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S.T.A.G.S #3
F.O.X.E.S.
Greer has just recovered from her terrifying experience during the STAGS play. Was she really put on trial by the sinister Dark Order of the Grand Stag? Or was it purely her overheated imagination? The imprint of an 'M' for murderer that has appeared on her thumb, though, is puzzling but incomplete evidence . . .
Meanwhile Ty is staying on at Longcross Manor and Greer, Nel and Shafeen are increasingly worried for her safety. When Ty sends a cryptic message directing them to Cumberland Place, the de Warlencourts' palatial home in London, they decide to risk a visit. There they meet Henry's grieving parents, Rollo and Caro. Rollo is arrogant, entitled and not overly grieving. Caro, however, while superficially charming, is clearly pushed to the brink of madness by Henry's death, insisting that Henry is still alive. Which is clearly impossible . . . but Greer has her own troubling doubts about Henry's death which make it hard to dismiss Caro completely . . .
Can Greer, Shafeen and Nel work out what Rollo de Warlencourt is planning for his deadly Boxing Day Hunt at Longcross in time to save Ty - who has now gone silent? Or will history horribly repeat itself?
A thrilling, richly complex instalment in the STAGS series
Meanwhile Ty is staying on at Longcross Manor and Greer, Nel and Shafeen are increasingly worried for her safety. When Ty sends a cryptic message directing them to Cumberland Place, the de Warlencourts' palatial home in London, they decide to risk a visit. There they meet Henry's grieving parents, Rollo and Caro. Rollo is arrogant, entitled and not overly grieving. Caro, however, while superficially charming, is clearly pushed to the brink of madness by Henry's death, insisting that Henry is still alive. Which is clearly impossible . . . but Greer has her own troubling doubts about Henry's death which make it hard to dismiss Caro completely . . .
Can Greer, Shafeen and Nel work out what Rollo de Warlencourt is planning for his deadly Boxing Day Hunt at Longcross in time to save Ty - who has now gone silent? Or will history horribly repeat itself?
A thrilling, richly complex instalment in the STAGS series
388 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2020
31 people are currently reading
1699 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Bennett
17 books303 followersM. A. Bennett is half Venetian and was born in Manchester, England, and raised in the Yorkshire Dales. She is a history graduate of Oxford University and the University of Venice, where she specialized in the study of Shakespeare’s plays as a historical source. After university she studied art and has since worked as an illustrator, an actress, and a film reviewer. She also designed tour visuals for rock bands, including U2 and the Rolling Stones. She was married on the Grand Canal in Venice and lives in north London with her husband, son, and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
June 18, 2021
*Thank you to HotKeyBooks for sending a physical copy of this book my way!*
I’m gonna be honest, the first 65% of this book was a let down for me because of its slow pace and less interesting plot than the previous two books, but MA Bennett got me with the ending. The endings of these books are always so intriguing. She really makes me want more, I NEED to know what’s going on!!!! (!!!!). Despite that though, it was still a three star and doesn’t compare to the first two at all – some mysteries from the first book are still being dragged out in this one and we’re not really any closer to answers which is annoying. I really hope book #4 doesn’t let me down.
I was disappointed in the fact that half of the characters had no real ‘air time’ in this book, most of my favourites only made brief appearances. Alongside this, Greer has really started to annoy me the more time I spend with her. I can’t say why without spoiling the book slightly, but she’s a pain sometimes. I still love them all though, and everyone character arcs are so interesting. If Ty isn’t a bigger part of the next book I’ll be fuming.
Read the STAGS series I promise you’ll have a good time xox
I’m gonna be honest, the first 65% of this book was a let down for me because of its slow pace and less interesting plot than the previous two books, but MA Bennett got me with the ending. The endings of these books are always so intriguing. She really makes me want more, I NEED to know what’s going on!!!! (!!!!). Despite that though, it was still a three star and doesn’t compare to the first two at all – some mysteries from the first book are still being dragged out in this one and we’re not really any closer to answers which is annoying. I really hope book #4 doesn’t let me down.
I was disappointed in the fact that half of the characters had no real ‘air time’ in this book, most of my favourites only made brief appearances. Alongside this, Greer has really started to annoy me the more time I spend with her. I can’t say why without spoiling the book slightly, but she’s a pain sometimes. I still love them all though, and everyone character arcs are so interesting. If Ty isn’t a bigger part of the next book I’ll be fuming.
Read the STAGS series I promise you’ll have a good time xox
August 13, 2020
Review originally posted on The Bibliophile Chronicles.
F.O.X.E.S is the third instalment in the S.T.A.G.S series. When I read the first book I hadn’t realised there was going to be more than one book. I picked up D.O.G.S and absolutely devoured it so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the third book in the series. The story picks up straight after the events of book two, following Greer, Shafeen and Nel as they continue to uncover the secrets behind The Dark Order of the Grand Stag. Determined to find out the truth, the visit Cumberland Place – the residence of Henry’s parents. There they find his mum Caro insisting that Henry is still alive and his Dad Rollo putting all his efforts into reinstating fox hunting. But is Henry really alive and will history repeat itself at Longcross?
