Thursday, December 17, 2015

Review: The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth

Title: The Killing Jar
Author: Jennifer Bosworth
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Ferrar, Straus, and Giroux (January 12, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 3 Stars


Book Description:
“I try not to think about it, what I did to that boy.”

Seventeen-year-old Kenna Marsden has a secret. 

She’s haunted by a violent tragedy she can’t explain. Kenna’s past has kept people—even her own mother—at a distance for years. Just when she finds a friend who loves her and life begins to improve, she’s plunged into a new nightmare. Her mom and twin sister are attacked, and the dark powers Kenna has struggled to suppress awaken with a vengeance. 

On the heels of the assault, Kenna is exiled to a nearby commune, known as Eclipse, to live with a relative she never knew she had. There, she discovers an extraordinary new way of life as she learns who she really is, and the wonders she’s capable of. For the first time, she starts to feel like she belongs somewhere. That her terrible secret makes her beautiful and strong, not dangerous. But the longer she stays at Eclipse, the more she senses there is something malignant lurking underneath it all. And she begins to suspect that her new family has sinister plans for her…











I've started and restarted this review many times and the truth of the matter is, I have no idea what my complete and finals thoughts are on this book.

It was such a strange and thrilling mix of fantasy, romance, and mystery, let alone the twists and turns and the complete feeling of bizarreness that was this read, and because of the mix, I still can't quite grasp all my emotions on how I feel about it. 

To say it was anything but the norm is an understatement. To say it was slightly dark, mysterious, and unusual is better, but still doesn't grasp all this book as to offer. 

It isn't perfect or even well plotted at times but it still drew me in and made me want to keep reading yet it was down right strange but in a good way that messed with your head just slightly enough to keep you guessing and shaking your head at all the weirdness happening in  Kenna's life and family. 

Do you see my dilemma?

Was this a good read? Yes it was albeit strange and not what I was expecting but as we all know, that isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially in this very saturated genre of sameness. But still unusual but fun.

Overall if you are looking for something completely out there and completely unbelievable but still entertaining because of it, then this is the read for you. 






*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

48 comments:

  1. I can't look at the cover for too long. Those butterflies are too close to her face. *shudders* I've read a couple of reviews for this, but I haven't decided if I really want to read it yet. Although, I did put it on my TBR just in case.

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    1. That is a bit freaky with them on there but yet it is still so pretty I think.

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  2. This concept kind of reminds me of Chime. I had a hard time getting into that book, but maybe I'll give it and the Killing Jar a shot one day... oh, who am I kidding, I probably never will. It's way too far down on my TBR! Thanks for the review!

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    1. Yes! Chime was a bit strange as well. I remember numerous times scratching my head with that one.

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  3. This sounds interesting, but I would probably lose interest if the plot is bad at times. Idk, it sounds like there was a lot to like as well though. I definitely can understand your review conundrum.

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    1. It really was both good and bad and just unusual.

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  4. This books looks down right strange, probably something I'd avoid. At least you found it fun.

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  5. Don't you just hate when this happens, your mind draws a blank on what to say about a book you're not really sure about in the first place. Well you said it very well indeed :)

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    1. I do and thanks so much Debbie. They are so hard to write when that happens.

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  6. it's difficult when you don't know how you felt about a book...

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  7. Well I have to admit to being really curious now Ali! I have a feeling I'll be left a little unsure of what to think too, but I can't help wanting to find out for sure:)

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    1. Definitely try it for the experience is nothing else and it wasn't a bad read, just unusual. ;)

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  8. Hmm..not sure about this one. I actually liked Chimed and if this one is somewhat similar I might give it a shot. The cover is pretty but also very creepy at the same time.

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    1. I agree about the cover and it is a lot like Chime in the nonsense strange and very unique kind of way so I think you should definitely try this.

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  9. I liked how it got you all discombobulated. I think it's great to read A weird outside the box book once in a while. I might try this just for the sake of cleansing the proverbial reading palate. Thanks Ali!

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    1. I agree, it is nice to have the weirdness once in awhile. ;)

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  10. The cover is definitely creeptastic to me. I don't know why, but the butterflies and the dark aspect gives me the chills.

    I don't know how I would feel about this one. But, I know what you mean about never knowing where you want to go with a review. That has been happening with me a lot lately!

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    1. It is so hard when it happens too! Gah, sometimes writing reviews isn't easy at all.

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  11. I'm not too sure about this one, Ali. I remember reading her debut and going through similar feelings. It sounds like it has some good moments though, but I think I might skip.
    Great review, Ali!

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  12. I've heard some people who share your feelings! I'm still very intrigued :D

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  13. I was the same, I had a hard time deciding how I felt. I felt a little blah about it, it didn't really excite me except the uniqueness factor. I gave it 3 stars because it was very creative and different. I just didn't really relate or connect to any of the characters.

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  14. Not sure if this would be for me. Sounds a little too out there. Glad you enjoyed it at least even with issues. Great review!!

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  15. This sounds like a book that would lead me to hyperventilate! I can't stress it enough, but as a mom of four little ones, my time is extremely valuable; thus, books need to be purposeful and worth my time - I sound snarky, I know, but perhaps when my little ones are much older, I'll have time to indulge in complex story lines like this one ;)

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    1. Nope, I hear you completely. I feel the same way which is why I have become much choosier than I use to. ;)

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  16. I have this one coming up. I am not sure what to make of it after your review. It sounds different for sure.

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    1. Maybe you will like it much more than I did, you never know.

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  17. Sometimes, extraordinary story arches only work for certain readers. I feel like this one might not just be for me.

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    1. I agree, they definitely aren't always for everyone.

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  18. I love the cover, and wow it sounds unique. I love how tongue tied it has you.

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  19. This sounds very interesting. I could see where this is hard to review. I've read books like this that are very hard to review. Great job.

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  20. I honestly love books that are unbelievable but written so well that I'm willing to takes leaps. :-)

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  21. I like that it messes with your head but I like well plotted out stories.

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    1. I think it was plotted out okay just weird, if that makes sense.

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  22. Hmm I am thinking this would not be a book for me, although I have read my share of out there books. Interesting review!

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    1. Thanks Lorna and this definitely isn't a book that everyone will like. ;)

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  23. and yet the whole strange vibe from this book is what draws me to it, heh

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  24. I always find the books that hit the middle of the road for me hard to talk about as well. The description sounds interesting, but I think I may sit this one out.

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  25. I loved Kenna's suspenseful, lyrical journey to find the origin of her dark power & the true meaning of family. I also found the twist in the end hugely gratifying, and the imagery and narration a complete feast for the mind.

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