This cover was stunning! Talk about Flawless! However the actual story was lacking a bit for me. The story itself and the characters fell flat for me. But you can tell the author built this story with a lot of care and research so that part is not lacking.

While the concept of "Flawless Girls" by Anne-Marie McLemore held promise with its intriguing ideas, the execution left much to be desired. The symbolic elements within the plot felt forced, hindering the overall storytelling experience. The narrative, unfortunately, was convoluted and confusing, making it a challenging task to navigate through the pages. Ultimately, the difficulty in comprehending the story made it hard to muster the motivation to finish the book. this one.

This book was written in such a way that it was confusing as to what was real & what wasn’t. The last 3/4 of the book were all metaphors….little plot. Did not want to finish it, but muddled through.

The cover of Flawless Girls is simply FLAWLESS - Here, I have no notes. Immediately at first glance you’re drawn in - and after reading the book, I find it to be just another cherry on top with its irony of outside VS inside.

First, I loved the intersex representation in our main character and the author’s note at the end. You can tell how much care was put into that aspect of the book and that earned another star from me. Unfortunately, the rest of the book fell flat for me but I will definitely be looking at this author’s other works.

I guess I thought this was be more of a traditional mystery, but it seemed to lean more towards literary fiction with a foreboding mystical element - there were a plethora of metaphors and similes about gems or diamonds or other shiny things that just got old after a while. I also didn’t like how I had to sit through the entire book of metaphors for the author to flat out plainly explain the entire point of the metaphors at the end. Like..? But the chapters were short so I feel like I could get through the book really fast, and I was interested in the dynamic between the two sisters and the dynamic between Isla and a few girls she met at Alaric House. I feel like there was a lot going on in this book but it got lost in the delivery.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillans for the e-arc in exchange for my hones opinion!

I hate to say it but this book was a disappointment. It did not live up to the (admittedly high) expectations I have for a book by Anna-Marie McLemore. It certainly had the hallmarks of their writing, with beautiful, atmospheric prose, a dash of magic, and fantastically queer characters. But it felt more like a draft than a completed book. Also, this book was labeled as horror and while it has some creepy elements, I feel that calling it horror is a bit of a stretch. However, even if this book was not everything I wanted it to be, it was still an enjoyable read. I truly loved how heavily visual the writing was, with the vibrant descriptions of the Alarie House and its girls. I also loved the main character Isla, though I wish I could have seen more of her relationship with Renata before they went to the Alarie House. And while I found the plot a bit lacking, I did really like the ending of the book. It was an excellent resolution and tied things up between Isla and Renata very well. Overall, this book did not meet my expectations but was still enjoyable.

The cover the book has now is amazing, and the writing style is good too. It wasn't grabbing my attention though, so I am going to have to pass on this one. I will try to get a physical copy when the book comes out to add to my library, as I think the YA /Teen readers will love this.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Flawless Girls" by Anna-Marie McLemore is a mesmerizing and unsettling YA novel that masterfully intertwines elements of horror and romance. The narrative follows the Soler sisters, Renata and Isla, who are thrust into the world of the Alarie House, a prestigious finishing school known for producing refined young ladies. However, the school's eerie atmosphere and the transformation of Renata into someone unrecognizably polite and possibly dangerous set the stage for a chilling exploration of identity, societal expectations, and the dark underbelly of elitism.

McLemore's storytelling is taut and evocative, creating an atmosphere that is both opulent and ominous. The contrast between the rebellious, spirited Isla and the changed Renata offers a compelling look into how environments like the Alarie House can suppress and alter individuality. The author's portrayal of the school, with its prim white dresses and strict codes of conduct, serves as a perfect setting for the unraveling mystery and Isla's desperate search for answers about her sister's transformation and sudden disappearance.

The novel's strength lies in its rich characterization and the intricate dynamics between the characters. Isla's determination to uncover the truth about the Alarie House and save her sister is portrayed with depth and conviction, making her journey both relatable and inspiring. The introduction of a mysterious and conniving character who may be controlling or executing the house's sinister motives adds a layer of intrigue and suspense to the narrative.

However, the blend of horror and romance might not appeal to all readers, particularly those who prefer more conventional takes on either genre. The novel's dark themes and the unsettling transformation of Renata might be intense for some younger readers.

"Flawless Girls" is a stunning YA novel that showcases Anna-Marie McLemore's talent for weaving a story that is as beautiful as it is haunting. The book is a testament to the author's ability to create a narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking, exploring themes of autonomy, societal pressure, and the price of perfection. This novel is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy stories that challenge conventions and delve into the darker aspects of adolescence and self-discovery.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it. Absolutely loved and can't wait for it to come out for tethers to read and enjoy as well

This will probably be a great fit for some readers, just not me. I was expecting more of a traditional thriller mystery, and this felt more like a fantasy narrative. About 10% into the book, it felt like nothing had really happened. The ambiguity around setting and time didn't help in grounding the story. Again, there are definitely readers who will love it, but it wasn't right for me.

I really liked this book and I think McLemore is a fantastic writer. I do think, however, that it would do better marketed to adults than to teens. It is a great book if you like sinister vibes, magical realism, and unexplained happenings, but I think it is hard to market a book like this to teens because it is hard to explain what it is really about.