I absolutely love this series and I’m so glad that we’re continuing to follow the same characters. Greer, Shafeen and Nel make a really brilliant group of protagonists and I really enjoyed watching them work together to uncover the twisted secrets behind the Order. The story is told from Greer’s perspective so there are plenty of film references as she narrates this gripping tale.
The story if full of twists and turns and is really fast paced. M. A. Bennett writes these short snappy chapter that have you immediately starting the next one. I often found myself sitting down to read a few pages and then still being there fifty pages later. F.O.X.E.S is a tense and thrilling read I definitely did not want it to end.
The book touches on a lot of themes, particularly class and grief. The story is an atmospheric one and M A Bennett has clearly done an exceptional amount of research for this series. Bennett has a brilliant writing style that keeps the reader hooked and I am so excited to see what the next instalment brings. If you haven’t had the chance to pick up D.O.G.S or F.O.X.E.S yet, these are the perfect summer books to get lost in.
F.O.X.E.S is the third instalment in the S.T.A.G.S series. When I read the first book I hadn’t realised there was going to be more than one book. I picked up D.O.G.S and absolutely devoured it so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the third book in the series. The story picks up straight after the events of book two, following Greer, Shafeen and Nel as they continue to uncover the secrets behind The Dark Order of the Grand Stag. Determined to find out the truth, the visit Cumberland Place – the residence of Henry’s parents. There they find his mum Caro insisting that Henry is still alive and his Dad Rollo putting all his efforts into reinstating fox hunting. But is Henry really alive and will history repeat itself at Longcross?
I absolutely love this series and I’m so glad that we’re continuing to follow the same characters. Greer, Shafeen and Nel make a really brilliant group of protagonists and I really enjoyed watching them work together to uncover the twisted secrets behind the Order. The story is told from Greer’s perspective so there are plenty of film references as she narrates this gripping tale.
The story if full of twists and turns and is really fast paced. M. A. Bennett writes these short snappy chapter that have you immediately starting the next one. I often found myself sitting down to read a few pages and then still being there fifty pages later. F.O.X.E.S is a tense and thrilling read I definitely did not want it to end.
The book touches on a lot of themes, particularly class and grief. The story is an atmospheric one and M A Bennett has clearly done an exceptional amount of research for this series. Bennett has a brilliant writing style that keeps the reader hooked and I am so excited to see what the next instalment brings. If you haven’t had the chance to pick up D.O.G.S or F.O.X.E.S yet, these are the perfect summer books to get lost in.
May 2, 2023
I started this book thinking I won't bother with the rest of the series and I'm still unsure tbh 😂 but the ending was much better than the start.
Found it slow and honestly quite far fetched, I love a conspiracy theory and I like that real history has been used to inspire it but it was a bit unrealistic this one for me. Some hard hitting bits in this one though that I wasn't expecting, challenging racism etc.
Greer is really irritating me though, this constant unrealistic pining for a man she spent around 4 days with and had no connection with before is hard to stomach, pushing a love triangle when there's no basis for one and her constant need to compare everything to a film or a book and often spoiling storylines I've not got to yet for me.
Found it slow and honestly quite far fetched, I love a conspiracy theory and I like that real history has been used to inspire it but it was a bit unrealistic this one for me. Some hard hitting bits in this one though that I wasn't expecting, challenging racism etc.
Greer is really irritating me though, this constant unrealistic pining for a man she spent around 4 days with and had no connection with before is hard to stomach, pushing a love triangle when there's no basis for one and her constant need to compare everything to a film or a book and often spoiling storylines I've not got to yet for me.
November 25, 2020
Though her production of the lost Ben Jonson play went well, Greer is focused on the trial by the order of the Great Stag that she was forced to endure. She remains convinced Henry is alive but nobody believes her. So, what to do?
Returning to school Greer knows she cannot let Ty deal with her fears alone. She will, once more, have to go into the proverbial lion’s den and work out how all these elements fit.
It’s not particularly pacy at the start but I loved the mystery to this as Greer tries to work out the significance of the fox and how it fits with the plans others have. The characters of Henry’s parents were privileged and quite unaware of their behaviour, but we can see so many endorse this set-up through their own unwillingness to act.
The blending of historical fact and storytelling worked so well in this. Informative and entertaining. While we can see things moving on, there’s signs that it’s not over yet.
Returning to school Greer knows she cannot let Ty deal with her fears alone. She will, once more, have to go into the proverbial lion’s den and work out how all these elements fit.
It’s not particularly pacy at the start but I loved the mystery to this as Greer tries to work out the significance of the fox and how it fits with the plans others have. The characters of Henry’s parents were privileged and quite unaware of their behaviour, but we can see so many endorse this set-up through their own unwillingness to act.
The blending of historical fact and storytelling worked so well in this. Informative and entertaining. While we can see things moving on, there’s signs that it’s not over yet.
November 29, 2021
Ugh. What a drag.
Unfortunately the final plot twist of this book was actually super interesting, but I was so fed up by that point that there's no way I'm reading book four.
This little book, clocking in an just under 400 pages, has NINETEEN parts. Not chapters, it has those too. But it is split into 18 parts, plus an epilogue. In the end I just had to laugh because it was so ridiculous.
