Blog Tour + Review: The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco

Today we are a tour stop for Rin Chupeco's The Girl from the Well blog tour!!!

Read on for Elicia's review of the YA horror novel.

The Girl from The Well  ●  Author: Rin Chupeco

Sourcebooks Fire ● August 5, 2014 ● ISBN: 9781402292187

Hardcover/$16.99 U.S. ● Ages 14+

The Ring meets The Exorcist in this haunting and lyrical reimagining of the Japanese fable.

Okiku has wandered the world for hundreds of years, setting free the spirits of murdered children. Wherever there’s a monster hurting a child, her spirit is there to deliver punishment. Such is her existence, until the day she discovers a troubled American teenager named Tark and the dangerous demon that writhes beneath his skin, trapped by a series of intricate tattoos. Tark needs to be freed, but there is one problem—if the demon dies, so does its host.

With the vigilante spirit Okiku as his guide, Tark is drawn deep into a dark world of sinister doll rituals and Shinto exorcisms that will take him far from American suburbia to the remote valleys and shrines of Japan. Can Okiku protect him from the demon within or will her presence bring more harm? The answer lies in the depths of a long-forgotten well

Detailed Review:  *I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for my honest feedback*

Something you should know firsthand: I actually requested this book in NetGalley because it had something to do with Japan.

The fact that I had just finished reading Amanda Sun's Rain at that time was another contribution to my decision, what with it being set in Japan and the rich culture within the country.

But honestly, I would still have requested for this book regardless because a) The story is really intriguing and b) Look at that cover, just look at it. Perfection to the eyes. I could look at it all day long.

Basically, The Girl from the Well tells a story of a boy who is quite unusual, and has a secret that could put him in an asylum, like his mom. Okiku and his cousin Callie may be the only ones to help Tark as he slowly loses control to the evil spirit that lives within him. 

This book is not usually what I would read, because it has a strong sense of horror in it, and I being quite- ahem- afraid of ghosts, would not pick up books like this.

I do not regret my decision. The book scared me, especially when the narrator is a ghost from an ancient ghost story, and she kills people who murder kids in the most gruesome ways. 

But I am proud to have finished reading the book. 

The book was really graphic, with the author describing death scenes without missing any detail, even the bloodiest ones. I really admire Chupeco for being so forthcoming with these details. God knows what goes on in her head when she writes. *wince*

What intrigued me the most though, was the relationship between Okiku and Tark. It's almost like there's romance between them, but there seems to be no show of it through anything physical, possibly except the ending.

I'm still left wondering if this book has romance in it, but I guess it really depends on the reader.

However, let me make something clear.

You don't really need romance to make a YA book good. It would surely score points, but it would be incredibly boring if every single YA novel had romance inside them (not that I mind, but sometimes it would be good to have something unique once in a while)

The Girl from the Well is proof of that.

The characters... They were awesome. I can't find any other word to describe them. They each have their own secrets and backgrounds that they enrich the book itself, making it even more vibrant. Do I even make sense? Think of a beautiful painting that stands out among a collection of many others.

All the characters are related to each other in the most unexpected ways. And this usually results in twists.

Okiku's obsession with counting and her sometimes third-person narration makes her a very unique character. Her character is unusual but, I think that gives the story more depth. If someone is so easy to read, where's the fun?

I also think Okiku isn't just a unique character, I think she also deserved the title for heroine, even though she was a strange type of heroine. She did save Tark's life.

Now when I speak of twists, which I know all readers dread and love, you will not be disappointed. You will get the  I-can't-believe-this-is-true feeling as you wade through the book.

And many thanks to the author for making dolls really creepy. I think every time I look at one, I'll start thinking that there's an evil spirit residing in there...

BEWARE: The ending is one you are not prepared for, not now or ever.

Brief Review: Ghosts, exorcisms, demon and death- what better things to have in a horror book? This author's love of ghosts is obvious in her writing and characters. She doesn't hold back in her descriptions; no matter how bloody they are, she moves on with a grim determination which could be entertaining at times and adds to the climax of the book. All I can say is that the author's writing really flourished in this book. She has already made me re-consider my decision to not pick up any horror books in the future!

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

QUOTE: 

The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living---Marcus Tullius Cicero

Your Reviewer:

Praise for The Girl From the Well:

“[A] Stephen King–like horror story…A chilling, bloody ghost story that resonates.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Chupeco makes a powerful debut with this unsettling ghost story…told in a marvelously disjointed fashion from Okiku’s numbers-obsessed point of view, this story unfolds with creepy imagery and an intimate appreciation for Japanese horror, myth, and legend.” –Publishers Weekly, STARRED

“The Girl from the Well is part The Ring, part The Grudge and part The Exorcist…A fantastically creepy story sure to keep readers up at night… Okiku is one of the most interesting YA characters to date.” RT Book Reviews,  4 ½ STARS-TOP PICK!

