COMPENDIUM of REVIEWS: Creepy Books plus #Giveaway

Okay, so it's time to get my shorts out! Spring arrived and while some of you may not yet be rid of the snow, Florida is mostly sunny skies where I am. However, I rarely wear shorts, despite the heat but I sure do like shortened reviews when I have a lot of books to talk about and not enough brain power or motivation to write individual reviews for all the books I read in a year.

If I posted anything on Fangirlish though, I will make sure to link to that review or post.

Shall I start then?!

THE CEMETERY BOYS by Heather Brewer: 

Stephen, the main narrator, has an independent streak that accompanies a lot of shame knowing his mother has been hospitalized for her mental health safety. When Stephen learns Devon and Cara, both care for a mother who also has been burned by life, he thinks he has found loyal, understanding friends. Instead betrayal follows him and his father to the last page. Delightfully creepy, atmospheric and down-to-earth look at mental health issues, THE CEMETERY BOYS shows how superstitions seep into the spirit of a small town and allow citizens to justify murder.

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Exclusive Cover Reveal Interview @ Fangirlish



THE ALEX CROW by Andrew Smith:

THE ALEX CROW drew me in right away and then lost me somewhat in the middle only keeping my interest because of Ariel, the main narrator. Sad as it is to admit, but he and I deal with life a lot by hiding. In the end when he found his bearings and confronted Major Knott (spoilers if I say more); Ariel came through his harrowing death experiences with aplomb. And I couldn't help but cheer to know that Ariel and the Alex crow finished out the book finding their place in this world. It was poetic, if not justice for a boy who should have died multiple times over.

#KeepYAWeird Blog Tour @Fangirlish
Sneak Peek of The Alex Crow and Cover Reveal @Fangirlish



VANISHING GIRLS by Lauren Oliver:

Lauren Oliver writes some pretty prosaic phrases that stick with me as if poetry and yet VANISHING GIRLS did not read as beautifully as some of her other novels for me. A moody sibling tale shrouded in loss, mental instability and psychic familial ties. Or a creepy ghost story where the afterlife holds none of the appeal of sticking it out in the in-between world and haunting those you held dearest. Either way you wish to interpret it, works. And while Nick [Nicole Warren], isn't quite sure what is happening between her and her sister, Dara -- she only knows the rift between them seems to grow larger with each passing day and every effort Nick makes in hopes of gaining back Dara's trust. An unfolding mystery told in multiple perspectives (Nick and Dara) and includes letters and emails from many other characters to fill in the blanks. Communication is key and in the end when all is revealed, Nick finds the forgiveness she'd been seeking as well as an identity that belongs solely to her.

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GIVEAWAY:

I have three ARCs -- one for each of the books I've written a short review of up above. If you would like to win these ARCs... see directions below. Yes, this is open internationally and ends next Monday (March 30th).

Let me know what creepy book you've read lately in the comments. That's all it takes to be entered. No retweeting, tweeting, liking or posting to your own account necessary. Of course, sharing is love!