. And, although I didn't feel sorry for the main character, I did feel sorry for her family and friends she left behind.This was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to people who want something filled with secrets and mysteries.
The story is centered around Iseabail who lives on an island off of Scotland. She's due to marry the boy she loves but a stranger's letter takes her away from her home into the Scottish borderlands and to a mansion in order to be a companion to the daughter of the wealthy merchant that summoned her.
This book is full of twists and turns and unexpected happenings. The imagery is great and I really could imagine the rugged landscape and the elegant house. The one thing that annoyed me was the character of Iseabail as she just seemed so naive and trusting. Even though she questioned her surroundings and her new life constantly, whenever another character told her anything she took it as truth. In the end I got so frustrated with her and had so little empathy for her that I thought she got what she deserved.
Even though it shocked me, I did enjoy the fact that it wasn't a typical happy ending. And, although I didn't feel sorry for the main character, I did feel sorry for her family and friends she left behind.This was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to people who want something filled with secrets and mysteries.
March 6, 2020
The Pure Heart weaves a tale that is utterly enthralling. The historical backdrop of the Scottish borderlands pull the reader into an otherworldly place, but one that sits just beside the real world; wild and filled with creatures and events that simply cannot be. The tension steadily builds as the superstitions of the aftermath of the Plague fill the pages and Iseabail struggles to hold on to a sense of reason and uncover the knowledge she needs to navigate this utterly strange landscape and its' cunning, manipulative occupants. Iseabail herself is a clever, quick-thinking character, with a determined, yet generous, kind nature. But all of this, it seems, is not enough to outwit her employer; a man of great intelligence, secrets and control. With a touch of Jane Eyre and classic horror stories of the past, the deliberate pace of the book allows the tale to seep into the reader, gradually tightening its' grip until you are as lost as Iseabail; surrounded by this eerie, mysterious world. Evocative, unsettling and beautiful.
April 26, 2020
3.5 stars really.
Damn. Every now and again I read a book that surprises me. I thought the story was too obvious for a while but that was, I think, intentional.
Glad I read it. Pretty impressed with the ending though I think some of the execution of the story could have been improved along the way.
Damn. Every now and again I read a book that surprises me. I thought the story was too obvious for a while but that was, I think, intentional.
Glad I read it. Pretty impressed with the ending though I think some of the execution of the story could have been improved along the way.
July 22, 2025
this book was described as ‘atmospheric’ because the main character has the personality of a slightly wet tea towel (and every other character tbh)
December 26, 2020
The Pure Heart was okay but not amazing.
It follows Iseabail who travels from her remote Scottish island to the borders to become a companion to a young girl. From the start, things seem odd and as time went on more strange things started to happen.
Not far in I guessed what was going to happen and got it right. The story isn't particularly original and some of the characters are not fully flushed out.
Tweedie creates an interesting world with some fantastical elements. But on the whole it was only alright.
It follows Iseabail who travels from her remote Scottish island to the borders to become a companion to a young girl. From the start, things seem odd and as time went on more strange things started to happen.
Not far in I guessed what was going to happen and got it right. The story isn't particularly original and some of the characters are not fully flushed out.
Tweedie creates an interesting world with some fantastical elements. But on the whole it was only alright.
December 29, 2022
Loved the setting and the magical element spun through the whole story. An ending you don’t expect in this day and age with all the ‘happily ever afters’ but I decided I liked the change of pace!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2025
I loved the ending.
February 5, 2020
Firstly, I want to say thank you so much to Chicken House books for sending me a copy of The Pure Heart. I really do appreciate this opportunity.
I did really enjoy my time reading this book. It is a very quick read which will instantly draw you in. I felt like I was so immersed into the story that I did not want to put it down because I wanted to know more.
What I really enjoyed in this book was the world and the plot. I was very intrigued throughout and was taken my surprised by the twists and turns that you will find. I thought that this was a middle grade, it reads like a middle grade and I think it should be publicised as such. However, when I think deeper, this is quite dark for a middle grade and if you want an ending where they all lived happily ever after this is not something you will get. If you want a dark excited ending that you probably didn't expect then this is the book for you.
I liked the characters. Iseabail was a sweetheart who I could not help but feel sorry for, however she was also very naive in the decisions that she makes and the things that she believes. I could not help but feel sorry for her. I found William was another that I liked, felt sorry for but was also very intrigued by. Maria I did not like but I believe that was the authors intention. Maybe they could have done with a little bit more development so that I could have felt a bit more invested in them. I feel like the ending, which I will not spoil, would have had more of an impact on me had I felt more connected to the characters within it.
This was a pleasant read that I would recommend that people pick up. I do think that it is worth your time reading.