And as with the previous book, a massive part of the plot revolved around a misunderstanding that I don't get spoiler:
I will admit that I'm a little bit attached to Greer and Co. after three whole books. But I can't stand the lack of plot and the embarassing decisions they make, and the endless unanswered questions, and the multiple "reveals" that only make sense if there is in fact a supernatural or otherworldy influence.
This book opens with a question. How did Henry's parents know they were coming? It does not get answered. Add that to the list of "how did they know?" questions that can't be answered because unless every single character is PSYCHIC, there is no way.
Actually, if book four is 288 pages of unanswered questions from the previous three books, and the author providing rational, grounded answers, I'd be interested.
Unfortunately the final plot twist of this book was actually super interesting, but I was so fed up by that point that there's no way I'm reading book four.
This little book, clocking in an just under 400 pages, has NINETEEN parts. Not chapters, it has those too. But it is split into 18 parts, plus an epilogue. In the end I just had to laugh because it was so ridiculous.
And as with the previous book, a massive part of the plot revolved around a misunderstanding that I don't get spoiler:
I will admit that I'm a little bit attached to Greer and Co. after three whole books. But I can't stand the lack of plot and the embarassing decisions they make, and the endless unanswered questions, and the multiple "reveals" that only make sense if there is in fact a supernatural or otherworldy influence.
This book opens with a question. How did Henry's parents know they were coming? It does not get answered. Add that to the list of "how did they know?" questions that can't be answered because unless every single character is PSYCHIC, there is no way.
Actually, if book four is 288 pages of unanswered questions from the previous three books, and the author providing rational, grounded answers, I'd be interested.
July 30, 2020
FOXES is the third book in the increasingly lengthy STAGS series. So far, every book I've read I thought was the last one. Not because I'm not enjoying it; just because I don't know how much longer MA can make basically the same story intriguing and interesting. The answer is, at least this long.
There are a lot of pop culture references in this one. I don't remember there being this many in the two earlier books, but to be fair it's been a year since I read the last one and another year before that since the first one.
MA has, as always, done a lot of research and dredged up a lot of English history to weave into the story. It hovers on the verge of being too much, but because we're discovering it at the same time as Greer - and for the one piece she knew already, Shafeen luckily needs to be told - it's kept under control and we're not overwhelmed.
At the end of this novel, we haven't learned too much about the overarching story; this novel's mystery is solved, but the larger story of the Stags isn't explained yet. There's obviously at least one more novel to come, and I very much hope that MA will end the series before it starts feeling fatigued. It's far too good to let it trail off into nothingness.
There are a lot of pop culture references in this one. I don't remember there being this many in the two earlier books, but to be fair it's been a year since I read the last one and another year before that since the first one.
MA has, as always, done a lot of research and dredged up a lot of English history to weave into the story. It hovers on the verge of being too much, but because we're discovering it at the same time as Greer - and for the one piece she knew already, Shafeen luckily needs to be told - it's kept under control and we're not overwhelmed.
At the end of this novel, we haven't learned too much about the overarching story; this novel's mystery is solved, but the larger story of the Stags isn't explained yet. There's obviously at least one more novel to come, and I very much hope that MA will end the series before it starts feeling fatigued. It's far too good to let it trail off into nothingness.
November 17, 2024
genialne! genialne, interesujące, nie mogę się doczekać, aż przeczytam kolejną część!
talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before
talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before
December 28, 2021
4. 5 stars
AHHH this book was so good! It started off kinda slow but as always with her books it picked up very quickly towards the end. My only criticism is that I guessed the plot twist very early on. Like as soon as the Prof said "remember remember" I started to work it out.
AHHH this book was so good! It started off kinda slow but as always with her books it picked up very quickly towards the end. My only criticism is that I guessed the plot twist very early on. Like as soon as the Prof said "remember remember" I started to work it out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2021
Pretty good, but if there’s another bloody book I won’t be happy about it. I enjoyed the twists and storyline in general but it bloody gave me nightmares. Could have also been the indigestion though x
March 4, 2021
In my opinion, "D.O.G.S" is the best book in that series so far. The mystery there was captivating and the plot could actually be qualified as dark academia. In the 3rd book of the S.T.A.G.S installment, we go back to the quality from the 1st book.
This book is, similarly to the others from the series, written in the 1st person POV. Normally, I don't mind that, but Greer's narrating voice is REALLY annoying to me. She uses acronyms like 'TBH', slang words like 'awks' and 'obvs' and capitalizes words for emphasis, which would make sense, if the narration was in the form of her diary, or something similar, but it's not, so the effect is quite jarring.
Another irritating aspect is the unholy amount of film references, that most of the times feel pretty forced (and, sometimes, don't make much sense). It gets to the point, where Greer calls fingerprints "CSI whorls" and makes references to films, that are adaptations of much more famous books, like "Macbeth" and "Emma" (it's especially hilarious, when you remember, that she wants to major in English). At the same time, for someone who's so obsessed with films, it takes Greer an embarassing amount of time to put the pieces of the "V for Vendetta" puzzle together (also, no, "Solo" is not a "Star Wars" spin-off, it's a part of "A Star Wars Story" anthology, shouldn't Greer know what spin-off is?).
