Summerween 2023 - Wrap-Up

Summerween has been over for a while now, but I have finished all the books I had set for my TBR. All five I have read physically, which is kind of a big deal. Okay, I specifically picked shorter books (not all though), to make it more achievable. But still. You can check out the original post for my Summerween TBR HERE

I made a prediction for how I would rank them. And this is what I thought the top 5 would be:
1. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

2. What Lies Between Us by John Marrs

3. Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

4. Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

5. The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean

I was very sure about my number one, the rest I just winged. I put the Will Dean book last because that was the book I knew the least about. Turns out, this was my actual ranking at the and of the readathon!!! 

Here are some short thoughts on each book, per prompt, with links to the full review:

Prompt 1: Read a book in the dark

Slaugtherhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

A unique book, which I highly enjoyed, but is definitely not for everyone. It constantly jumps back and forth in time and it deals with alien abduction. I love Vonnegut's writing. Read my full review HERE

Rating: 4/ 5

Prompt 2: Read a Thriller

What Lies Between Us by John Marrs

A fast-paced and exciting thriller. Just when you think you've figured it out, it goes in a different direction. Hard to put down and again a great John Marrs thriller. Not all twists are as surprising, but the ending was. HERE is my full review. 

Rating 4,5/ 5

Prompt 3: Read a book that takes place in the fall

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

A modern fairytale, a magical yet creepy read. Quick and original, with beautiful illustrations and fantastic characters. Great for adults and kids. Click HERE to check out my full review. 

Rating:5/ 5

Prompt 4: Read a book with orange or black on the cover

The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean

A story that had potential, but didn't use it to the fullest. i didn't enjoy this book. only the first 20 percent maybe, but then it became repetitve and boring. Would not reccommend. HERE is my full review. 

Rating: 2/ 5

Prompt 5: Read a manga, graphic novel or novella

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

A classic story, which would be perfect for those who haven't delved into to classic yet. This is a good one to start with. The infamous plot twist is well-written and I really wonder how people back in the day responded to reading that for the first time. It was a fine read, but in the end it never captivated or grabbed me. HERE is my full review. 

Rating: 3/ 5

My average rating for this readaton is: 3,8

I did well, in general. One 5-star book, I'm happy about that. Just a shame for that one 2-star book though. I had made this TBR beforehand, but it's not something I'm going to continue. I prefer to read whatever I'm in the mood for, not a set TBR. So, back to mood reading now. 

Book Review - What Lies Between Us by John Marrs

Title: What Lies Between Us
Series: -
Author: John Marrs
 
Description: They say every house has its secrets, and the house Maggie and Nina have shared for so long is no different. Except that these secrets are not buried in the past.
 
Every other night, Maggie and Nina have dinner together. When they are finished, Nina helps Maggie back to her room in the attic, and into the heave chain that keeps her there. Because Maggie has done things to Nina that can’t ever be forgiven, and now she is paying the price.
 
But there are many things about the past that Nina doesn’t know, and Maggie is going to keep it that way, even if it kills her.
 
Review: Nina can never forgive Maggie for what she has done and thus she will never set her free. Nina keeps Maggie locked and chained in the attic for something that happened in the past. But there is more to that past that Nina doesn’t know about and Maggie wants to keep these secrets hidden, no matter what.
 
You get sucked into this sick story from page one, but why Nina is keeping Maggie locked up remains unanswered for a long time. You have a lot of questions, more then answers. And that makes “What Lies Between Us” an absolute page-turner. Along the way you realize that both women have their fair share of secrets and have done bad things.
 
It’s an intense thriller, full of adrenaline that takes insanity to another level. The twists and turns in the story alone are not mind-blowing, but you’re constantly led astray. When you think you’ve figured it out, it goes the other way. Because I didn’t predict that ending.

“What Lies Between Us” is an unstoppable, emotionally shocking and addictive thrill ride. I can now say that John Marrs is a favorite author and I want to read all of his books.
 
Rating: 4,5/ 5