Sadly this book was not for me. I just wasn't vibing with it. The writing was not fun and the cover is uncomfortable.

Six of Sorrow is captivating from the very beginning, full of twists and turns that keep you flipping the pages. The story of Sorrow and how these girls are tethered together is woven together so perfectly in the most haunting and beautiful way. From the very beginning I was lured in by the relatable characters and enjoyed the atmospheric prose that brings them and the setting to life. I loved the friendship between Isabeau and Reuel, and how determined Iz was to protect her as they worked through understanding the mysterious illness that's taken over her.
Of course I also enjoyed all the witchy vibes and Yellowjackets comp! This was such a s good read!

Practical Magic" collides with the intrigue of "Pretty Little Liars" and the supernatural allure of "AHS: Coven," providing the barest framework for the plot, yet delivering an experience more eerie, tempting, and creepy than the sum of these concepts.
The story unfolds in Sorrow, Louisiana, a town steeped in the tales of a presumed witch. It's the birthplace of six close young girlfriends, all born on May 3rd, yet estranged as their lives take diverse paths. Three become the privileged cheerleading elite, Isabeau clings to her friendship with Reuel, and Sloane, the bookish nerd, forges her own connections with a different group.
Isabeau harbors resentment towards Georgia, the snarky queen bee, which alienates her from August and Cori. A pivotal event during their thirteenth birthday celebration severs their bonds, leaving Isabeau clueless about why she lost her friends.

This riveting, fast-paced supernatural thriller compelled me to read with bated breath, eager to unravel the mystery. From the talented writer of "Starlings," the narrative delivers a heart-throbbing, fun ride. Highly recommended for genre enthusiasts and anyone seeking a fast-paced, thrilling, witchy, paranormal experience.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. I think Amanda has stepped right up into my circle of favorite authors. I loved Starlings, and I LOVED this. It was nostalgic feeling, atmospheric, and beautifully written. I loved the dynamic of the girls, and thought it was an interesting story addition for them all to share the same birthday, I really loved how unique that tie between them all was. Ms. Linsmeier is holding steady on my list as an auto-buy author!

Six of Sorrow is what would result if The Craft had the best friends come together to fight an evil magic force coming to get them. Small town vibes, large group friendship, and the best romance (if you're into subtle hints until all at once you realize you've been in love the whole time - this is my favorite thing, I even cried). The book delivers on the creepy /horror vibes it promises, and for a large group of friends and only one POV there was a perfect page balance and the characters felt distinct. I LOVED IT, thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

Also, thanks NetGalley for allowing me to read this book before Pub Date in exchange for an honest review. Catch me at the bookstore during release day.

Amanda did it again. I really enjoy and love her writing style. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for reading.
10/10

I loved this so much !!!! it was referred to as a cross between “pretty little liars” and “practical magic “ and that’s exactly the vibe that I got the whole time reading this book it’s everything you want in a witchy girl group mystery ! Was an easy 4 star read for me an would absolutely read it again

Beautiful lyrical book! If you love magical realism, this one is perfect for you. It revolves around sisters who are bonded by birth, not blood. The novel explores the concept of family, which is more than just blood relations. The story also delves into how the past can create unintended consequences. I am trying to be cryptic and avoid giving away spoilers. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

In the small town of Sorrow, named for its most famous witch, six girls share a birthday. For much of their lives, they were the best of friends, but now they’re barely speaking. All Isabeau has left is Reuel. On their sixteenth birthday, the two girls decide to celebrate with a nighttime picnic in the cemetery, and then they walk home, parting ways at Reuel’s front porch.

But in the morning, Reuel is gone.

As the town gathers a search party, Isabeau and the other four girls are drawn back together in their grief. Weirdly, their mothers are drawn together as well, even though they’ve never been close. When Reuel shows up a few days later, something is very wrong with her. Her symptoms get worse and worse despite the doctors’ best efforts, and then . . . another one of the girls goes missing.

It’s not long before Isabeau and her friends realize that the six of them are being targeted in some way, and their mothers have a secret connection from the past that seems related. Will the girls be able to figure out what’s happening to them before it’s too late?

We were definitely intrigued by the mystery of this one and rooting for the girls to figure it out. While there’s definitely something not human going on, it’s also got enough mystery/suspense vibes to draw in those (like us) who are new to the horror genre. We think many students will enjoy the story, but it’s definitely for older teens, especially since it includes a fair amount of profanity and casual teen drinking and smoking.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Children’s, and Delacorte Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

(3.5 stars rounded down: it was an engaging read but didn't particularly stand out, perhaps because the characters seem pretty flat)

Review (minus the stars) will be posted on https://threeheads.works/category/blog/ya-books/ on April 8.

Six of Sorrow was one of my most anticipated 2024 reads so when I got approved for the eARC I immediately had to download and start it.

This book was so freaking good! I was hooked from the very beginning and I couldn’t put it down. I had to keep reading to figure out what was happening to the girls.