Add to this the way Greer treats Shafeen (she's clearly in love with Henry, for whatever reason, why must she string Shafeen along?) and a few of her slightly misogynistic comments and you get a protagonist that isn't very likeable (there is actually an entire list of small moments that just... didn't make sense, but they would be difficult to classify, I might do a video about the book, where I would talk about them).
I liked that a significant part of the plot was set in London and I did enjoy some of the mysteries, but the way they were solved... See, when the main plot is solving a mystery, the main characters finding clues by jumping to conclusions (and actually being right) is very... unsatisfying (at least the characters are consistent, because they jump to conclusions all the time, not only while solving the mystery). And there are moments when those alleged "clues" don't make sense (what was the purpose of the statue of the fox and the girl?). On other occasions, they take way too long to realise something that seems to be very clear, like the entire 'o rare'/'orare' situation - don't they study Latin??? (And then Chanel pronouncing 'orare' as 'or-are-ee'... I know that this is one of the correct pronounciation, but it doesn't mean I have to accept it).
Before I conclude this review, there are three small things that bothered me way too much to leave them out.
Christmas Mass attended by the main characters with the de Warlencourts is supposedly on the 23rd of December, but there is absolutely no way that there would be a Christmas Mass before the 25th of December. 23rd of December is still Advent.
Youtube videos being called 'Youtubes' and Instagram DMs being called 'Instagrams'. Please, stop it.
The attire of the mysterious guys in red onesies is actually a copy of the one of La Resistencia from "La Casa de Papel", except they have Guy Fawkes's masks instead of Salvador Dalí's. That wasn't very sleek.
I'm a bit disappointed, because, after much better "D.O.G.S", I thought this book would also be better, but we're back to square one, it seems. It's not a bad book and I did enjoy reading it at times, but it also annoyed me way too much to give it anything more than 3 stars.
This book is, similarly to the others from the series, written in the 1st person POV. Normally, I don't mind that, but Greer's narrating voice is REALLY annoying to me. She uses acronyms like 'TBH', slang words like 'awks' and 'obvs' and capitalizes words for emphasis, which would make sense, if the narration was in the form of her diary, or something similar, but it's not, so the effect is quite jarring.
Another irritating aspect is the unholy amount of film references, that most of the times feel pretty forced (and, sometimes, don't make much sense). It gets to the point, where Greer calls fingerprints "CSI whorls" and makes references to films, that are adaptations of much more famous books, like "Macbeth" and "Emma" (it's especially hilarious, when you remember, that she wants to major in English). At the same time, for someone who's so obsessed with films, it takes Greer an embarassing amount of time to put the pieces of the "V for Vendetta" puzzle together (also, no, "Solo" is not a "Star Wars" spin-off, it's a part of "A Star Wars Story" anthology, shouldn't Greer know what spin-off is?).
Add to this the way Greer treats Shafeen (she's clearly in love with Henry, for whatever reason, why must she string Shafeen along?) and a few of her slightly misogynistic comments and you get a protagonist that isn't very likeable (there is actually an entire list of small moments that just... didn't make sense, but they would be difficult to classify, I might do a video about the book, where I would talk about them).
I liked that a significant part of the plot was set in London and I did enjoy some of the mysteries, but the way they were solved... See, when the main plot is solving a mystery, the main characters finding clues by jumping to conclusions (and actually being right) is very... unsatisfying (at least the characters are consistent, because they jump to conclusions all the time, not only while solving the mystery). And there are moments when those alleged "clues" don't make sense (what was the purpose of the statue of the fox and the girl?). On other occasions, they take way too long to realise something that seems to be very clear, like the entire 'o rare'/'orare' situation - don't they study Latin??? (And then Chanel pronouncing 'orare' as 'or-are-ee'... I know that this is one of the correct pronounciation, but it doesn't mean I have to accept it).
Before I conclude this review, there are three small things that bothered me way too much to leave them out.
Christmas Mass attended by the main characters with the de Warlencourts is supposedly on the 23rd of December, but there is absolutely no way that there would be a Christmas Mass before the 25th of December. 23rd of December is still Advent.
Youtube videos being called 'Youtubes' and Instagram DMs being called 'Instagrams'. Please, stop it.
The attire of the mysterious guys in red onesies is actually a copy of the one of La Resistencia from "La Casa de Papel", except they have Guy Fawkes's masks instead of Salvador Dalí's. That wasn't very sleek.
I'm a bit disappointed, because, after much better "D.O.G.S", I thought this book would also be better, but we're back to square one, it seems. It's not a bad book and I did enjoy reading it at times, but it also annoyed me way too much to give it anything more than 3 stars.
July 25, 2024
i definitely did NOT read this twice bc it was rubbish
December 18, 2020
I really loved S.T.A.G.S and to a degree, I quite enjoyed how Dogs elaborated on it. However, for me, this book had way too many glaringly big plot holes, ridiculous conveniences and little to no character growth.
First off plot - ... Greer gets out of the hospital and decides to go stay with Henry's parents as she is convinced he is still alive. Shockingly his parents welcome her and her crew into the house lovingly (even though they were the last people to see their son alive and if the father is part of the order of the STAG he would know that his son had invited them to long cross to hunt them like they are meant to which means these three have got to be responsible for Henry's death - so why would you welcome them into your home - first major convenience.) they then start spying on them. Meanwhile, Ty tells them to look out for foxes (queue every conversation leading back to a fox. Like literally its all everyone is talking about to the point where it just gets a bit silly). To add insult to injury, people through just mentioning things once lead Greer and co to very specific objects. I just can't explain how annoyed I was with some of these - Henry's mum mentions once for them to go to the park and then in the biggest park ever they happen to see the one fox statue which leads their investigation on further... like NO that wouldn't happen.
