3.5 rounded up.
I listened to Oona out of Order on Audiobook and this was just as easy to listen to. I’d say this is a very different book from Oona out of Order and saw other reviews wanting more of a love story. I felt like the love story was meant to be a side part and fit in well, without making it the focus. This was an interesting book - it gave me Mister Magic and Mickey Mouse Club vibes. The story seems more sci-fi than just thriller. It does paint a good picture of game and wanting to be famous. I felt like Ivy’s sections were a little boring and dragged on.

Huge thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ARC!

I want to start by saying that the audiobook production itself was amazing. I loved both narrators and appreciated that they had easily distinguishable voices, so I could always easily decipher who was talking! 5/5 on the audiobook production!

I have read and enjoyed both of Margarita Montimore's previous novels and have been anticipating this release for a long time! Her books are always so unique and quirky, and this one was no exception!

Overall, I thought this was a great story on a surface level but also felt like there were so many important themes on a deeper level. It made me think deeply about our obsession with celebrity culture and the way that they are both idolized and vilified by the public.

Since Montimore's book are usually so 'out of the box', I had hoped for the secrets of TDA to be even MORE insane and crazy, but that is probably a personal issue, LOL. I guess what was happening was truly INSANE. I just wanted a tiny bit more from the story!

I thought the ending was great and wouldn't change anything about that!

THE DOLLHOUSE ACADEMY is my third book by Margarita Montimore and I admire the breadth of her variety of story-telling. While this is a very different type of book from her previous magical realism stories, I found it entertaining as well.

This is a cautionary tale about chasing dreams of fame and fortune at all costs. The story is told in two timelines in the 80s and 90s and follows two young women who decide to enroll in the Dollhouse Academy, a boarding school that every aspiring actress hopes to attend to boost their career. There are many secrets and the women see firsthand the nefarious underbelly of chasing their dreams. The story explores the exploitation of young talent, female friendships, and jealousy in an interesting way.

Brittany Presley and Xe Sands did a fantastic job with the narration and brought the story to life in a compelling way.

READ THIS IF YOU:
-Have ever realized your dream isn’t all you thought it would be
-Can’t resist an expose of the lifestyles of the rich & famous
-Have ever been green with envy

Many thanks to Macmillan audio and NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If, like me, you loved Oona Out of Order and expect a similar magical realism vibe, you’ll quickly discover that THE DOLLHOUSE ACADEMY is not that book. It is, however, a scintillating, dark examination of the price of fame that had me captivated from the start.

Ramona and Grace are best friends dreaming of stardom. When they receive an invite to the Dollhouse Academy, an exclusive entertainment boarding school and talent development program, they eagerly accept. The Dollhouse is famous for creating some of the most successful talent and programming in the entertainment industry, including their idol, Ivy Gordon. But things are not as idyllic as they initially appear. Something sinister seems to be happening behind the scenes and more than careers are at risk.

Margarita Montimore spins a tale of friendship, jealousy, and the willingness to sacrifice in order to chase dreams. It is twisted and compelling and creatively menacing.

The audiobook is narrated by Brittany Pressley and Xe Sands who bring Ramona and Ivy to life and add depth to the story. Both deliver the full range of emotions experienced by the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.