“A dark novel that will appeal to horror fans, lovers of Elizabeth Scott’s ‘Living Dead Girl.’” –School Library Journal

About Rin Chupeco: Despite uncanny resemblances to Japanese revenants, Rin Chupeco has always maintained her sense of humor. Raised in Manila, Philippines, she keeps four pets: a dog, two birds, and a husband. She’s been a technical writer and travel blogger, but now makes things up for a living. The Girl from the Well is her debut novel. Connect with Rin at www.rinchupeco.com

ARC Review: Sweet Unrest by Lisa Maxwell

Title: Sweet Unrest
Author: Lisa Maxwell
Release Date: 8th October 2014
Publisher: Flux
Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: Lucy Aimes has always been practical. But try as she might, she can’t come up with a logical explanation for the recurring dreams that have always haunted her. Dark dreams. Dreams of a long-ago place filled with people she shouldn’t know…but does.

When her family moves to a New Orleans plantation, Lucy’s dreams become more intense, and her search for answers draws her reluctantly into the old city’s world of Voodoo and mysticism. There, Lucy finds Alex, a mysterious boy who behaves as if they’ve known each other forever. Lucy knows Alex is hiding something, and her rational side doesn’t want to be drawn to him. But she is.

As she tries to uncover Alex’s secrets, a killer strikes close to home, and Lucy finds herself ensnared in a century-old vendetta. With the lives of everyone she loves in danger, Lucy will have to unravel the mystery of her dreams before it all comes to a deadly finish.

Detailed Review:  <<I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review>>

When I read that first sentence, it didn't prepare me for what was due to come. Even countless re-readings of the synopsis didn't help soften the blows this book dealt me.

One thing was obvious though: this was about reincarnation and Voodoo. I already knew that from my first glimpse of the synopsis. 

How these two elements came together though, was a different story. I twisted my mind in every way to see how the pieces fit into the puzzle, but I couldn't figure it out. Not as well as Maxwell, anyway. 

Everything is not a coincidence in this book; it is all planned out from the start. This is what a really good book needs: some prior planning before plunging into writing and some significant character development (especially the main characters) throughout the book.

Sweet Unrest had both. That means that it's a really good book. 

Honestly, I didn't expect this book to be this good, because there was quite an ordinary first line and first paragraph (I judge books by first lines and paragraphs), not enough to capture someone's fancy for long.

Until you read the end of the prologue. That's when it sparks your interest. 

My sole advice when reading this book is to read on-yes, even when you're bored- because you'll always discover something at each turn of the page. You wouldn't want to miss any of it.

I'm talking about the plot twists here. There are a few. Fair warning: they're not light ones; they pack a punch. 

The characters had interesting developments throughout the book, but that was one of the plot twists (hopefully that's not considered a spoiler)

This book had a considerable amount of fear factor in it, because it's Voodoo. Yet, the author does mention that it's not all bad, the story itself does highlight that the art can be used for ulterior motives.

The romance between Alex and Lucy was certainly great, but I thought more attention could be given to their relationship in the present, not in the past. This did somehow make the romance seem slightly unnatural, despite the fact that they have met each other in a different life at a different time.

But... Everything other than that was great.

The writing in this book is straight to the point, though Maxwell loves leading you off the safe path to dark places, so beware... She even likes to include some meaningful musings about life (ahhhhhhh). 

Another point scorer is the author's inclusion of family. She emphasis throughout the book how important family really is. I just loved Lucy's brother, T.J. He is the absolute cutest. And the prologue even mentioned her parents and how they met (that's actually quite interesting but nothing compared to the rest of the story)

Did I mention that I swooned when I read that Alex had a French accent (OMG THAT IS HOT) and that his full name was Alexandre Jourdain (double OMG)? French guys are seriously the best.

The ending wasn't a cliffhanger, but honestly it was still as heartbreaking as if there was a cliffhanger. You get what I mean. But it was good though, in a way that it gives your imagination full reign of what will happen to the characters in the future. It isn't just restricted by what the author gives you, it's up to you what happens. That's what I liked the most.