OK, I am going to stop ranting about the plot now as I could be here forever as most of the book is riddled with silly things like that which make no sense!
I really enjoy Bennett's writing style and despite my frustration, I read to the end of the book and didn't skim read once so annoyingly the book (despite all its flaws) was still captivating. The characters have no growth in this book and instead default back to how they were in the first book with perhaps a little less characterisation and Greer's obsession with maniac Henry is disturbing and feels a bit left field as I have no idea why she likes him after everything... It makes no sense.
The ending of this book was equally frustrating and ended on a cliff hanger.
Final thoughts: I am not sure where this series is heading and I am not sure the plot has been executed well as there are too many conveniences, plot holes and characters don't act as one would given the circumstances. I was really invested in these books and now I am not so sure... disappointed.
First off plot - ... Greer gets out of the hospital and decides to go stay with Henry's parents as she is convinced he is still alive. Shockingly his parents welcome her and her crew into the house lovingly (even though they were the last people to see their son alive and if the father is part of the order of the STAG he would know that his son had invited them to long cross to hunt them like they are meant to which means these three have got to be responsible for Henry's death - so why would you welcome them into your home - first major convenience.) they then start spying on them. Meanwhile, Ty tells them to look out for foxes (queue every conversation leading back to a fox. Like literally its all everyone is talking about to the point where it just gets a bit silly). To add insult to injury, people through just mentioning things once lead Greer and co to very specific objects. I just can't explain how annoyed I was with some of these - Henry's mum mentions once for them to go to the park and then in the biggest park ever they happen to see the one fox statue which leads their investigation on further... like NO that wouldn't happen.
OK, I am going to stop ranting about the plot now as I could be here forever as most of the book is riddled with silly things like that which make no sense!
I really enjoy Bennett's writing style and despite my frustration, I read to the end of the book and didn't skim read once so annoyingly the book (despite all its flaws) was still captivating. The characters have no growth in this book and instead default back to how they were in the first book with perhaps a little less characterisation and Greer's obsession with maniac Henry is disturbing and feels a bit left field as I have no idea why she likes him after everything... It makes no sense.
The ending of this book was equally frustrating and ended on a cliff hanger.
Final thoughts: I am not sure where this series is heading and I am not sure the plot has been executed well as there are too many conveniences, plot holes and characters don't act as one would given the circumstances. I was really invested in these books and now I am not so sure... disappointed.
August 12, 2020
I did enjoy this, and glad that there is more to come to finish off the story properly. I liked the twists, and the combination of current events with literary history.
My credulity is a little stretched by how many times Greer’s friends appear to dismiss her concerns, and the constant to and fro between Henry and Shafeen in her affections is also becoming irritating, but the story as a whole still has me interested in how it ends.
My credulity is a little stretched by how many times Greer’s friends appear to dismiss her concerns, and the constant to and fro between Henry and Shafeen in her affections is also becoming irritating, but the story as a whole still has me interested in how it ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2020
Well I did it, I finally finished the S.T.A.G.S series…
To be honest, it was probably my favorite of the trilogy - a bit more fast paced and I was able to get into the YA writing much more easily than both STAGS and DOGS. The book was more realistic, at times frustratingly so when it covers topics that I have a huge knowledge about and the author obviously didn’t - it’s difficult to enjoy something when you want to point out the mistakes they’ve made!
By sticking with the characters that are known and loved by the reader it really helped to draw me back into the STAGS world and accept the unbelievable! Although the ending was gripping, not much was really explained - I hope the next book will do that when it’s released as it’s definitely been left on the biggest cliffhanger of the series!
There are still two more books to come...I may be tempted to see what they’re like
To be honest, it was probably my favorite of the trilogy - a bit more fast paced and I was able to get into the YA writing much more easily than both STAGS and DOGS. The book was more realistic, at times frustratingly so when it covers topics that I have a huge knowledge about and the author obviously didn’t - it’s difficult to enjoy something when you want to point out the mistakes they’ve made!
By sticking with the characters that are known and loved by the reader it really helped to draw me back into the STAGS world and accept the unbelievable! Although the ending was gripping, not much was really explained - I hope the next book will do that when it’s released as it’s definitely been left on the biggest cliffhanger of the series!
There are still two more books to come...I may be tempted to see what they’re like
November 11, 2021
The ending saved this for me. The build up vs ending as too top heavy 80% build up was just too much, I am hoping it has some relevance and push on T.I.G.E.R.S being a bit more snappy as it has now had the foundations built.
Love that Greer is caught inbetween a long battle. Cannot wait to see what the foxes are upto.
The Stags club bathroom bit was a bit vivid and made me rather angry, think I have no sympathy for them and then I do get conflicted for those in the order that have had no choice but raised. Clever writing from the author to find sympathy for those who are monsters.
Very conflicted on Rollos death however... Feel like he was making a mends but not sure on how sincere.