I loved the story of friendship and how they all came together and had each others back.

Also, don’t let the pink fool you, this book is quite dark and there’s lots of elements of body horror. But I loved every second of it.

Another fun YA horror from Amanda Linsmeier! I love the creepy gothic atmosphere in her books and how easy they are to read. The mystery in this one was great - six ex-best friends all born on the same day come together again after one of them goes missing. There are witches, spells, and demons, but also friendships, mother daughter relationships, and a bit of romance. I would recommend this if you’re looking for a spooky and fast paced yet heartwarming read!

Thank you to Random House for the ARC!

Amanda Linsmeier’s sophomore novel, “Six of Sorrow” takes place in the small town of Sorrow, Louisiana, following six teenage girls born on May 3rd. Some strange things start to happen to the girls after their 16th birthdays and together they are determined to solve the mysteries that unfold henceforth.

This fast-paced supernatural young adult thriller is perfect for those who enjoyed “Pretty Little Liars.” When I saw this recommended to fans of “Yellowjackets” I was all in - especially after enjoying the author’s debut novel “Starlings.” While I think the “Yellowjackets” comparison is a stretch - this modern day story has a charm of its own that will keep the reader engaged trying to predict what’s going on.

Thank you so much to NetGalley & Delacorte Press for sending me a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I enjoy Amanda Linsmeier’s writing and I was itching to find out what was out to get these ladies.

3.5 stars !

It's a bit silly, but I kept getting stuck on the name Reuel as used for a teenage girl in this book. To me, Reuel says "bearded patriarch." Other than that, the book was engaging but not particularly original. There's been a glut of witchy grrrl power books lately, and I'm not sure how much this one will stand out from the others. The cover gives it a head start, though.

A wonderful and spooky young adult read. The premise of the book was intriguing, and the characters were all entertaining.

This is a book about how lost friendship can be found again with a magical twist.
Six girls who are best friends all share the same birthday.
A blood oath is the beginning of the end.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Amanda Linsmeier’s sophomore novel does not disappoint! Six of Sorrow is full of creepy atmosphere, a little gruesome horror, and lots of love and friendship. I loved the magic of the same birthday, the deep bonds between the girls, and the folklore surrounding Sorrow. I only wish Sorrow (the witch) played a more active role in the story. This book is perfect for anyone who loves The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but make it supernatural.

Thank you to Netgalley, Delacorte Press, and Random House for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first novel by this author and it did not disappoint! I loved it and was all in from the beginning! It had a creepy atmosphere and wonderful characters that just sucked you right in. I highly recommend this one! Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!

"Practical Magic" collides with the intrigue of "Pretty Little Liars" and the supernatural allure of "AHS: Coven," providing the barest framework for the plot, yet delivering an experience more eerie, tempting, and creepy than the sum of these concepts.

The story unfolds in Sorrow, Louisiana, a town steeped in the tales of a presumed witch. It's the birthplace of six close young girlfriends, all born on May 3rd, yet estranged as their lives take diverse paths. Three become the privileged cheerleading elite, Isabeau clings to her friendship with Reuel, and Sloane, the bookish nerd, forges her own connections with a different group.

Isabeau harbors resentment towards Georgia, the snarky queen bee, which alienates her from August and Cori. A pivotal event during their thirteenth birthday celebration severs their bonds, leaving Isabeau clueless about why she lost her friends.

Despite the upheaval, Isabeau finds solace in her relationship with Reuel, even though she conceals her romantic involvement with Grady, the boy who once kissed her and swiftly moved on to her best friend. Reuel proposes an unconventional birthday celebration, a picnic at the graveyard, culminating in a blood ritual that binds them as blood sisters. Tragedy strikes, however, as the night ends with Reuel disappearing.

The remaining girls set aside their differences to unite and find their friend. Upon Reuel's return, she is but a shell of her former self—decaying, pale, cold, unable to eat, haunted by endless nightmares. The girls soon discover they are not alone; a malevolent entity lurks, intruding into their dreams and casting a chilling presence.

As the supernatural threat looms, questions arise about their estranged mother's connection to the unfolding events. Are the girls cursed? If they fail to unveil the nature of the supernatural entity, does it spell their demise or something even worse?

This riveting, fast-paced supernatural thriller compelled me to read with bated breath, eager to unravel the mystery. From the talented writer of "Starlings," the narrative delivers a heart-throbbing, fun ride. Highly recommended for genre enthusiasts and anyone seeking a fast-paced, thrilling, witchy, paranormal experience.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press for generously providing this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

2 ⭐
SIX OF SORROWS was a DNF, at 16%, for me. I struggled with this one. SIX OF SORROWS seemed like it would pull me in and keep me reading. There was so much potential, and a mystery ready to unfold, but it was taking too long to get there, so I just couldn't. I do think part if that was from the chapters being longer than I would have hoped. It took me daaayyyyssss to get through chapter one, and when chapter two didn't pull me in the way I wanted, I stopped reading.