The Dollhouse Academy is an atmospheric, chilling tale that grips you from its first diary entry to its explosive finale. With a unique blend of psychological suspense and dark academia, this novel unravels the sinister underbelly of a seemingly idyllic institution while delving into themes of ambition, envy, and survival.

Ivy Gordon is a hauntingly complex protagonist. Her secret diary entries reveal a life of glitz and glamour turned nightmare. The juxtaposition of Ivy’s unraveling truth with the starry-eyed dreams of newcomers Ramona Halloway and Grace Ludlow creates a dynamic and engaging narrative. The story explores the intoxicating allure of fame and the devastating price it demands through alternating perspectives.

The mysterious medical exams and anonymous threats add dread and urgency, keeping the reader on edge. The tension between Ramona and Grace also feels authentic, capturing the complexities of friendship, competition, and self-worth in an unforgiving environment.

This is an unforgettable read, blending razor-sharp prose with an escalating sense of menace. It’s a story that lingers, much like Ivy’s haunting revelations, and it will leave readers reevaluating the cost of their own ambitions. Highly recommended for fans of dark academia, psychological thrillers, and character-driven mysteries.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you like mystery, drama, and a storyline that will keep your attention, this one is for you. I was so engrossed with the characters and the mystery surrounding the infamous Dollhouse Academy. If I had to stop reading for whatever reason, I was counting the minutes until I could continue again! Once I finished, it left me wanting more. I’m hoping for a sequel!

#NetGalley

I have officially found a new favourite authour in Margarita Montimore!

When I saw the cover of this novel I was intrigued but after the synopsis, I assumed this was yet another dark academia and blew it off. I’m so glad I looked at the authour and rethought that idea because I’ve never been so wrong. After realizing this was the same authour from Oona Out of Order, I decided to give this novel a shot and I’m so glad I did because it’s become one of my favourite books I’ve read all year.

If you’ve ever heard of the conspiracy theory that Avril Lavigne died and was replaced by a copy, this is practically the premise of this absolutely bonkers book. In a world where this company rules over the lives of its stars from diets, projects, “supplements”, they also rule over their very existence. Our main characters think they’re getting the shot of a lifetime into stardom and they’re not necessarily wrong.

I’m absolutely enthralled by the entire premise of this book but what I am enamored by is Montimore’s delivery. Instead of serving us with a unique plot alone, we are also treated with spectacular writing and a combination of genres that makes this book thrilling and impossible to put down. It’s always impressive when an authour can write in any genre and Montimore has the chops to do exactly that.

This is one of the shelves and I will absolutely be purchasing this to reread when it officially comes out but I am so excited I got this ARC. If you have the privilege to read it early like I did, take it, because this is gonna be a hit when it comes out next year.

“The Dollhouse Academy” by Margarita Montimore is an entertaining and engaging novel about what it was like behind the scenes in the movie studio system of old Hollywood for young actors. The story is about three women, two who are young would be actresses who are willing to do whatever they are asked to insure moving their careers forward. And, a superstar actress who is in the system and is becoming aware of the nefarious actions of the studio and the price she is paying for her fame. The book is filled with intrigue, believable characters, and will keep you glued to each chapter as these women navigate the system in pursuit of superstardom. I recommend to all who are interested in a good thriller and especially those who enjoy reading about the entertainment industry.

Thank you Netgalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I received this as an ARC from Flatiron Books and NetGalley. The Dollhouse Academy is a very suspenseful tale of two young women who live the “dream” of making it in show business and learn that what is a dream for some is a nightmare for others. The villain is compellingly written, and the story is fast-paced and gripping. Very well done!

Quick synopsis: Two best friends and aspiring actresses join the dollhouse academy, where stars are made and dark secrets are kept.

Review: This book kept me on the edge of my seat! I was so excited to delve into a world of dark academia and secrets; where promises of stardom come with a price. The story revolves around Ramona and Grace; lifelong best friends who idolize an actress named Ivy who lives and works at the dollhouse academy. When they are extended a personal invitation on a 6 month probationary period to prove themselves star quality; the girls quickly learn how much pressure is really on them. They get closer to Ivy and learn secrets of the dollhouse academy they cannot believe is true and must make tough and potentially dangerous decisions for their future. I loved this world of Dahlen, I only wish there was more lore of of the dark secrets and corners and way it came to be; more backstory if you will. There were parts that kind of dragged and were boring to push through but all in all I really enjoyed this story. It was new and exciting and I definitely recommend it for fans of dark academia.

This was a thrilling read. The Dollhouse Academy is where aspiring performers go and Ivy is telling the truth about what really goes on there and it is not good. Ramona and Grace are just starting there and well things are not going as they hoped. This book really shows what it takes to be a performer and to be successful no matter the cost. I found this book very entertaining and a must read if you like celebrities or the entertainment business.

