Mind Like a Diamond

Mind Like a Diamond by Amanda Pavlov introduces us to the magical and twisted world of Lisette Colbert.
Tired of her mother's secrets, delusions about magic and criminal nature, while the money problems are constantly looming over their heads, seventeen-year-old Lisette doesn't spare a second to question the new and mysterious Halloween activity that shows up in town. There is only one thing that drives her: a prize of ten thousand dolars to whoever manages to get through "The 13th Realm of Hell". This is an escape-room style Haunted House that sounds like a perfect way to get the money (and a perfect bait). Lisette's bestie, Xavier, is not that enthusiastic, but nothing can stand in Lisette's way. Soon, though, she starts to convince herself that everything is just an illusion. The things happening in that haunted house can't be real.
She fights with all of her might, determinted to escape the Hell and prove to herself and to the world that she is capable. Although, is her determination enough? What awaits her at the end of that 13th realm?
This Halloween activity was the perfect blend of escape room and hell, with the last challenge being so complicated it made me think: is it selfishness or is it Lisette being the only person who would do that - save herself?
I loved how Lisette's relationships with others unraveled, especially with her parents. At times I didn't understand her relationship with Xavi, why all that distancing and the lost-in-translations, but I understand it now that I've gotten to know Lisette's character.
The author's writing style is worth of every praise. The story held me in anticipation, and the sentences were so beautifully decorated it blew my mind. The metaphors and similes were very clever and served to confirm and accentuate the author's talent.

This has been reviewed on Goodreads and will be reviewed on Instagram on 12/10 11am CST (US).

This story follows seventeen-year-old Lisette, who is trying to uncover her mother's secrets, criminal nature, and the lies about magic all while trying to not be brought down by the family money problems. So when a mysterious Halloween attraction comes to town she doesn't think twice about going. Her goal? To win the ten thousand dollar prize to whoever makes it though the entire "13th Realm of Hell".

Amanda Pavlov does an amazing job letting the reader into Lisette's life, and relationships. Pavlov writing style is amazing, and help me in such anticipation. he easily painted a picture in my mind of what was going on.

This was an absolutely riveting tale!

I loved the character building.
I loved New Orleans.

I love that this book was tied to my emotions!

Would you fight your way through the (literal) Thirteen Realms of Hell for $10,000?

This story is infused with magic.
Crawling with witches.
And will follow an interesting path to self discovery.

((For me, it did lull for a moment between realms 5-8 but it still held my attention. ))

This fantastic journey is available for pre-order and will be available for purchase 12-14-21


Thank you to #netgalley and #swordandsilkbooks / #victoryediting for this epic ARC of #mindlikeadiamond !

Thank you Netgalley and Sword and Silk Books for the chance to read Mind like a diamond by Amanda Pavlov. I totally enjoyed this creepy, action packed "Can you make through the 13 realms of Hell haunted house to win $10,000" YA story! This line says it all...“You don't have to believe in magic for it to kill you.” Lisette thought she was just an average teen...a gymnast that was told she is too tall, with a thief for a Mother. When she discover her Mom and her are about to be evicted she decides to entire a haunted house contest to win the $10,000 with her best friend Xavier, but they get more than they bargained for. Will Lisette be able to make it through to the end to collect the prize or will she become a victim of the Haunted House!