I did really enjoy my time reading this book. It is a very quick read which will instantly draw you in. I felt like I was so immersed into the story that I did not want to put it down because I wanted to know more.
What I really enjoyed in this book was the world and the plot. I was very intrigued throughout and was taken my surprised by the twists and turns that you will find. I thought that this was a middle grade, it reads like a middle grade and I think it should be publicised as such. However, when I think deeper, this is quite dark for a middle grade and if you want an ending where they all lived happily ever after this is not something you will get. If you want a dark excited ending that you probably didn't expect then this is the book for you.
I liked the characters. Iseabail was a sweetheart who I could not help but feel sorry for, however she was also very naive in the decisions that she makes and the things that she believes. I could not help but feel sorry for her. I found William was another that I liked, felt sorry for but was also very intrigued by. Maria I did not like but I believe that was the authors intention. Maybe they could have done with a little bit more development so that I could have felt a bit more invested in them. I feel like the ending, which I will not spoil, would have had more of an impact on me had I felt more connected to the characters within it.
This was a pleasant read that I would recommend that people pick up. I do think that it is worth your time reading.
April 19, 2020
I thought the writing and characterisation of the novel were bland. There was no development and it felt like each chapter was filled with worthless gibberish that added little to the plot. The protagonist was a bit like a wet wipe. Underdeveloped and lacking. I thought the story had real potential when I picked it up, but from less than half way through realised I was only reading it to finish it. Whilst the plot twist was dark and chilling, the rest of the book did not fit this description. It was childish and lacked the chilling fear a YA thriller should instil in the reader. The ending didn't offer any resolutions and the story was predictable till the end. I think the concept itself is chilling and could have patched the way for an incredible novel but it was ill executed. There was no characters to relate to, anyone you wanted to like was spineless and had nothing to them, and the antagonist was lacking greatly. Maria came across as spoilt but there was little else to her character. I hoped as the novel progressed the protagonist would grow into herself and learn to understand the situation around her, this didn't happen. The time jump at the end seemed unnecessary and annoying. It was only present to ponder deaths and the ending the last chapter left us with. The story could have gone without, but I feel like that about half of the novel so there we go. I wish the characters had grown - throw a romance, some loyalty and crucial character development and you could have had a half decent story. I don't think I'll be picking up anything else from this author - I would have to have heard great things. If there was ever a sequel I'd simply google a summary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2020
Disappointing overall. I really wanted to like this book, setting and concept and cover art were all there: Scotland, legends, mysterious gothic setting. Elements and writing talent were there but 0 character/plot development restrained everything to fit the "pure heart" trope, resulted in frustrating unbelievable (and unlikeable) heroine, story, reading experience. Felt chained to a wall the whole read through. Author left a door wide open for a sequel. Not that this reader will be returning, even to save the real unicorn. [Note: First time a selection from this overseas book box fell way short of the quality usually experienced, perhaps the other book featured in this month's 2-book offering is also a letdown? Wondering how these books get chosen for spotlight.]
August 27, 2020
I received this book in the book box club box along with the good hawk. This book is so much better than that one. I’m really surprised that they added these two books within the same box. There are similarities though between these books they are both aimed at the younger teen range and they are both based in the islands of Scotland. I think these books will be ideal if you are trying to introduce young adult books to your child as they are quite basic, the pure of heart does have a darker side though and the plot is much more developed.
So onto the actual review of the pure of heart rather than a comparison. There are two main characters in a way as we have both girls (iseabail and Maria) having a major input in how this book was developed and the main plot. Iseabail was due to marry on her home island but when a merchant appears on the shore requesting a girl who can read, write and speak she must offer her services eventhough she really doesn’t want to. She would have happily let her sister go but she wasn’t able to read enough words to be able to be sent, the relationship between these siblings is like any other there is a lot of jealousy and a lot of cat fighting. But then at others you could tell there was only love and they were best friends really. I liked how iseabail had positive thinking from the start she seen this as an opportunity to learn more things and to get an education out of it, as well as helping her island out during difficult times with food that the merchant promised if she went.
On the island iseabail got along with Maria really well like a younger sister and tried to protect her at times. She did get on iseabail nerves at others too as she didn’t understand why she was been forced to do certain things but we don’t discover the true reason until later on in the book. The adventures that they go within the grounds of the house were really nice considering they didn’t go to far. Maria got on my nerves for a huge part of this book as she just seemed like a really spoilt brat getting everything to suit her and all the presents. Then when she doesn’t get her own way she decides to have a tantrum.