THANK YOU to Flatiron Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It may not have ended up being the five-star review I had initially hoped it would be, but DAMN it was good. I loved learning about the terrifying world of Owl’s Point and Dahlen. I would’ve loved to have seen and explored so much more of it, which I fear is the reason the rating dropped for me slightly.

It felt like a lot of telling, but not necessarily a lot of showing. I would’ve loved to have seen more jaw-dropping moments, more build-up, more about the dark side of Dahlen. A lot of it felt like bits and pieces without ever properly boiling to a head.

However, all in all, I found this story to be riveting, and I would love more books that cross dark academia with the underbelly of stardom.

I’m a Montimore fan. I loved Oona and really enjoyed Violet. This book is completely different from either of them but once again comes up a winner for me.

This book explores the issues of fame, celebrity, beauty, and success at any cost. It really has something to say about dreams, disappointments and finding contentment.

Oona still reigns supreme for me but this one was entertaining. I’ll definitely be back for her next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Dollhouse Academy by Margarita Montimore is the story of three women told via the viewpoint of two of the protagonists, Ivy and Ramona. The third, Gracie is also heavily featured but does not narrate any of the action.

I inhaled this book like candy, but never suffered the disgusted feeling that comes with eating too many sweets. It was entertaining and fascinating, shining the light on the outdated studio system that seems to be making a comeback. As the entertainment industry needs more and more content to fill the coffers of the many streaming channels that exist and the new ones continually popping up, we see patterns exclusive to each character. These archetypes are crisply drawn, easy to recognize and help us view critique our current crop of reality and television stars.

In this story, Ramona is the more staid of the two while Gracie, the ingenue, is reminiscent of an early career Britney Spears, both in her overt sexualization and her innocent demeanor. Ivy, on the other hand is more reminiscent of many actresses that are at “stable” points in their careers (though let’s face it, how stable is anyone really when it comes to Hollywood)?

The book was both entertaining and engaging, especially if you are interested in getting a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the industry today. As someone who worked with young performers for a large part of my career, this story rang quite true. I can only hope that we move permanently away from any studio system and make sure to protect all performers regardless of their age, talent or union status as everyone deserves to be safe and protected no matter who they are or in what stage of their career.

I strongly recommend this book and give it five stars. All in all, a supremely enjoyable book, story piled high with interesting and entertaining characters.

I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

This novel is absolutely electrifying! The Dollhouse Academy is a riveting exploration of the child actor industry, seamlessly weaving together the story of the iconic Ivy Gordon and two ambitious young women who dream of following in her footsteps. As the narrative shifts between the glittering past and the high-stakes present, readers are drawn into the academy’s web of secrets and high drama.

The Dollhouse Academy is a place of strict rules and relentless demands, where young actors and actresses are pushed to the brink, leaving them little time to consider the consequences of their relentless pursuit of fame. But for those who make it through the grueling program, the rewards are life-changing: a chance to star in Welcome to the Dollhouse, the academy's flagship film and television franchise.

Follow Gracey and Romana as they navigate the academy's treacherous waters, their dreams mingling with the haunting mystery of Ivy’s rise to superstardom—and the price she paid for it. Margarita Montimore masterfully builds an immersive world filled with intrigue and complex, believable characters. This is a must-read thriller for culture enthusiasts, guaranteed to keep you captivated late into the night. Take a leap into The Dollhouse Academy and prepare for an unforgettable journey!. Take a chance, and enter the Dollhouse Academy! #flatironbooks #thedollhouseacademy #margaritamontimore

This book is a mesmerizing and unsettling exploration of the dark side of ambition and fame. This psychological suspense novel pulls readers into a world where the pursuit of stardom comes at a devastating cost, unraveling the twisted realities behind the dazzling facade of a prestigious performing arts academy.

Told through the alternating perspectives of Ivy, Ramona, and Grace, the story delves into the complex emotions and moral dilemmas that arise when dreams of success collide with the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. Ivy, a former student of the academy, grapples with haunting memories of her time there, her raw and desperate diary entries hinting at the sinister secrets lurking beneath the school's polished image. Meanwhile, Ramona and Grace, two best friends eager to seize their big break, find themselves enchanted by the academy's allure, only to be consumed by the toxic environment of rivalry and suspicion.

Margarita Montimore's rich and atmospheric writing immerses readers in a world that feels both surreal and disturbingly plausible, where the pursuit of fame demands unimaginable sacrifices. The eerie rituals and ominous ambiance of the academy keep the tension high, as Ramona's attempts to uncover the truth about the institution's shadowy practices intertwine with Ivy's past horrors.

