Seven young adult actors are put to the test, as jealousy, excessive drinking, stress and guilt get the better of them in this dark academia story.
At Seven young adult actors are put to the test, as jealousy, excessive drinking, stress and guilt get the better of them in this dark academia story.
At the heart of the story is Oliver Marks, the narrator. He is one of the seniors at the Dellecher Classical Conservatory, and while he plays smaller roles on the stage, he has a pivotal role in the story for several reasons. The book kicks off with him being released from prison. Is he guilty of the crime he went away for? And even more important, what was the crime? It takes some time to learn the latter question, and longer to learn the former question. Once that is revealed, the tragedy seems that much bigger.
Initially, it seems that these seven seniors are quite close. Having spent four years together honing their craft, they can almost predict how they will be cast in upcoming Shakespere performances. But the dynamics between the group begin to change as one member of the group, Richard, becomes excessively aggressive with the fellow cast. It is not clear what has set him off other than a possible breakup with his girlfriend, fellow classmate, Meredith. However, Richard's anger seems to be directed at everyone. How the cast handles his spiral was a bit of a surprise, which eventually causes endless guilt.
As the story unfolds, Oliver reveals the true story of what happened that fateful night and the weeks following. Why he did what he did was quite a surprise, and spoke not only to his character, but his own level of guilt. Does his sacrifice help him in the end? It is hard to say, but the rest of the group didn't fare better even though their circumstances were ultimately more bearable.
I really liked how the story read as its play, with the theme of villains vs. heros everchanging. If you're a fan of dark academia, acting and/or Shakespere, check this one out!...more
As an avid reader, I already know the power of books. But I'm not sure I could handle the power of the books in this story. The Book of Doors a4.5 stars
As an avid reader, I already know the power of books. But I'm not sure I could handle the power of the books in this story. The Book of Doors allow the owner to be transported to a new place or time, simply through an open door. The Book of Pain can inflict or heal pain. The Book of Memories can help one remember or forget. And so on. For the average person, the idea seems intriguing. Up until you consider that there are some not so average people who use the books for their own gain. Sometimes for power, sometimes for something much worse.
The lead protagonist in this story, Cassie, acquires the Book of Doors from a customer, Mr. Webber, upon his passing. She and her roommate, Izzy, quickly learn how much power this book truly holds. What they aren't prepared for is the trouble that follows after one simple Google search about the book.
I loved the friendship between Cassie and Izzy, but I think Cassie didn't always think clearly when it came to their safety. At times, it seems she valued the book over her friend, making careless mistakes in the process. They also encounter several book collectors along the way, some there to help, some there to harm.
Can these two keep this book from falling into the wrong hands? I won't say, but it was a fascinating adventure to read, and I'm happy this was my last book of 2024. ...more
In book four of the Detective Annalisa Vega series, Annalisa has started her new business, Vista Investigations. And her first case doesn't seem like In book four of the Detective Annalisa Vega series, Annalisa has started her new business, Vista Investigations. And her first case doesn't seem like much of a case at all. Just a bad accident. However, Annalisa has proven through this series that she has good instincts. So, I didn't doubt her.
How do you deal with a sociopath? The first step is determining that they are one. Her first case involved a woman who plunged to her death from her balcony. On the surface, it looks like a simple case, where she merely fell while attempting to hang.a wind chime. But she has been hired by a woman, who believes the subject of her book about sociopaths, Craig Canning, is responsible for the death.
Meeting Canning, I had to agree that he seems highly suspicious. However, he has a rock solid alibi. Is he just a mastermind? Or is he falsely accused? As the case ramps up, I wavered on both. But one thing was clear, more than one person had a motive to kill this woman.
This book also has a second plot tied to Annalisa's new step-daughter, Cassidy. I won't get into this storyline, but it almost could have been its own book. For both cases, Annalisa proves her worth as an investigator, with at least one case having some sort of happy ending. The case also brings her closer to Cassidy, with hope for a strong relationship going forward.
