Hi everyone, so to spice things up Kimmy and I decided to do something a little bit different and do a joint review every now and again. I mean, what is better than one opinion? ... two for the price of one! :)
We give you, our first joint review:
The Reunion by A.A Pencil
*Disclaimer - We were given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Blurb:
C. Moore Catholic High School's 10-year reunion was organised as many reunions are - to reminisce, to see who had made a success of their lives, and in truth, to gossip on who had not. But this party in the secluded, 1890's mansion once owned by a long dead, paranoid WWII Veteran, was to become anything but typical. After a horrible accident within the mansion, the alumni realise they are locked in and fighting for their lives. Instantly, tempers rise and fingers are pointed as the number of living alumni begins to rapidly decrease. Theories range from there being a murderer in the midst to the mansion possibly being haunted by the previous owner's ghost. Who or what is responsible and will anyone make it out alive? Find out for yourself in this combination of a mystery and psychological thriller, with a twisted ending!
Rinny's View:
I cannot explain how excited I was when I came across this book and had the opportunity to review it. As soon as I read the blurb I just kept getting the feeling of a cluedo-esque story. I loved Cluedo growing up it was my favourite board game could not get enough of it. I knew I had to read it. The excitement did not go, I found myself checking my to be reviewed list waiting for it to come up next, finally it has.
I was hooked from the start and I could not put the book down. I was having to fight myself and say no go to bed, eat and take a break. All whilst texting Kimmy urging her to hurry up and read more so we could discuss. The hook did not let me go at all, the pace was perfect and I was never bored. So much was happening I found myself highlighting and taking notes keeping track of my suspicions and theories. Which were all wrong this book full of its mystery, suspense and fast paced action kicked me from behind in surprise with a huge twist I did not see coming at all. Wow that is all I can say to that Wow, Wow and Wow. The ending will leave you tripped up on your backside with a head full of shock, questions and wanting book two in this series.
The only real negatives I have are that even with the long detailed slow introduction to the characters, I still found myself getting confused from time to time for the first five or six chapters who was who and having to go back and refresh my memory. Although this eased as I got further in and started to connect more with some of the characters and others met their fate. The ending was a huge twist and at first I was a little confused. The more I thought things over, it became less confusing, much more clearer. I do have a few questions left over but that is a good thing for me with a starting book in a series.
There is a huge mix of characters all different but all intertwined and harbouring secrets. The relationships between them were believable and relatable for the most part thinking back to high school. (god has it really been 10 years since I was there arghhhh I cannot be that old :( lol). I connected with a great deal of the characters although surprising my favourite character was not a big part of the book which made me sad. I also had a few moments where my husband looked at my giggling self with a look that said oh no she's lost the plot lol.
I really enjoyed this book, it's plot was interesting the twist huge, characters although confusing at times were engaging and connectible. Full of mystery, fast paced action and suspense you will not be disappointed, except wanting to read on in the series. I cannot wait to read book two.
Kimmy's View:
When I came across this book in a Facebook Review Group I instantly wanted to read it. It just sounded so fun. Luckily for me, Rinny had beat me to the punch and got her hands on a review copy. The countdown began until we could begin our first joint review!
Throughout reading this book, both Rinny and I were texting each other for progression updates, discussing our theories and opinions on the book. It made for a much more enjoyable read knowing that someone else was reading the book at the same time as you and being able to discuss your crazy thoughts, predictions etc.
I found the majority of the storyline well written. The history of how the characters know each other, I'm sure for many readers will find relatable. My only fault would be that there were too many characters, some of which I found myself having trouble remembering and having to go back to refresh myself as to who they were and what part of the story did they appear. Perhaps if these characters were taken out of the storyline and then the time spent on these was used to develop some of the character relationships or more history into their lives. I did however connect well with the others, probably due to the time spent detailing the characters and their lives/relationships.
You will find yourself throughout the book trying to piece it all together, looking for all the clues, being on edge hoping something will or won't happen. For me this was most definitely a page turner. The major twist at the end felt like I had just hit a brick wall at 80mph. It was definitely not expected, but explained alot of what had happened. Also reading the teaser for book two left me wanting more. Yet again another series that I want to continue reading, but of course have to wait.
From Rinny poking me to hurry up and read the book, to me sitting up late unable to put it down until I had finished it. Its a great read folks, go and grab yourself a copy now!
Rating:
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