Author: Cyn Balog
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Sourcebooks Fire (November 1, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 4 Stars!
Book Description:
Secrets. Obsession. Murder. Victoria is about to discover just how dangerous it can be to lose yourself.
Victoria Zell doesn’t fit in, but she’s okay with that. All she needs is the company of her equally oddball boyfriend, Andrew. She doesn’t care what anyone else thinks…until magnetic, charming, mysterious Z comes into her life, and she starts lying to everyone she knows in an effort to unravel his secrets.
And then something terrible happens. Someone is dead and it’s time for Victoria to come clean. Interspersed with news clippings and police interviews, Victoria tells her story to Andrew, revealing her dark, horrible secrets…secrets that have finally come back to haunt her.
It has been a long time since I have read a book by Balog, years in fact but when I saw she had a new release I knew I had to try it.
Known for her unique if not slight bizarre stories, I knew I would be in for something different, something strange and something other. And that is truly exactly what I got in this story. A book filled with the unexpected and the strange. With a story that wasn't all it first appeared to be and one that honestly took me by surprise with what I did see and what I didn't see coming.
Told in the voice of the main character who is anything but a reliable narrator as she slowly tells a tale that is both horrifying and fascinating. A tale of obsession and darkness and love and one of madness.
This was everything I was hoping it would be and kept me rapidly turning the pages curious to find out more. In fact, it might very well be my favorite story from this author yet.
It kept me on my toes, reading long into the night, and left feeling a little but mystified by the ending that I didn't see it all unfolding correctly. It messed with me in the best possible way and I loved it. Truly a favorite from the author.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
Oh I didn't know about this one but I agree it's always so interesting to have something different!
ReplyDeleteIt is for sure. ;)
DeleteUnique? Slightly bizarre? As if I'd pass that up!
ReplyDeleteThose words just lure you in don't they? :P
DeleteBizzare, unique and had you turning the pages? I'm in, Ali! I've actually never read anything from this author, but looks like I have to change that! :)
ReplyDeleteHer books are always unique and I don't say that lightly. ;)
DeleteThis sounds interesting. I have yet to try this author, but love the sound of her writing.
ReplyDeleteShe's fun for sure, especially if you want something unusual and different.
DeleteI've seen this cover around but the author is new to me. I'm very curious now! I'm glad you enjoyed being back with Balog's writing :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim!
DeleteThis sounds great! I really enjoy books that don't follow the usually format and have extra real world things you can relate too!!
ReplyDeleteTori @ In Tori Lex
That was a nice twist.
DeleteI've seen the author's books around before, but I never read anything by her. I'm curious as to what secrets she's hiding.
ReplyDeleteLots of secrets. ;)
DeleteSounds like a good book. I haven't read this author before.
ReplyDeleteShe is a fun one to try. ;)
DeleteThis looks lik a book that I could enjoy to read so I decided to add to my TBR! Great post
ReplyDeletexx
Woo hoo, happy to hear that!
DeleteOh I'm going to have to look out for books by this author. You have me curious! :)
ReplyDeleteSome are better than others but this really was good.
DeleteI'm so glad you loved it. I'm definitely about a twist I didn't see coming. That is the most satisfying thing for me as a reader.
ReplyDeleteOh me too Tyler, I love it when I don't see things coming in books. ;)
DeleteHe's a she and she does seem to be hit or miss, especially with some of her books.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I've never heard of this author but this one definitely sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
DeleteI am not familiar with this author and with this subject I find that strange! Not sure how I missed her. This one sounds so different and deep? Enthralling? Interesting to me for sure! Glad it was a favorite by the author, I may have to check it out:)
ReplyDeleteIt was different in a crazy sort of way. I hope you like it if you try it.
DeleteOh, wow! It's been a long time for me as well. I think the last time I've read was the one about a ginnie. I can't remember the title, though. It looks like she's back to her old form!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I liked that one! I can't remember what it was called, Fairytale maybe? Gah, can't remember!
DeleteOh those unreliable narrators can be tricky. Glad it worked for ya!
ReplyDeleteThey can be but so much fun sometimes as well. ;)
DeleteWonderful review! I haven't read anything by this author, but I really want to read this one. I love unreliable narrators. :D
ReplyDeleteThey can be a lot of fun. ;)
DeleteSounds wonderful, and I love that cover! Great review Ali
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI've never heard of this author, but this book sounds really interesting. I'm off to see if it is available on audio. I love that cover too. It is kinda creepy. :-)
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads
I hope it is and yeah, the cover is fitting for the story. ;)
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