The Fifth Doll by Charlie N. Holmberg
*I received a free ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This book releases 25 July 2017 from 47North
Synopsis (from Goodreads)
Matrona lives in an isolated village, where her life is centered on pleasing her parents. She’s diligent in her chores and has agreed to marry a man of their choosing. But a visit to Slava, the local tradesman, threatens to upend her entire life.
Entering his empty house, Matrona discovers a strange collection of painted nesting dolls—one for every villager. Fascinated, she can’t resist the urge to open the doll with her father’s face. But when her father begins acting strangely, she realizes Slava’s dolls are much more than they seem.
When he learns what she’s done, Slava seizes the opportunity to give Matrona stewardship over the dolls—whether she wants it or not. Forced to open one of her own dolls every three days, she falls deeper into the grim power of Slava’s creations. But nothing can prepare her for the profound secret hiding inside the fifth doll.
Review
I loved the creativity and originality of the plot. It was like something from the Twilight Zone, or Are You Afraid Of The Dark. Without revealing spoilers, I thought the whole idea with the dolls was new and kinda creepy and the mystery made me want to keep reading. It was a good twist on Russian folklore. The payoff/reveal at the end did not disappoint. I also liked that it was a stand-alone (though there is definitely room for expansion if the author so chooses!)
Matrona is the leading lady. She's a dutiful daughter who wants to be good and virtuous and strives hard to please her parents and those in her community. She's in her mid-twenties and not married, though she's finally secured an engagement to a man in her village, Feodor. Throughout the book, we see Matrona grow and come to realize that she deserves more than she's been given, and that being so submissive and deferring will never bring her the happiness she wants. I loved this character arc, and how she questions her actions but boldly goes forward with what she feels is right.
Jaska was the main secondary character, and I thought he was hot. Like those were VERY vivid character descriptions ^_^. Very good as the romantic interest, but also a good balance with Matrona. The other characters in the village are well-done and detailed enough that they stand out as individuals.
There were a couple really powerful scenes, such as (slight spoilers) when Matrona has to fight off darkness and harsh words from within herself. Matrona was totally incapacitated, even though physically there was nothing wrong with her, and her family and friends basically told her to get up and move on, not understanding the anguish she felt. It was especially poignant coming after she receives harsh treatment from others in her village. Even though that was hard to bear, it was nowhere near as bad as what she causes herself. I thought it was such a vivid portrayal of not only the negativity we unleash on ourselves so often, but also was such a good way of showing the reality of living with depression and anxiety.
Overall, a haunting, magical, tantalizing read.
Rating
I give this book 3.5 stars.
Details
Genre: YA, Fantasy.
Language: None.
Sex: None.
Violence: Mild (some hitting).
*I received a free ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This book releases 25 July 2017 from 47North
Matrona lives in an isolated village, where her life is centered on pleasing her parents. She’s diligent in her chores and has agreed to marry a man of their choosing. But a visit to Slava, the local tradesman, threatens to upend her entire life.
Entering his empty house, Matrona discovers a strange collection of painted nesting dolls—one for every villager. Fascinated, she can’t resist the urge to open the doll with her father’s face. But when her father begins acting strangely, she realizes Slava’s dolls are much more than they seem.
When he learns what she’s done, Slava seizes the opportunity to give Matrona stewardship over the dolls—whether she wants it or not. Forced to open one of her own dolls every three days, she falls deeper into the grim power of Slava’s creations. But nothing can prepare her for the profound secret hiding inside the fifth doll.
Review
I loved the creativity and originality of the plot. It was like something from the Twilight Zone, or Are You Afraid Of The Dark. Without revealing spoilers, I thought the whole idea with the dolls was new and kinda creepy and the mystery made me want to keep reading. It was a good twist on Russian folklore. The payoff/reveal at the end did not disappoint. I also liked that it was a stand-alone (though there is definitely room for expansion if the author so chooses!)
Matrona is the leading lady. She's a dutiful daughter who wants to be good and virtuous and strives hard to please her parents and those in her community. She's in her mid-twenties and not married, though she's finally secured an engagement to a man in her village, Feodor. Throughout the book, we see Matrona grow and come to realize that she deserves more than she's been given, and that being so submissive and deferring will never bring her the happiness she wants. I loved this character arc, and how she questions her actions but boldly goes forward with what she feels is right.
Jaska was the main secondary character, and I thought he was hot. Like those were VERY vivid character descriptions ^_^. Very good as the romantic interest, but also a good balance with Matrona. The other characters in the village are well-done and detailed enough that they stand out as individuals.
There were a couple really powerful scenes, such as (slight spoilers) when Matrona has to fight off darkness and harsh words from within herself. Matrona was totally incapacitated, even though physically there was nothing wrong with her, and her family and friends basically told her to get up and move on, not understanding the anguish she felt. It was especially poignant coming after she receives harsh treatment from others in her village. Even though that was hard to bear, it was nowhere near as bad as what she causes herself. I thought it was such a vivid portrayal of not only the negativity we unleash on ourselves so often, but also was such a good way of showing the reality of living with depression and anxiety.
Overall, a haunting, magical, tantalizing read.
Rating
I give this book 3.5 stars.
Details
Genre: YA, Fantasy.
Language: None.
Sex: None.
Violence: Mild (some hitting).
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