Brief Review: Maxwell successfully fits two very different elements together into a well-written book. She gives Voodoo a near insight- she transforms the art into something beautiful and horrifying at the same time. She not only does it with talent; she does it with amazing characters and storytelling on her part. I must say that Sweet Unrest will most definitely clear a path for the author to start of her writing career!!!

Final Rating: 4/5 'Really Liked It!'

QUOTE: 

This somehow reminded me of Alex and Lucy's first meeting in Le Ciel

Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye---H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Your Reviewer:

ARC Review: Dark Magic by Renee Travis

Title: Dark Magic

Author: Renee Travis

Release Date: 1st July 2014

Publisher: -

Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: What if witches were real? What if they had a Monarchy in the United States under our government? What if they lived next door, raised their kids and went to work...just like you? What if they were....out of the broom closet?

Kalma is a witch; not a normal witch, an immortal witch, with power over death. She is also a Princess and a middle child, which causes her no end of frustration. Wanting to feel like she is doing something with her life, Kalma embarks on a journey where she must solve the mystery of missing Death Witch children. With the help of her colorful sisters and a Servant of Death, she gets more than she bargained for, and her life and the life of her people will never be the same.

Detailed Review: Being a self-published book, I didn't expect this book to be perfect. There would still be mistakes, so I lowered my expectations considerably to fit in this book.

Having done so, I started reading. I was instantly transported into a world full of magic, romance and sisterhood. It was hard to not be sucked into it; the magic already started in the first chapter. Yes, there were mistakes, but they hardly stopped the flow of the story, which was surprisingly smooth.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the parts I enjoyed the most was the romance between Tuoni and Kalma. When I read those parts, my heartbeat actually accelerated because I was just swooning over them. Tuoni was just pure hotness and even though he was over 200 years old (yes he is) I wouldn't mind him being my Servant of Death if I was a Death Witch.

Still, I loved Kalma's sisters. They were so supportive of her. Cerri was so so cute and bubbly it's so hard to not smile when she spoke. Morrigan was the combustible sister (she is a fire witch so I mean it in the literal sense). Isis was the sister who is always hungry for knowledge and is the second eldest. Inanna was the eldest, she was the most motherlike and being a spirit witch also the most understanding. Kalma is the middle sister, so you would expect her to always feel trapped and being a Death Witch proves to be more of a curse than a blessing (except for Tuoni).

Death Witches are hated by almost everyone because they are associated with death and they have power over something beautiful and ugly at the same time. But... it would be cool to raise the dead just for once.

People always say for twists to be interesting, you have to murder your characters. Travis did it, literally. I won't spoil it for you, but it goes along the lines of Allegiant... If you've read it. *wink* And that twist was what it was meant to be and in the end it still turned out perfect. This isn't the only twist; there are more wonderful ones waiting to be discovered.

There is a sequel to this book, hence the cliffhanger at the end, which is itself a twist. I don't think I should say more. I'm basically ranting about this book and I might just end up spoiling the book for you.

And I have read another book from this author, so I wasn't expecting any less from her. She met my expectations perfectly.

To read more about the author's other book, check out my review for it HERE.

Brief Review: If you love witches, romance or hot guys, you should definitely add this book to your TBR pile! Renee Travis weaves a story of sisterly love together with magic and adventure that mesmerises readers. This book is a promising start to a splendid series. I would expect more climax and pace in the sequel, although Dark Magic doesn't really disappoint either.

Final Rating: 4/5 'Really Liked It!'

QUOTE: 

To address the sisterly love between Kalma and her sisters:

Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other--- Carol Saline

Your Reviewer:

Review: The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant by Joanna Wiebe

Title: The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant
Author: Joanna Wiebe
Release Date: 14th January 2014
Publisher: BenBella Books
Find on: Goodreads

Detailed Review: <<I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review>>

*There may be some mini spoilers*

This book blew me away. Honest-to-god blew me away. This wasn't anything I expected at all. There was no hint or warning beforehand that demons would come into this. 

Wiebe's story-writing kept my mind twisting and spinning that after finishing, my brain probably had the most hardcore workout it had ever had! Too many sudden twists. Too many in the last few chapters. Too many EVERYWHERE. I mean it, in the literal sense. This is not a hyperbole. 

I can seriously compare this book to a mind game. You can get frustrated, shocked, angry and sad from just reading this book. You really need plenty of rest after digesting so much. 

In the end though, you'll only have one thought in your head: WOW. That was good. It's the exact same feeling where you're in a race and you unexpectedly won. That exhilarating wow-I-can't-believe-I-made-it-through-that feeling.

