Book Review: Living Dead Girl by Rachel Vincent

Living Dead Girl

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Living Dead Girl 〰️

Holy hell, what a ride! Seeing as this was one of her earlier works put on the back burner for a hot min, it's safe to say Vincent always knew how to tell a good story.

My only concern is since this was written many years ago, I wonder if she also wrote a sequel. The ending was great, but if this was a standalone book, it was also not satisfying at all. In fact, it's the type of ending that demands a sequel, and I worry we will never get one. I sure hope we do. There were so many unanswered questions.

That being said, I'm glad to see another adult book back in her urban fantasy roots. Don't get me wrong; she writes the best YA. (though I may be biased since literally anything of any genre Vincent writes is literary gold for me). But she also writes amazing adult, and I feel like we haven't seen that in a while. And technically still haven't since this was originally written years ago, only now to resurface and polish up for modern times.

This story had me right from the start. Vincent knows how to give a good chapter cliffhanger that keeps you reading straight until the very end. If you are a fan of Vincent's earlier works, like the Shifters series (a great series, by the way), you'll also love this book. I will never stop recommending Vincent's books to anyone who will listen to me.

Book Review: Fury by Rachel Vincent

Fury

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Fury 〰️

To say this book ended on a bittersweet tone on multiple levels is an understatement. How Vincent managed to tell two separate yet intertwining stories was perfection. And the ending. Just wow.

This is my second all-time favourite series from Vincent, the first being her Soul Screamers series. And in both, the main character dies. Not many authors kill off prominent characters (at least not in the books I've read). But when they do, it's usually not the main character we've been following for an entire series. Yet Vincent braves to write about it and make it a necessary part of the story.

I love how we learn more about the world we are in each part of this trilogy at the right time. I love Delilah's found family bond with her fellow escapees/former captives. Each character is so unique and well-written. I felt so upset when Eryx died and even more when it was Delilah's turn.

My only problem was that this book ended. (That and maybe we don't really know how Deliah's found family ended up five years after her death, though it seems that things are looking better for Cryptids. One can hope, anyway). Aside from that minor nitpick, this book and the series as a whole were absolutely amazing. Each new book had added new slew of problems to overcome, and none of them easy. I was as captivated by this book as I was by the first and second. This is defiantly a series worth re-reading.

If you are a fan of any of Vincent's books, you'll also enjoy this series. Granted, the end is bittersweet, but it's still the perfect ending to a perfect series.

Book review: Spectacle by Rachel Vincent

Spectacle

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Spectacle 〰️

Rachel Vincent has done it again. She managed to somehow up the high stakes of the first book and turn the dial past its maximum point. If you thought life at the menagerie was horrible, life at Savage Spectacle makes Metzger's place sound like a pretty sweet deal.

In Spectacle, the horror of captivity has been amplified. Sure, it may seem like a step up from the carnival at first, but with the introduction of the collars, it's a new nightmare. And once again, Vincent's writing is so superb I felt just as trapped and helpless as Delilah and her fellow captives. Granted, it's not a nice feeling, but I enjoy immersing myself in the world I'm currently reading, and Vincent's master storytelling does just that.

Reading this book makes me feel so many emotions about situations I've never been in and hopefully never will be. But that's what I love about Vincent and her works, how she can transport you to her world from the safety of your own home.

If you enjoyed the first book, Menagerie, you'll surely enjoy this one just as much. The world-building is expanded, and fresh plot twists. The writing is engaging, and you'll never want to put the book down. Actually, if you're a fan of Vincent in general, this book is for you. Just make sure to have the third (and final) book ready for when you finish because you are going to want to immediately fice back into this story the moment you finish the second book.

Book Review: Menagerie by Rachel Vincent

Menagerie

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Menagerie 〰️

This is my second reading of this book, and once again, I was not disappointed.

Rachel Vincent's Menagerie series is a super close second to my all-time favourite series of hers, the Soul Screamers series. (Though if you have read any of my previous Vincent book reviews, you'll know that anything she writes is literary gold, in my opinion, and there's a reason she is an insta-buy for any new book she writes).

I can't begin to describe how excellent this book is. I've never been stripped of all my rights and treated worse than a death row inmate, but Vincent's writing made me feel as though I have. I could feel Delilah's despair as her humanity was stripped away. I felt the sadness of her fellow captives. I wasn't just reading this story; I was experiencing it. And that is why Vincent is a master storyteller.

