Member Reviews

My first book by this author & I really enjoyed it! It had a good amount of spooky which kept me entertained throughout!

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I wouldn't say I don't like this book, it's just that I tried very hard to get myself to want to pick it back up and I just haven't. It didn't leave me wanting more and I would put it down and not think about it for weeks at a time before I finally just never picked it up again to finish it.

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This horror book was so twisty and turny. Be sure to read your trigger warnings beforehand. Every time I thought I had kind of figured it out, there was just so much more going on.  Dan was one of those characters that you just love to hate. His consistently poor decisions frustrated me to no end. There were times you could tell he meant well, but there was just no follow-through. On the other hand, Beth was a little bit more of a dynamic character. While Lizzie is the name of the book and revolves around Beth and Dan's child, her role is more low-key and is more about their ideal for Lizzie. Overall, it's a bit long but still an engaging read.

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This unfortunately wasn't the book for me. After trying to read it multiple times I ended up just leaving it in my DNF graveyard. I hope at soke point I can try again. But I don't think that will be anytime soon.

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This was not what I was expecting.

A chilling and suspenseful tale that drags you through heart pounding action and unimaginable horrors. It forces you to consider what lengths you would go to while also giving you a glimpse into some of the rawness of human nature. This story was fast paced, gripping and it completely swallows you while you’re in it.

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This book was incredibly long and I felt like it didn't need to be. The story was a bit slower than I’m used to but I still enjoyed it. I think though that it could have been split into two or even three separate books. Overall a good book with a bit of craziness and those who are not who they seem. Some of the character development was over the top, whereas others felt rushed. This left me feeling very confused.

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Creepy read. Starts off very graphically, but if you can get past that the rest is ok. Well written, a bit wordy at times but the pictures painted make you feel like you are there beside the characters. This book will have you jumping at the slightest noise and believing in things that should not be. Could have a possible sequel with how things were left, but I can if there isn’t one this book is good.

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To be honest, Lizzie posed some challenges for me as a reader. But I firmly believe that every book has its merits, so I want to focus on the positive aspects of this thriller and mystery story, even though it didn't quite align with my personal preferences.

First things first, the book's cover instantly grabbed my attention. It had this mysterious vibe and a touch of horror that really appealed to my taste. I have to admit, the cover alone intrigued me and drew me into the story.

The synopsis of the book promised an intriguing and captivating plot, blending elements of thrill, mystery, and horror. As a fan of these genres, I was genuinely excited to dive in and uncover the secrets that lay within the pages.

One thing I appreciated was Rand's attention to detail in their descriptions. While I do prefer a good balance between dialogue and descriptions, I understand that in a thriller, vivid descriptions play a crucial role in setting the atmosphere. Rand's dedication to creating a rich and immersive world through their words is definitely worth acknowledging.

Furthermore, the book showcased Rand's ability to portray the characters' actions and movements in great detail. Admittedly, at times, these passages felt a bit lengthy. However, they provided a comprehensive understanding of the characters' thoughts, motivations, and interactions with their surroundings. This level of detail allowed me to develop a deeper connection with the characters and better grasp their roles.

Now, I have to be honest, the story didn't flow as seamlessly as I had hoped. The pacing felt a bit off for my liking. But I understand different readers have different preferences when it comes to pacing. Some might appreciate the deliberate and methodical approach to storytelling, finding it more immersive and suspenseful. So, despite my personal experience, I want to acknowledge that there are readers out there who may thoroughly enjoy the book's unique narrative style.

The captivating cover, intriguing synopsis, and the author's attention to detail all contribute to an overall reading experience that fans of the thriller, mystery, and horror genres can appreciate.

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I really didn’t know what you think about this book. The dichotomy of my feelings was wild. In some ways it was wonderful and I just wanted to keep reading. In other ways, it felt like it dragged, and I wanted it to end eons ago. The set up definitely dragged and then the ending was extremely abrupt. I’m sure the author was leading into more books, but it didn’t stand alone well as an ending. All in all would have to give a 3.5 out of five stars. Some of the character development was over the top, whereas others felt rushed. This definitely left me feeling very confused.

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Let's start with the things that I really liked about the book. First it was a good chunky novel! I love a lengthy read. Secondly, I was truly kept guessing at the direction of the tale...the "bad guys" could easily have had a number of different back stories ( personally I was rooting for evil Fae....but didn't hate where we ended up!) Third up was the authors attention to detail. This perhaps contributed to the length of the book but was very effective in creating a very immersive reading experience.
Now for the not so great things. While I love a long read, the first 75% of the book really went nowhere. The attempt at creating intrigue really fell flat for me. The biggest problem, I think, were the characters themselves. There was not a single character that didn't come across as self absorbed, narcissistic and just plain anti social. It was hard to read a book of this length and not feel like any of the characters were worth rooting for. Everyone seemed to despise everyone else. I really wanted a hero , even an anti hero, I found none.
Overall it was not a bad read, just took a long time to go anywhere and once we arrived, I really coudn't have cared less if anyone came out on top.....

A huge thank to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this book free of charge. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.

I have been on a horror genre kick of late and Lizzy was a perfect fit for my current mood. I did find the book a bit long and had to take breaks due to library holds, but that's a me problem, besides the length Lizzie was a good read that you want to pick up again. It offers the same uncomfortable horror the cover suggests and that's a good thing.

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I enjoyed this book. The characters and story line were very well thought out and very descriptive. The story was a bit slower than I’m used to but I still enjoyed it. I think though that it could have been split into two or even three separate books. Overall a good book with a bit of craziness and those who are not who the seem.

3 stars

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This was an excellent read. I feel it could have been edited better; there are pages and pages of description that didn’t add to the story. But ultimately it’s a creepy and disturbing story, which is what I want in a horror novel. Thanks for the opportunity to read!

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Edward Rand's "Lizzie" unfolds as a gripping tale that plunges readers into a whirlwind of suspense, mystery, and relentless pursuit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Readers are directed into a labyrinth of chilling secrets and heart-pounding danger.

From the tranquility of countryside repose to the depths of horror at Barron Cemetery, the story unravels through the eyes of Dan and Beth, thrust into a nightmarish sequence of events after an innocuous visit to the eerie boneyard. Rand navigates this descent into chaos, weaving a story that blends the ordinary with the inexplicable, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.

This novel has a relentless pace and is meticulously constructed of tension and intrigue. Rand's aptitude for storytelling is evident in the palpable sense of urgency as Dan and Beth navigate through a maze of dark conspiracies, sinister forces, and treacherous allies. Their quest to rescue Lizzie becomes a test of courage, resilience, and the depths of parental love.

"Lizzie" probes beyond the surface, unveiling the hidden truths about the characters and the world they inhabit. Dan and Beth's palpable fear and desperation immerses readers on a rollercoaster of emotions that oscillate between dread, determination, and hope.

Rand's text is an intricate dance between chilling suspense and heartfelt emotion, culminating in a pursuit to save Lizzie from an inexplicable fate. The compelling storyline is heightened by the exploration of human nature, pushing Dan and Beth to confront their deepest fears, strengths, and vulnerabilities in their unwavering resolve to reclaim their daughter.

"Lizzie" is an exploration of the human spirit -- revealing the lengths parents will go to protect their child. Rand's storytelling captivates, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, yearning to unravel the mysteries woven within.

"A heart-pounding journey through the shadows of suspense and relentless pursuit, 'Lizzie' grips readers in a chilling tale of resilience and parental love."

"Edward Rand's 'Lizzie' delivers an electrifying narrative that blurs the lines between reality and terror, propelling readers into a maze of dark conspiracies and unimaginable horrors."

"From tranquil repose to nightmarish terror, 'Lizzie' unfolds as a haunting tale of desperation, courage, and the fight for a daughter's life against insurmountable odds."

"In 'Lizzie,' Edward Rand crafts a gripping narrative that echoes with palpable fear and unyielding determination, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable horrors."

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Took me a bit to get through since it wasn't such a quick reading book. Had to keep on going back and forth since I thought that I missed something. All in all the book was a good read because of all the craziness in it.

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I tried, I really tried, but I could not follow the story. I never formed a relationship with any of the characters.

I was given the opportunity to read this by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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This is a strange read... That's not necessarily a bad thing - and the blurb and cover certainly cued up I was in for a strange ride - but I found it a little stranger and more jarring than I expected, and not in a good way.

It feels like reading a couple of books mashed into one volume. There's a lot of everyday life going on, with pages and pages of description. And while they are very well written and engaging, they do nothing to drive the plot forward so much as to set the stage. Repeatedly. And after a while, the stage is set and things need to start happening. But when they did start happening, it was with a seriously jarring act of violence or aggression that felt so incongruent with the intricate and layered descriptions of the family's life, that it was disturbing and felt out of place.

I know it is billed as horror, but it's not that so much as it is disturbing. It's also way way too long for one book. I found myself getting lost in the details - and not in a good way. I also found the sexualization and rape to be too much. This was not a good fit for me on the whole. It's not that it's badly written, it's that it feels like it's trying to be too many things at once - like cramming an entire season into one episode...

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I'm not sure what to say about this book. It was LONG. It was well written. At first, I wasn't sure where it would be going. I wasn't sure I was going to finish if and then <spoiler>the Rison home invasion and rape happened</spoiler> and I was hooked. It got slow again after that for a bit but I wanted to know more. I wanted to learn about the neighbor. <spoiler>the kidnapping was suspenseful. I felt awful for the parents and knew I would have been in the same boat as them if that ever happened to me.</spoiler> The almost ending was great. I say almost ending because the epiloge didn't really need to happen. Obviously it tied up a few ends, I just wish Rand hadn't ended it that way.

All this to say, the book was really good, but it could have been half as long and gotten everything in and painted the picture the author was going for. Some of it dragged too much, that my eyes started to gloss over. But the good parts were GOOD.

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I enjoyed this book. The characters and story line were very well thought out and very descriptive. The story was a bit slower than I’m used to but I still enjoyed it. I think though that it could have been split into two or even three separate books. Overall a good book with a bit of craziness and those who are not who the seem.

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Spooky. Scary. Interesting. Im easily scared so that was not nothing new. I did however enjoy the story (even if I couldn’t read it at night) and i would recommend it!

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