It isn't just the twists, it's the story itself. It is so filled with creativity. I swear my mind must have broken down a few times from the abundance of creativity I encountered in Anne Merchant's story. It just makes me cry in shame as I admire Wiebe's imagination, which is so beautiful compared to mine. The concept that you need to become valedictorian to become alive again? Wow. And it's something so much more than that, as revealed in the ending? Double wow.

The characters themselves were as deep and complex as the story itself. Take Ben Zin for example. He seems willing to help Anne around the school but sometimes he just ignores her. And Pilot, he may look like the nicest guy in the school, with no PT and no wish to become valedictorian, there is something more than meets the eye about him.

The romance was very satisfying. Finger-licking satisfying. I can't wait for more of this swoon-worthy romance between Anne and... Take a guess.

I may not have ranted about this in my recent reviews, but once again I must, MUST, bring your attention to the ending, which wasn't an ending, more like THE CLIFFHANGER. I seriously felt like I was the one dangling off the cliff screaming NOOOOOOO and reaching out as the rest of the story become something intangible again, waiting to be continued by the scheming author behind this masterpiece.

Brief Review: Once again,  I must repeat, that this book unbelievably blew me away. The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant combines horror, fantasy, action and romance all into one, together with the most complicated characters you could ever know and the most twisted twists that have the ability to make you throw up later, which is an impressive feat to be applauded. This book is certainly not a joy ride; it is a terrifying roller-coaster ride. But it's worth the read. The most logical thing you should be doing right now is add this book to your TBR shelf!

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

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ARC Review: The Death of Ink by MM John

Title: The Death of Ink

Auhor: MM John

Release Date: 4th January 2014

Publisher: 

Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: Fifteen-year-old Paige Langley’s life has always revolved around good grades and escaping her less than ideal home life…but once she meets Devon Connors, her life drastically changes.

Although, they share an instant attraction, Devon’s concealing a dark past. And an even darker secret…there’s a dead girl haunting him nightly.

Resolute to win the school’s writing contest, Paige will do just about anything to achieve her goals. So after she finds a binder containing information on a past murder and the illegal activities of the students, she believes the stories are fictional and the perfect way to win the contest.

But the owner of the manuscript, Devon Connors, has other plans. To keep Paige from exposing his secrets, Devon befriends her and even offers to help her write a winning story for the contest.

The chemistry between Paige and Devon is undeniable, but Paige doesn’t know if she can trust him. The deeper she digs into the dark underbelly of their high school, the more she realizes that some secrets are better left buried.

Detailed Review: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

So you want an honest review? Let's see... This book was a force of nature. And I found out one thing the author was very good at: hypnotism with words. At least, that's what I think. I was hooked to the book like a lung cancer patient hooked to an oxygen tank. It was a phenomenon. In my opinion, this book held a different vibe compared to other supernatural books. This book gives the 'read at your own risk' vibe. Others would typically give the 'come and read me, there's lots of ghosts and whatnot' vibe. 

The characters certainly did their part well in The Death of Ink. The main characters, Paige and Devon don't have promising family lives, but their school lives don't reflect that. Paige is a high school senior at only 15 and Devon is the star receiving back in the football team. A binder of short stories and a writing competition brings them closer together. And the short stories, unbelievable as they seem, are certainly not fiction. Paige is a normal girl who wants to be noticed. Devon doesn't want attention. 

Devon was a very unusual character. I've never met anyone like him in my life. He's...special. Words can't describe how I feel about Devon, but he certainly has a dark side that I haven't had the chance to know more about.

And who's the 'dead girl' haunting him? Even I don't know. I wasn't given much of a glimpse into what his relationship with the girl, but I know something. 

The story is both confusing and not confusing. I don't know how to explain it. I feel like the story has a double meaning that I can't even begin to fathom, but the strange thing is I feel connected to the story. 

And this all leads to the topic of John's writing style. It's definitely unique. It seems simple enough when you read it, but there seems to be some power in the words she writes which attracts readers. I don't know how he does it, but she sure knows how to seduce you with words.

Brief Review: MM John affects me in a way which other authors haven't. She blends the supernatural with reality with such skill that it's hard to tell whether you are in the real or supernatural world. Her characters are intriguing and special and each demonstrate their own sense of character and purpose, even the minor ones. Her style of writing is unlike any I've encountered before. It's undoubtedly the best thing to look for in a new author when the competition between YA books is so strong. I'm definitely looking forward to reading her next book!

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

QUOTE: To Devon and his secrets, 

If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees.---Khalil Gibran

Your Reviewer: