This one failed to keep my interest so I'm moving on.

This is a unique YA story with an unreliable narrator because Alex has to manage her schizophrenia and paranoia. All while finishing her senior year at a new high school. There are some heavy topics balanced with humor and friendship that combine to make this such a great read.

I would only rate this four stars because there are some complicated conspiracy theories throughout, but I immediately bumped it up to five when I got to the twist and the good ending. I suggest reading it quickly before the twist and ending are revealed. This is one I'll probably read again now that I know what happens. I'm sure I missed some things as I rushed to find out what was real and what wasn't.

DNF. Lost interest.

Maybe really 3.5. This one is more dark and twisted than the first book. It clears up the Crossing confusion that annoyed me in the first book while creating additional confusion. There are flashbacks (forwards?) to what lead up to the Crossing, and William Tear, the first leader of the Tearling, is introduced.

I wonder if the third book will continue to bounce back and forth between the two time periods. I'm really not that interested in Lily's story although maybe it will get more interesting once they complete the Crossing. I will definitely read the third book because I still want to know who Kelsea's father is. I had a guess but apparently it was wrong. Plus I want to find out how it ends and read about the happily ever after.

Really loved this book. It's a well written fantasy about multiple Londons and the magic that ties them together. The world building is done very well, and I liked both the lead characters and the villains equally. Lots of action that kept the story moving. Can't wait to read the next book!

I bought this against my better judgement for my book club, and now I regret it even though it was only $3.99. There were some funny parts, but overall it couldn't hold my attention. The clues were weird, and I didn't see how the main character was even following them. I also didn't understand why a guy would try so hard and push away his friends while trying to find a girl who has barely spoken to him since childhood.

This is a good read that looks at all the ins and outs of a magician's tour around the turn of the century. It was interesting to see all the hard work and the mechanics that went into the tricks although now it would be a little hard to grasp how such simple tricks could amaze people without any special effects.

There was room for improvement. I felt that the some of the characters' actions were a little abrupt. Why would Ada walk through all the large, empty rooms of Biltmore and then decide to practice her ballet steps in the barn? The set-up felt false and forced. I also wasn't completely convinced about her magic.