Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn
4/5 stars
HarperTeen, 2013
422 pages
YA Contemporary Paranormal Horror
Scheduled to release June 11
Source: Received an e-ARC through the publisher at Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
The blurb for this book teased Pretty Little Liars, a series I've never read but I am a fan of the show (I think the cover model brings to mind Spencer) and became interested in trying this book despite also noting the promise of horror, my least favorite genre.
Well, I'm glad I gave this a shot as I found it refreshingly dark and unique although I was right to be wary of the horror aspects, which are quite gruesome although not unmanageable. This story is twisty covering years as it follows a main character plagued with memory problems and a serious disconnect from the people she should know best. As the story unfolds, she discovers just how far people are willing to go for love or revenge and what price they have to pay to exact them.
I did have trouble slipping into the book, which opens with Anneliese Rose Gordon appearing thousands of miles away from where she disappeared a year ago. But she is not Anneliese despite her appearance and visions only encourage her to investigate what the real story might be. What she uncovers is a cycle of violence and selfishness and destruction that she *might* be able to end if she can only find the strength.
For much of the book, I felt a certain level of disconnect to this book, partly because of Anneliese's own disconnect. She knows that is not her life and can barely stand to be around the parents of Anneliese although they all try. She knows she doesn't belong and is uncomfortable and that transferred to me as well. Her confusion also wore off on me although we eventually figured things out, I think. A lot of pieces of information are slowly unraveled and the way it all ties together is very impressive.
This book is definitely not for everyone but those who loved it, really loved it and it is a very welcome addition to YA horror so I would encourage you to carefully consider giving it a shot.
Content warning: Language, drugs, and sexual situations abound in addition to violence so if you're sensitive to any of those, I would advise you to investigate further and proceed with caution.
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Like the sound of dark and unique. I have passed up because of the pretty liars thing, because I am not into that show.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's that much like PLL-it's certainly better written.
DeleteI have this one from Edelweiss and I need to start it asap, that release date is right around the corner. I LOVE the cover, it's what attracted me to the book in the first place (plus the horror aspect and the title being a Janis Joplin song:) I actually like that horror seems to be trending in YA right now. I'm glad this one ended up working out for you in the end!
ReplyDeleteYep, it's going to expire soon. I'm uncertain about the horror trend as I don't tend to like horror but I'm willing to see it through.
DeleteI want this one so badly, it sounds sooo good. I already have a hold on it at the library. :) I'm glad you enjoyed it. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI was very impressed with its originality-looking forward to your review!
DeleteI am kind of curious about this book. I am not a big fan of horror but I do like suspenseful books sometimes. I wondered if she was some kind of changeling...
ReplyDeleteI didn't think it was too bad and as a wimp, that says something!
DeleteDefinitely going to try this one. Some horror is too horrifying for me and I'm getting a little tired of YA amnesia books, but I've heard good things about this and I'm excited to see what I think!
ReplyDeleteYou can find me here: Jen @ YA Romantics
I thought the amnesia was handled VERY well here-a bit different from other amnesia plots.
DeleteHmm. This one seems interesting, and I'm glad that you found it to be refreshing and unique. We all need a change from the norm once in a while, right? Awesome review, girly! I need to check this one out. (:
ReplyDeleteIt was so good-you should definitely give it a shot!
DeleteI'm REALLY excited to read this! I hadn't linked the blurb to Pretty Little Liars, but now that you mention it, I totally see it! I'm slowly catching up on that show, I love it! Refreshing and unique sounds good to me :)
ReplyDeleteHope you love it-looking forward to a review from you!
DeleteI'm super excited for this book to come out this week because I've seen so many positive reviews! I am prepared to be confused for at least half of it, lol. Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteI think it all makes sense and comes together at the end-not too confusing!
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