We will see....
Love that Greer is caught inbetween a long battle. Cannot wait to see what the foxes are upto.
The Stags club bathroom bit was a bit vivid and made me rather angry, think I have no sympathy for them and then I do get conflicted for those in the order that have had no choice but raised. Clever writing from the author to find sympathy for those who are monsters.
Very conflicted on Rollos death however... Feel like he was making a mends but not sure on how sincere.
We will see....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2020
I love this series and I'm so glad there will be two more books. This instalment wasn't quite as strong as the first two, but that's mainly because we're in the middle of the overarching mystery surrounding STAGS and the Abbots and Henry, so this focused more on the immediate mystery of this book, while still dredging up plenty of questions for the series as a whole. I love the depth of the history in this book, and how very English it is. 4.5 rounded up as it's better than a lot of 4s I've read!
March 1, 2021
These books are so so so good.
Harry Potter meets Hunger Games meets Sherlock Holmes vibes, I wish I could read more about them immediately.
I can't tell yous how much I recommend this series if you've been reading so much ya the likes of acotar and soc(and loved it) but want to break up the routine with a book with a less 'heavy' feel to it.
This book is light, a page turner, an easy read but has very good plot twists and really creates an athmosphere you begin to expect from these books.
S.T.A.G.S will not disappoint!
Harry Potter meets Hunger Games meets Sherlock Holmes vibes, I wish I could read more about them immediately.
I can't tell yous how much I recommend this series if you've been reading so much ya the likes of acotar and soc(and loved it) but want to break up the routine with a book with a less 'heavy' feel to it.
This book is light, a page turner, an easy read but has very good plot twists and really creates an athmosphere you begin to expect from these books.
S.T.A.G.S will not disappoint!
January 15, 2022
Had a bit of a slow start, but I very much enjoyed all the clues, puzzles and mysteries Greel, Nel and Shafeen unraveled. Can't wait to read the next book!
December 4, 2023
YUN YUM YUM
February 23, 2025
Hace años compré un libro random en un aeropuerto en Londres sin saber que iba a ser la mejor saga que he leído en mi vida. 10/10, nunca decepciona.
October 12, 2020
So boring and utterly pointless. The only exciting part of the entire book was about 2 pages. The plot was basically non-existent and nothing was explained.
November 13, 2021
I did like the London setting and all the historical references. Greer's obsession with Henry starts to be quite annoying though. He did try to kill her twice so how can she believe he cares for her.
However, the most nagging quesion I have after finishing the book is this:
If you have something major planned (for centuries!) to give your enemy a fatal blow, why give some teenager all the clues she needs to uncover the scheme and thereby prevent it being succesfull? It just doesn't add up.
However, the most nagging quesion I have after finishing the book is this:
If you have something major planned (for centuries!) to give your enemy a fatal blow, why give some teenager all the clues she needs to uncover the scheme and thereby prevent it being succesfull? It just doesn't add up.
April 24, 2023
I always enjoy reading this series. It's a quick entertaining read, and I loved the Sherlock Holmes references in this one.
October 29, 2020
The M.A. Bennett Trilogy.
S.T.A.G.S D.O.G.S F.O.X.E.S
S.T.A.G.S was one the first books that got me into YA and one that's stayed with me for years. It's the epitome of suspense and thriller.
Bennett has such a flare for one-liners that pack a punch and her ultra-short chapters are sure to keep you turning the page. My only issue is with this book is that Bennett doesn't seem to be able to craft metaphors or similies so compensates by overusing allusions. I get the main character is a massive film buff, but constantly comparing events taking place to various movie scenes gets more than a little tiring after a while.
It's successor, D.O.G.S, was, if possible, even better. I literally could not put it down (something I don't often say.)
The way Bennett intertwines fact and fiction is pure genius. Oh, and if you're into the history of the British monarchy and historical playwriters (like me) you're sure to become OBSESSED with this book. However, the ending felt a little like crossing genres and thanks to the "fantasy" bit, the whole story lost its believability. Finally, I took issue with the mention of "valley's girls" having limited vocabularies. Not true, Bennett and not cool. #proudtobeavalley'sgirl
F.O.X.E.S. Okay, I'll be honest, the third book doesn't "get-going" until you're 60% the way through but my God does the remaining 40% make up for it. That final twist was legendary—probably the best I've ever read. Bravo, Bennett! However, F.O.X.E.S did leave me somewhat unsatisfied. I still have so many unanswered questions! I understand there's still another 2 books to come out but I can't feel but feel a little cheated. On another note, D.O.G.S received a lot of praise for having featured a primary black character. F.O.X.E.S undoes all this because the character in question does a disappearing act! In this sense, I feel like Bennett let her readership down. I sincerely hope Ty makes a come back in books 4 & 5 — I missed her.
Overall, I'd give the trilogy 4/5 stars. The S.T.A.G.S trilogy is most definitely worth adding to your TBR list.
S.T.A.G.S D.O.G.S F.O.X.E.S
S.T.A.G.S was one the first books that got me into YA and one that's stayed with me for years. It's the epitome of suspense and thriller.
