To start off with...the title fits. This was an odd read and yet true at the same time. While the interesting cover art and the blurb in the front cover promised something of a more adult Sister's Grimm type of tale, we instead got something of a mixed back between real and not real, fiction and non-fiction and, to put it in a word...odd. Let's dive in.
Odette and Trudchen Grey are sisters who have relied on each other heavily all through their rough childhood. When Tru was crippled by polio, Od would liven up their lives with tales of their mother's monster hunting escapades and gathering all the local tales of monsters and ghosts that lurk in the dark. When Od is sent away by their strict aunt, she comes back for true and they set off to find the infamous New Jersey Devil and embark on their own adventure. But the sisters' bond is put under serious strain by secrets and lies and Tru must decide what it is she believes in.
This story cuts back and forth between Tru's present and Od's past, weaving two plots together and filling us in as we go. Early in the book, Od is portrayed as being the believer in magic and superstition while Tru is the one who's become something of a skeptic but, as the story moves on the dynamic begins to change. Tru easily beings to be swept up into the world she'd given up on and starts believing Od's claims that they are more than they seem and that they have some divine destiny. However, as the book goes on, we learn that Od isn't an entirely trustworthy. As we learn about her past and where she'd been, it soon becomes clear that a lot of what she says is for Tru's sake. They were both pretty interesting characters and I enjoyed the two tales and the characters that went with them.
Now...for the downside. This book has a tendency to drag in places. I mean, it takes a very long time for anything of genuine substance to happen. While Od's story moves at a satisfying pace, Tru's isn't allowed to go anywhere for a long time and, mostly, that's because of Od. Od's insistence that she keep secrets from her sister, never give her a straight answer, and refuse to tell her the truth of what they're doing is what keeps Tru's side of the story stagnant for a long time. When character's stubbornly withhold information, rather than building tension, it just frustrates the reader. We know what Od is up to because of the chapters with her point of view but Tru is stuck in the dark, so her chapters barely move. There were times when I wanted Od to just grow up and tell Tru the truth so things can get moving but no! And it just leads up to a "Liar Revealed" cliche toward the end that I never enjoy seeing. However, Tru's reactions and her decisions towards the climax were a refreshing change so, there is that.
The ending of the book was also a bit disconcerting. What the book builds up and what ultimately happens don't really mix together. However, I will say that it was certainly a thrilling climax. I was definitely invested. I liked what they ended up doing in tying up all the loose ends. As a standalone book, I liked what they did to tie everything together while leaving room, if not for sequels, but for spin-offs. I'd like to see what the past and also the future that this book sets up. I wouldn't mind reading more...as long as the plot is a bit more concrete and the pacing is a bit quicker.
Final Verdict
If this review felt a little all over the place...that's because this book felt all over the place. Still, it had good characters, some good ideas even if they weren't executed as well as they could have, interesting plot twists and a fairly satisfying conclusion. Bottom line, if it sounds like something you'd like, check it out...but maybe wait for it on paperback.
Have you read the book? What did you think? Comment below and share your thoughts. Please make sure to Follow Midnight Readings for instant updates. Have a book you'd like me to read or would like to make a recommendation? Contact me on goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/65448711-michelle-beer
Next Time: Oh no! I'm disfigured by beautiful, elegant tattoos that can be easily hidden. Poor me....
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