I felt that all of these characters developed a decent amount throughout the whole book, and I felt that the actual plot and action throughout the book was the perfect amount for the length that it was. I also loved how this book actually ended for it been a stand-alone I felt it was completed perfectly in a way. There was definitely plenty of plot twists and a lot of things and characters had a bigger impact on the story then the initial meeting and events. This made the book have that touch of suspense because after the first instance you start to question other little things that you have already came across within the book.
The reason why I only gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was because of Maria the character she just got on my nerves a hell of a lot and her scenes I did not really enjoy. I think if she didn’t act so much of a brat I may have actually enjoyed the book a lot more. I would have aso liked a bit of prologue to the book where we met iseabail’s dad and how he taught to read at such a young age.
So onto the actual review of the pure of heart rather than a comparison. There are two main characters in a way as we have both girls (iseabail and Maria) having a major input in how this book was developed and the main plot. Iseabail was due to marry on her home island but when a merchant appears on the shore requesting a girl who can read, write and speak she must offer her services eventhough she really doesn’t want to. She would have happily let her sister go but she wasn’t able to read enough words to be able to be sent, the relationship between these siblings is like any other there is a lot of jealousy and a lot of cat fighting. But then at others you could tell there was only love and they were best friends really. I liked how iseabail had positive thinking from the start she seen this as an opportunity to learn more things and to get an education out of it, as well as helping her island out during difficult times with food that the merchant promised if she went.
On the island iseabail got along with Maria really well like a younger sister and tried to protect her at times. She did get on iseabail nerves at others too as she didn’t understand why she was been forced to do certain things but we don’t discover the true reason until later on in the book. The adventures that they go within the grounds of the house were really nice considering they didn’t go to far. Maria got on my nerves for a huge part of this book as she just seemed like a really spoilt brat getting everything to suit her and all the presents. Then when she doesn’t get her own way she decides to have a tantrum.
I felt that all of these characters developed a decent amount throughout the whole book, and I felt that the actual plot and action throughout the book was the perfect amount for the length that it was. I also loved how this book actually ended for it been a stand-alone I felt it was completed perfectly in a way. There was definitely plenty of plot twists and a lot of things and characters had a bigger impact on the story then the initial meeting and events. This made the book have that touch of suspense because after the first instance you start to question other little things that you have already came across within the book.
The reason why I only gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was because of Maria the character she just got on my nerves a hell of a lot and her scenes I did not really enjoy. I think if she didn’t act so much of a brat I may have actually enjoyed the book a lot more. I would have aso liked a bit of prologue to the book where we met iseabail’s dad and how he taught to read at such a young age.
October 24, 2020
The setting, faultless.
The storyline, satisfactory.
The character, awful.
Late 16th century, on the isolated islands of St Kilda. There lives a young lady named Iseabail McCleod with her mother and sister with allegedly a “Pure Heart”. What flawless life she lives being betrothed to a devoted lover who is additionally the future chief of their islands.
Oh, and then unexpectedly, a mysterious individual arrives on their exceptionally remote islands with a letter from a wealthy merchant. What the letter requests is an educated woman with a “Pure Heart”? Cover to cover, the setting was enchanting, mystical and atmospheric. Yet, I was still disappointed!
The storyline, satisfactory.
The character, awful.
Late 16th century, on the isolated islands of St Kilda. There lives a young lady named Iseabail McCleod with her mother and sister with allegedly a “Pure Heart”. What flawless life she lives being betrothed to a devoted lover who is additionally the future chief of their islands.
Oh, and then unexpectedly, a mysterious individual arrives on their exceptionally remote islands with a letter from a wealthy merchant. What the letter requests is an educated woman with a “Pure Heart”? Cover to cover, the setting was enchanting, mystical and atmospheric. Yet, I was still disappointed!
April 7, 2020
The whole way through, this book frustrated me to the point where I had to put it down and scream before continuing.
I really really wanted to like this book- I was intrigued by the unusual setting. It’s not often that I come across a book set in 16th century Scotland about a simple Gaelic speaking ireland girl.
It went downhill quite quickly. I found the writing style quite bland but that may be because the narrator was stiff and unlikable. I felt disconnected from the characters as there wasn’t much development or characterisation. Because of this I wasn’t really onboard with the narrators goal of getting home and honestly couldn’t care less if she got home to her fiancé as I felt no connection to either of them.
I appreciated that the ending wasn’t a typical happy ending but it really seriously frustrated me that everything could have been avoided if the main character hadn’t been so stupid and naive! I think she acted superior to everyone else and that was ultimately an indirect cause of the ending. She received no pity from me at all and if there is a sequel I won’t be returning for it.
I really really wanted to like this book- I was intrigued by the unusual setting. It’s not often that I come across a book set in 16th century Scotland about a simple Gaelic speaking ireland girl.