If you enjoy police procedurals, this is a great series to check out, with a female protagonist her proves her worth in a competitive and dangerous field....more
Like many readers, I wanted to lighten up my December with some Holiday reads. So, I went to B&N, found a couple that got good ratings on GRs and was Like many readers, I wanted to lighten up my December with some Holiday reads. So, I went to B&N, found a couple that got good ratings on GRs and was on my way. Let me just say this up front, this book is as much of a Christmas read as Die Hard is a Christmas movie (yes, I’m on the Christmas movie side of the debate). That is to say, while it takes place during Christmas and has some holiday references, I would not categorize this book to be as cheery as its cover may suggest. I will also say that despite the cover not capturing the weighty themes of this book, I still liked it.
The story centers on Holly, who is trying to manage her grief, after causing a terrible accident that impacted her family. She joins a club where personal letters are sent anonymously to “Dear Stranger” as a means to share personal feelings without committing to receiving anything back. Three years after the accident, Holly sends her letter, she also receives one back. Not only does she connect with the letter, she wants to help the writer. This is made easier as the club made an error and included the sender’s name. And after some research, finds she’s from the very same town where her accident occured. To be clear, the two accidents aren’t the same. But there is definitely a connection which we learn more later.
This book deals with some heavy things like death, grief and making amends. While Holly and Emma don’t immediately connect, their forced proximity gives them time to learn about one another, making Holly only more desperate to help. Is she trying to fix someone else, instead of work on herself? Of course! But things have a funny way of working out.
Although there are some heavy themes in the book, there is a small romance, with an interesting twist. I loved the friendship the two women build along the way, finding a way to let go of their grief and move on.
So, while this may not be the cheery Holiday read you’d expect, it is one I’d recommend if you are looking for an emotional but heartwarming story. ...more
Every year, I see an influx of IG readers with all of their holiday reads. While I loyally fill my TBR with spooky reads in October, I usually don't cEvery year, I see an influx of IG readers with all of their holiday reads. While I loyally fill my TBR with spooky reads in October, I usually don't carry a holiday theme into December. But this has been one stressful fall, so I knew I could use some holiday cheer.
This is one of the two holiday books I picked up at B&N last week, and it definitely hit the spot. A sweet friends-to-lovers romance. Small town vibes. A social media contest to turn around a business. And of course, plenty of Christmas spirit.
Estelle runs a Christmas tree farm, and while she had some success in her first year, things are looking scary for the second year. Aside from the bills piling up, it seems someone is trying to sabotage her operations. So, she gets creative and decides to enter an influencer's contest to bring attention to her holiday business. Small problem, to make her business seem more "romantic", she claimed she ran the business with her boyfriend. Problem is, she is single. That's where Luka comes in, her bff. They have never crossed that line, but she does ask him this big favor, and he doesn't hesitate to help, i knew these stood a chance.
This was a fun holiday read with a nice backstory and likeable characters. A great choice if you too are looking to add something light to your December TBR.
I love Rom Coms as much as the next girl, but Liz Buxbaum is obsessed with them. An obsession that grew following the death of the mother, who was a hI love Rom Coms as much as the next girl, but Liz Buxbaum is obsessed with them. An obsession that grew following the death of the mother, who was a huge fan. And that obsession has bled into her real life, where she is convinced she too can have that Happily Ever After ending. But is the man of her dreams really "the one"?
Her childhood crush, Michael, has returned to town. Prom is coming up. Now she just needs to get his attention (beyond being thrown up on, or nearly breaking her nose). For some reason (romance readers really know why), her annoying neighbor has agreed to help her win Michael's affections. Will it work? Here's hoping it doesn't (again, it is clear who is the right guy for Liz).
Some of Liz's inner monologue was a bit overly dramatic. And she very much annoyed me with how she handles everything leading up to the prom night. Eventually she does get her head out of her ass and does the right thing. But is it too late?
Overall, this was an enjoyable audio, and a sweet enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance. Also, it was a well cast audio with narrators who seemed age appropriate.