Bennett has such a flare for one-liners that pack a punch and her ultra-short chapters are sure to keep you turning the page. My only issue is with this book is that Bennett doesn't seem to be able to craft metaphors or similies so compensates by overusing allusions. I get the main character is a massive film buff, but constantly comparing events taking place to various movie scenes gets more than a little tiring after a while.
It's successor, D.O.G.S, was, if possible, even better. I literally could not put it down (something I don't often say.)
The way Bennett intertwines fact and fiction is pure genius. Oh, and if you're into the history of the British monarchy and historical playwriters (like me) you're sure to become OBSESSED with this book. However, the ending felt a little like crossing genres and thanks to the "fantasy" bit, the whole story lost its believability. Finally, I took issue with the mention of "valley's girls" having limited vocabularies. Not true, Bennett and not cool. #proudtobeavalley'sgirl
F.O.X.E.S. Okay, I'll be honest, the third book doesn't "get-going" until you're 60% the way through but my God does the remaining 40% make up for it. That final twist was legendary—probably the best I've ever read. Bravo, Bennett! However, F.O.X.E.S did leave me somewhat unsatisfied. I still have so many unanswered questions! I understand there's still another 2 books to come out but I can't feel but feel a little cheated. On another note, D.O.G.S received a lot of praise for having featured a primary black character. F.O.X.E.S undoes all this because the character in question does a disappearing act! In this sense, I feel like Bennett let her readership down. I sincerely hope Ty makes a come back in books 4 & 5 — I missed her.
Overall, I'd give the trilogy 4/5 stars. The S.T.A.G.S trilogy is most definitely worth adding to your TBR list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2020
Okay, are you looking for an incredible audiobook? This is one you should definitely try! I’ve listened to all three books in the series over the last week and every time I had to stop listening I was heart-broken. The narrator immerses you fully in the story, with cleverly written side jokes for the benefit of the reader and perfectly timed clues. Greer and her friends remind me of Harry, Ron and Hermione and I adore coming back to their friendship group to see how they are dealing with the elusive STAGS cult. The first novel focuses heavily on Greer and her survival, first as a Scholarship pupil at the privileged school and then as one of the hunted at Longcross. The second novel, DOGS, on Greer and her friends as they put on the Isle of Dogs play (filled with hidden clues and puzzles!) and the third, FOXES, on Ty and Henry’s parents and their sinister plans. Overall, this was a brilliantly clever series, effortlessly weaving history with modern puzzles, complete with a brilliant array of characters that you will miss when you finish the books.
May 7, 2020
Oh my god.
I'm sooo excited for this one! 💓
I'm sooo excited for this one! 💓
September 8, 2020
TW: racism, sexism, death, flashbacks to torture, animal death, abuse, arson, explosion
Any book that opens with a Rebecca reference instantly has my heart.
F.O.X.E.S just kept that love up throughout as I delved even deeper into the tangled webs of this dark world. I just loved how Bennett wove in so many film and literary references, connecting her gilded world of weaponised privilege with ours and highlighting the uncanny parallels in our politics and society. I really loved this, as a huge book and film loving nerd and it adds to that cinematic feels that’s characteristic of this series. You can easily envision the events unfolding on a big screen and this makes you reading experience so rich and vivid. It’s so clever how she plays with the seedy hierarchy and hidden world of connections, creating a moral argument that is so incredibly compelling. Alongside that, we have constant tension and mysterious threads to unravel as the story we first got a glimpse into in S.T.A.G.S is ever depended and expanded.
I’ve loved how with every book in this series, Bennett has made her sprawling tale richer and even mor intriguing, combining a thorough knowledge of history to show the expansive nature of this corruption and create several narrative strands that lead to an explosive conclusion. Using history as such a major part of the series links in with how heritage and bloodlines are given such high status in the S.T.A.G.S. It is such an important part of their identity to them and indeed their class, which allows them unparalleled privilege. I loved how in F.O.X.E.S we got to see how change has affected this shadowy group, as they believe that their ‘rights’ and traditions are being taken from them. This kind of aggressive, defensive reaction only serves to emphasise the danger of their bubble, as they’re completely blind to progress. Bennett excels in this type of biting social commentary, which has become a stand-out hallmark of the series.
Also, Bennett never fails to pull out some genuinely shocking twists and turns along the way. Every story features a solid mystery and the ever growing conspiracy, as even more secrets and deceit are brought to light. Yet again, the ending ensures that you need the next book in your life immediately with a stellar cliffhanger that I cannot what to see how Bennett resolves. F.O.X.E.S only proves how brilliant the S.T.A.G.S series is. With every book, the story becomes more complex and layered until you are completely enveloped within its web and I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Any book that opens with a Rebecca reference instantly has my heart.
F.O.X.E.S just kept that love up throughout as I delved even deeper into the tangled webs of this dark world. I just loved how Bennett wove in so many film and literary references, connecting her gilded world of weaponised privilege with ours and highlighting the uncanny parallels in our politics and society. I really loved this, as a huge book and film loving nerd and it adds to that cinematic feels that’s characteristic of this series. You can easily envision the events unfolding on a big screen and this makes you reading experience so rich and vivid. It’s so clever how she plays with the seedy hierarchy and hidden world of connections, creating a moral argument that is so incredibly compelling. Alongside that, we have constant tension and mysterious threads to unravel as the story we first got a glimpse into in S.T.A.G.S is ever depended and expanded.
I’ve loved how with every book in this series, Bennett has made her sprawling tale richer and even mor intriguing, combining a thorough knowledge of history to show the expansive nature of this corruption and create several narrative strands that lead to an explosive conclusion. Using history as such a major part of the series links in with how heritage and bloodlines are given such high status in the S.T.A.G.S. It is such an important part of their identity to them and indeed their class, which allows them unparalleled privilege. I loved how in F.O.X.E.S we got to see how change has affected this shadowy group, as they believe that their ‘rights’ and traditions are being taken from them. This kind of aggressive, defensive reaction only serves to emphasise the danger of their bubble, as they’re completely blind to progress. Bennett excels in this type of biting social commentary, which has become a stand-out hallmark of the series.
Also, Bennett never fails to pull out some genuinely shocking twists and turns along the way. Every story features a solid mystery and the ever growing conspiracy, as even more secrets and deceit are brought to light. Yet again, the ending ensures that you need the next book in your life immediately with a stellar cliffhanger that I cannot what to see how Bennett resolves. F.O.X.E.S only proves how brilliant the S.T.A.G.S series is. With every book, the story becomes more complex and layered until you are completely enveloped within its web and I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Read
May 25, 2021I have loved the STAGS series since the first book so when I got an email to be part of the blog tour I was very excited. FOXES is a perfect addition to the series, building on the law that we see before and offering new and surprising twists that I can't wait to explore.
One of the major things that I loved about this book is that the characters get to shine. We obviously get more from Greer and her quite in-depth knowledge of films which I aspire to have but we get so much more from the other side characters. This is most evident with Shafeen and I think that it was quite interesting to see him develop as a character and how he is entering a world that he does not belong. In a way, it seems quite relevant to the Black Lives Matter movement and race is an issue in the book and I think the inclusion of this with Ty as well was interesting to read about along with the classist element which again seems really relevant in the coming days. It also didn't seem forced and was a seamless part of the story. I am not an OwnVoices reviewer so please refer to these reviews for more incite.
I think one of the things that link to the characters is that it is obvious that M. A. Bennett has so much to explore with this series and world. I loved seeing the world develop and expand and I loved the easter eggs that I saw in the book and I can't wait to see where this goes in the future. Seeing the development of Ben Jonson and the plays and the whole Guy Fawkes thing was so interesting to see something that was a true story and history. The way that it is included in the story is also seamless and I really liked it.
With the world-building increasing, you can definitely see that M. A. Bennett is comfortable in this world and is a really great writer. In this one especially I can definitely see that there are hints and easter eggs throughout the story. Although I found that the characters were a little slow in picking up the clues, I think the reveals came at the right time and it was satisfying to see them come out.
Even though I love M. A. Bennett's writing, I am a big lover of audiobooks so I got the audiobook for both FOXES and DOGS and I have to shout out Lucy Dixon. She does a great job with the audiobooks and I think that she does has a tone of voice in portraying the characters and yeah I recommend it.
I think that it is safe to say that I am super excited about the new addition to the series. FOXES left me desperate for more and the next book can not come out soon enough. Although I'm pretty sure I have a year to wait which makes me a little sad.
The Verdict:
F. O. X. E. S. is another great addition to the series, offering a more in-depth discussion to the world and I can't wait to read whatever comes next.
One of the major things that I loved about this book is that the characters get to shine. We obviously get more from Greer and her quite in-depth knowledge of films which I aspire to have but we get so much more from the other side characters. This is most evident with Shafeen and I think that it was quite interesting to see him develop as a character and how he is entering a world that he does not belong. In a way, it seems quite relevant to the Black Lives Matter movement and race is an issue in the book and I think the inclusion of this with Ty as well was interesting to read about along with the classist element which again seems really relevant in the coming days. It also didn't seem forced and was a seamless part of the story. I am not an OwnVoices reviewer so please refer to these reviews for more incite.
I think one of the things that link to the characters is that it is obvious that M. A. Bennett has so much to explore with this series and world. I loved seeing the world develop and expand and I loved the easter eggs that I saw in the book and I can't wait to see where this goes in the future. Seeing the development of Ben Jonson and the plays and the whole Guy Fawkes thing was so interesting to see something that was a true story and history. The way that it is included in the story is also seamless and I really liked it.
With the world-building increasing, you can definitely see that M. A. Bennett is comfortable in this world and is a really great writer. In this one especially I can definitely see that there are hints and easter eggs throughout the story. Although I found that the characters were a little slow in picking up the clues, I think the reveals came at the right time and it was satisfying to see them come out.
Even though I love M. A. Bennett's writing, I am a big lover of audiobooks so I got the audiobook for both FOXES and DOGS and I have to shout out Lucy Dixon. She does a great job with the audiobooks and I think that she does has a tone of voice in portraying the characters and yeah I recommend it.
I think that it is safe to say that I am super excited about the new addition to the series. FOXES left me desperate for more and the next book can not come out soon enough. Although I'm pretty sure I have a year to wait which makes me a little sad.
The Verdict:
F. O. X. E. S. is another great addition to the series, offering a more in-depth discussion to the world and I can't wait to read whatever comes next.
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