It went downhill quite quickly. I found the writing style quite bland but that may be because the narrator was stiff and unlikable. I felt disconnected from the characters as there wasn’t much development or characterisation. Because of this I wasn’t really onboard with the narrators goal of getting home and honestly couldn’t care less if she got home to her fiancé as I felt no connection to either of them.
I appreciated that the ending wasn’t a typical happy ending but it really seriously frustrated me that everything could have been avoided if the main character hadn’t been so stupid and naive! I think she acted superior to everyone else and that was ultimately an indirect cause of the ending. She received no pity from me at all and if there is a sequel I won’t be returning for it.
October 4, 2020
I was kindly sent this copy by Chicken House books to review and i'm so grateful for the opportunity.
This was a quick, short and easy read. It was marketed as YA fantasy but felt more like a middle grade book as it was written like it was aimed for a younger audience?
Iseabail lives on a remotes Scottish island with her family but finds herself sent away from everything she knows and the boy she's supposed to marry, to be the companion of a rich merchant's daughter, Maria. Iseabail is taken to a manor house in Scotland full of mystery, gothic beauty and drama. I will say that this book has the most beautiful setting. It's so classically beautiful and described so well.
The plot was full of suspense, twists and turns and drama which I adored.
This was a quick, short and easy read. It was marketed as YA fantasy but felt more like a middle grade book as it was written like it was aimed for a younger audience?
Iseabail lives on a remotes Scottish island with her family but finds herself sent away from everything she knows and the boy she's supposed to marry, to be the companion of a rich merchant's daughter, Maria. Iseabail is taken to a manor house in Scotland full of mystery, gothic beauty and drama. I will say that this book has the most beautiful setting. It's so classically beautiful and described so well.
The plot was full of suspense, twists and turns and drama which I adored.
January 12, 2021
⭐⭐⭐.5
I wasn't expecting to like this book at all, it isn't the type of book that I would normally go for, but it surprised me.
I ended up getting hooked by the chilling atmosphere and the intense nature of the characters and surroundings.
The plot for this book is a strange one, but such an interesting one at the same time. I loved how the plot developed and changed throughout.
The characters in this book are so interesting to follow. The character development is so good and I loved watching the characters grow and develop.
I wasn't expecting to like this book at all, it isn't the type of book that I would normally go for, but it surprised me.
I ended up getting hooked by the chilling atmosphere and the intense nature of the characters and surroundings.
The plot for this book is a strange one, but such an interesting one at the same time. I loved how the plot developed and changed throughout.
The characters in this book are so interesting to follow. The character development is so good and I loved watching the characters grow and develop.
October 8, 2020
The book was written very well: both eloquently and descriptive. But there were times that I thought it was a bit too drawn out and not getting to the direct point. However, this is one the most articulated YA novels I have read in the genre. It had reasonable approachable writing style with an engaging story. I will say that the ending threw me a curveball. Didn't expect to happen! And it left chills down my spine, which makes this one good Halloween read.
February 5, 2020
I enjoyed the end of this book however the beginning really dragged. I feel like it had no real plot or character development and it wasn't until the last chapters that I felt the characters really displayed any sort of emotion or reasoning for their actions. All round I would probably stay away from this book.
February 6, 2020
This was very easy book to read and that's probably why it is only 2 stars for me. I was going to give 1 until the ending threw me, so it gained one from that. Although I feel the audience target to be more 13 year old than young adult to be honest. Despite that it was an easy book to get into and finish I just feel it needed a more character development.
March 1, 2020
received this book in Bookbox club in January. Easy quick read but not really too much of a story. The best part of the story was the twist at the end. Agree with other reviews it definitely seems more teen than YA. Not sure I would pick another book up by this author unless I had read reviews and it was a YA book this time.
May 1, 2020
I recieved this book in my Book Box and in truth I would not have chosen it left to my own devices. I will happily read most fantasy, but I did find this a little simplistic. The characters were quite simple and one dimensional, there was not enough depth to hold my interest. I'd say this is aimed at an older preteen/younger teen age range.
June 29, 2021
This book was absolutely brilliant! It was impressively written and the story was interesting and unique. The number of unexpected plot twists and character development was extremely pleasing to read as was the level of detail to the storyline’s progression.
November 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I found the storyline very intriguing even though I could guess easily what would happen a couple of times. the ending was not what was I was expecting and I would definitely read this again.
July 20, 2023
I started this book as just a little easy ready between others. It was well written and intriguing; hinting all along as the underlying darkest that the protagonist fails to realise or believe but even I was surprised at how the author leaves the story to end - truly horrifyingly sad.
February 23, 2020
Such wasted potential with the idea. Should be targeted towards tweens and early teens. The whole books lead up was boring and only just got interesting in the last couple pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews