Monday, October 6, 2014

Review: Famous Last Words

Title:  Famous Last Words
Series:  None
Author:  Katie Alender (Website | Twitter)
Age Group:  Young Adult
Publisher:  Point
Publication Date:  September 30, 2014
Source:  An ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!
Hollywood history, mystery, murder, mayhem, and delicious romance collide in this unputdownable thriller from master storyteller Katie Alender.
Willa is freaking out. It seems like she's seeing things. Like a dead body in her swimming pool. Frantic messages on her walls. A reflection that is not her own. It's almost as if someone -- or something -- is trying to send her a message.
Meanwhile, a killer is stalking Los Angeles -- a killer who reenacts famous movie murder scenes. Could Willa's strange visions have to do with these unsolved murders? Or is she going crazy? And who can she confide in? There's Marnie, her new friend who may not be totally trustworthy. And there's Reed, who's ridiculously handsome and seems to get Willa. There's also Wyatt, who's super smart but unhealthily obsessed with the Hollywood Killer.
All Willa knows is, she has to confront the possible-ghost in her house, or she just might lose her mind . . . or her life.
Acclaimed author Katie Alender puts an unforgettable twist on this spine-chilling tale of murder, mystery, mayhem -- and the movies.
 Find Famous Last Words online

My Review:  This book gave me chills.  Seriously, it was so good!  I loved all of the horror and the Hollywood mystery aspects in it.  I was thoroughly creeped out for most of it but I just loved it so much, I couldn't stop.  Horror and mystery definitely aren't my favorite genres but after reading this one, I think I'm going to have to start giving more books like this one a chance

The characters in this book were great.  I really loved that they weren't classic YA stereotypes.  The main character, Willa, had her flaws but I still found myself rooting for her the whole time.  I could sympathize with her and I totally connect with the way she tried to deal with all of the spooky things happening around her and to her.  The only big problem I had with her was how she was being a bit overdramatic when dealing with Wyatt and her step father.  I felt bad for them at times when they were at the receiving end of her attitude.  But besides that, she was an easy character to read about and connect with.  Another character I really appreciated was Wyatt.  I'll admit, I wasn't getting all swoon over him but I definitely did like the way he called Willa on her lies.  He wasn't at all what I was expecting and I enjoyed trying to figure him out throughout the novel.  

The whole mystery aspect of this story was interesting though a bit predictable.  I guessed the culprit the minute they walked onto the page but kept on doubting myself as the novel moved forward.  They doubt that Katie Alender made creep up on me was thrilling.  I loved having to second guess myself and rethink all of the facts.  

Like I said before, the horror factor was what really had me flipping these pages.  I wouldn't call myself a well-versed reader of horror books so I'm not sure how it compares but, for me, Famous Last Words had me looking over my shoulder and avoiding dark hallways at night.  I honestly wouldn't even get out of bed at night for a glass of water because all I could think about was all the scary things that happened to Willa.  And I totally loved it (you know, after I got that glass of water).

Famous Last Words is a book that I would soooo recommend, especially if you are interested in reading more horror but aren't ready to jump into the really hard-core stuff.  It has a little bit of a lot of things from YA novels such cute boys, flawed (but wonderful) characters, and a plot that will keep you guessing.


“Maybe it’s human nature to be drawn to the things that have hurt us the most.” 


Three Cards




3 comments:

  1. I'm glad to hear you enjoy this one because it's one of the books I'm looking forward to reading! :)

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    Replies
    1. I definitely did!! I hope you enjoy it too once you pick it up!

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  2. i'm terrible at horror too but mystery might be something i can work with! love it when books make me second guess myself, and this one has the spooky elements without being cliche? Thank you for putting this book into my radar! :)

    Alicia @ Noverly Things

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