The novel's structure, which seamlessly weaves together Ivy's recollections with Ramona and Grace's present-day challenges, creates a layered and suspenseful narrative. As revelations unfold, the academy's dark secrets are exposed, forcing readers to confront the unsettling question of how much one's dreams are worth when they come at the cost of lost innocence and fractured lives.

Montimore doesn't simply offer a thrilling plot; she also delivers a thought-provoking exploration of friendship, ambition, and self-discovery. The story delves into the fine line between ambition and exploitation, as the characters grapple with the consequences of their pursuit of success and the sacrifices they are willing to make.

The Dollhouse Academy is a must-read for fans of dark academia, psychological drama, and anyone who has ever wondered about the price of fame. With unforgettable characters and a setting that feels as treacherous as it is glamorous, this novel will linger in your mind long after the final page is turned.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for sharing this compelling women's fiction book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

3 stars - I'm a fan of this author’s previous work, particularly "Oona Out of Order", which I just loved. So I was very happy to be approved for an advanced reader copy of the latest, "The Dollhouse Academy". Sadly, it was a miss for me. I enjoyed the short chapters & cliffhangers and the overall premise of it, but the characters felt one dimensional and the mystery was pretty predictable and a bit juvenile, though I did like the friendships forged. It was really overall fairly forgettable - just kinda "meh". My sincere thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for my DRC - I do appreciate it greatly.

I am a big fan of this author’s previous works with Oona Out of Order being a book is till think about years after reading it! So I was very excited to get an advanced reader copy of The Dollhouse Academy.

I liked but didn’t love this one. It read a lot like YA and the writing felt a bit juvenile at times. A lot of the characters felt one dimensional and the plot was pretty predictable. It was overall fairly forgettable but I also didn’t dislike it. Just mid overall.

There were also a few plot points that felt like they didn’t make sense to me. At one point Ramona mentioned something she say in Ivy’s diary but at that point she hadn’t read the diary yet. I also found the ending lackluster.

I will continue to read the author’s books and look forward to them but this one was more of a miss than a hit for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

Oona was such a great and original read that when this one popped up it had to be read! Slightly creepy and a little to realistic it was a great read with good pacing. Predictable ending but the little twist was a nice addition.

I loved Montimore's last book, Acts of Violet, and thought Oona Out of Order was a really fun bookclub pick, but this one fell super flat for me. I didn't really care for or about any of the characters and thought the "sinister secrets" were on par with a Scooby Doo episode.

I have a feeling I'm going to be an outlier on this one - hopefully other readers get more out of it than I did!

(2.5 rounded up)

Ooohhhh!!! This book was so goood. It was creepy and kept me on the edge of my seat needing to know what happened. It honestly kind of reminded me of the Netflix documentary “Dancing for the Devil”. So if you enjoyed that you will probably enjoy this as well. I really liked it. Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!

I had high expectations of this book after loving the author's previous books and The Dollhouse Academy didn't disappoint. I loved being brought into the world of a superstar factory in the New York area, and being being immediately intrigued upon starting the book, which carried me through the end, which I was sad to reach. I loved meeting Ivy, Ramona and Grace — the three main characters — and rooting for (or against) them throughout the book. As is the case with my favorite reads, the character development was strong, the weaving of stories was perfect and overall, it was just a well-written story that made me wanting more, including a potential sequel!

Two more of my favorite things:
Throughout the book, there are just enough elements that blur the lines between reality and potential reality thanks to science, with enough grey areas to allow you to go into the supernatural if you want, without tainting the story.
A bonus for me was picking up on so things unique to growing up and living in NYC, which not only added to the story, but felt like the author's easter egg slash love letter to Brooklyn at times. I really connected with those elements, so thank you!

Thank you, Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC).

It is difficult for this reviewer not to give away too much of this story while at the same time trying to attract your interest like a spider to its web.

The major focus of the book is on Grace and Ramona. Grace and Ramona are thrilled at the opportunity of becoming members of the Dollhouse Academy fulfilling their lifelong dreams of performing as elite professionals singing, dancing, and acting. They talk about the Dollhouse making them “rich and famous.”

Ramona is especially giddy at the prospect of joining the Dollhouse. Her “uncles” familiar with the studio system employed by Hollywood in the 30’s and 40’s warn that “their careers-their whole lives-were restricted and controlled”. Grace doesn’t buy any of their concerns and thinks she will be just fine, but little does she know of what is to come.

The lives of Grace and Romana become closely entangled over the years as their careers rise and fall. Just when you think events are going to go a certain way for a character, something happens, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worst. Characters seem to change their personalities, trustworthiness, friendships, and other connections often. Why do these changes occur, and what or who is responsible?

You may find yourself getting whiplash trying to keep abreast of all the goings on but hang in there. It gets very interesting toward the last 1/3 of the book. A great read.

Thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC for my unbiased review.