From the very first page, Vincent pulls you into a world where not only do animals and humans exists, but cryptids such as mermaids and shifters are real. Sadly, something known as the reaping happened in the 80s and cryptids is no longer allowed to co-exist with humans. (I read the whole series when it first came out; I just never did a review. So I can say that as the books go on, we learn more about the event known as the reaping). It's unfortunate to see cryptids being treated so poorly, but knowing humanity, I can buy this happening in our world.

If you are a fan of any of Vincent's works, especially her Shifters series or mythical creatures in general, this is the story for you. The twists and excellent writing keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time, wondering how Delilah can escape her fate of captivity. A true masterpiece of a story. 10/10 I highly recommend it.

Book Review: No One Is Alone by Rachel Vincent

No One Is Alone

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No One Is Alone 〰️

There is a reason anything Vincent writes is an automatic insta-buy for me, no matter what the story is about or the genre.

This story, about found family, has so many emotional and impactful moments. It deals with a lot of heavy issues right from the start, straight until the end. In a way, this book taught me about grieve and love. While I haven't lost anyone in my life at this moment, I know the day will come and I'm never going to be prepared. (But really, are any of us?) Reading this book feels like a bit of self-care for future me when the unfortunate day my love ones will pass.

I'm always impressed with Vincent's way with words; how she manages to make each character in her novels unique and fun to read. Even if there are depressing moments, Vincent's characters are believable in their actions and fit the age of the character.

I loved reading Michaela's story. She's been through so much but she still learns to grow as a character. I can't imagine losing my mom and then having to live with my estranged dad, only to find out I'm the product of a love affair. But all in all, she still handled it well. And I love how she not only teaches her new family how to love and bond with each other, but they teach her things as well. This is my first found family trope story that I've read (in recent memory anyway) and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

In fact, I just enjoyed reading every storyline in this novel. Everything was grounded and real. I loved how all the characters learned to bond and love each other and grew stronger because of it. I loved just watching how Michaela processes the death of her mom, to dealing with a new family/friends/school, to just going on about her life and trying new things.

If you are a fan of Vincent's work and found family stories, this book doesn't disappoint. As with any Rachel Vincent book, I highly recommend.

Book Review: Red Wolf by Rachel Vincent

Rachel Vincent has done it again with another captivating read.

I will admit, this is the first of Vincent's books where I wasn't pleased with the ending. There was so much I wanted to know more about, though it's possible Vincent left it open for a sequel. While the book did have an ending worthy of Vincent's usual storytelling, I just personally wanted to keep going. So I guess that's why I wasn't as pleased with how it ended. By no means does this mean that the book didn't end well. I just felt it ended abruptly and wanted more.

Red Wold by Rachel Vincent

The book itself has no real "villain" and I find that interesting. I love how the story is about learning to accept who you are (and possibly your fate) and Adele's journey to find out if she can really do right by everyone. All Adele wanted was to have the life of her dreams with the man she loves. But finding out she is a guardian really puts a stopper on that perfect life. And when she finds out what she has to do as a guardian and all its hard choices, her life will never be the same.

Red Wolf was a compelling read from the very first page. As always, Vincent leaves you wanting to know more about her characters and the world that surrounds them. It was interesting to see how Vincent changed her writing style slightly to fit the story setting. (I assume it takes place in medieval-ish France in an obvious fantasy world).

If this is your first Rachel Vincent read, I think you will be pleased. Although I would personally recommend her other works before this one as I do think they are more captivating. (The Menagerie Series and the Soul Screamer series are my fav). But you won't be disappointed with this read. As always, in my opinion, anything Vincent writes is literally gold and so I highly recommend picking up a copy today. Not to mention the cover is absolutely stuff and worth owning this book for that alone.

Book Review: Every Single Lie by Rachel Vincent

Wow, just wow. There is a reason Rachel Vincent is an auto-buy every time she releases a new book.

Not gonna lie, just by reading the description alone, I probably wouldn't have bought it if it wasn't by Rachel Vincent. It didn't sound like my type of book. But man was this ever a good read. Vincent had me hooked from chapter 1. With great characters and an extremely well-researched book.

Every Single Lie by Rachel Vincent

I sorta figured out who the mother was a little bit before Beckett did (and I'm proud of that as I don't usually figure things out before the characters do), but that didn't take away from the shock value.

The issues this book tackles are very deep and very real. Something not many people talk about but should. And it was handled so well. Not to mention the writing is--as always--spot on.

If you think this book isn't for you, I'd still suggest giving it a gander. I didn't think it was a story I'd like but it turned out to be one of the best reads this year. You may even learn a thing or two, as I did!

Anyway, 10/10, would HIGHLY recommend.

Rachel Vincent

Author of Every Single Lie and other amazing books.