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Light as a Feather #1
Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board
Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board is a new release from Hachette Powered by Wattpad - an innovative collaboration between Hachette Book Group, a leading publisher, and Wattpad, a passionate storytelling community of over 45 million people. Your favorite online stories, now available in your headphones!
McKenna Brady thinks her junior year of high school is going to be the best ever when she's welcomed into the elite group of popular girls at Weeping Willow High School led by blonde, gorgeous Olivia Richmond. Prior to junior year, McKenna was known in her small town as the girl whose twin sister died in a tragic house fire, but now she has a date to the homecoming dance with Olivia's handsome older brother and a good chance of being elected to student council. For the first time since McKenna's parents divorced, things are looking up.
Everything changes the night of Olivia's sweet 16 sleepover birthday party. Violet, the shy, mysterious new girl in town, suggests the girls play a scary game called Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board, during which she makes up elaborate stories about the future ways in which beautiful Olivia, brassy Candace, and athletic Mischa will die. The game unsettles McKenna because she's already escaped death once in her life, but she doesn't want to ruin her friends' fun. It's only a game, she reminds herself.
But it doesn't seem like a harmless game a week later when Olivia dies unexpectedly in a violent car crash, exactly as Violet predicted. And something begins haunting McKenna's bedroom at night, leaving her clues that all seem to point to Violet. McKenna enlists the help of her cute next-door neighbor Trey in finding out exactly what kind of curse Violet has put on all of the popular girls in the junior class. As Violet seemingly steps into the life Olivia left unfinished, McKenna and Trey have a limited amount of time to bring an end to Violet's game before more lives are lost.
McKenna Brady thinks her junior year of high school is going to be the best ever when she's welcomed into the elite group of popular girls at Weeping Willow High School led by blonde, gorgeous Olivia Richmond. Prior to junior year, McKenna was known in her small town as the girl whose twin sister died in a tragic house fire, but now she has a date to the homecoming dance with Olivia's handsome older brother and a good chance of being elected to student council. For the first time since McKenna's parents divorced, things are looking up.
Everything changes the night of Olivia's sweet 16 sleepover birthday party. Violet, the shy, mysterious new girl in town, suggests the girls play a scary game called Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board, during which she makes up elaborate stories about the future ways in which beautiful Olivia, brassy Candace, and athletic Mischa will die. The game unsettles McKenna because she's already escaped death once in her life, but she doesn't want to ruin her friends' fun. It's only a game, she reminds herself.
But it doesn't seem like a harmless game a week later when Olivia dies unexpectedly in a violent car crash, exactly as Violet predicted. And something begins haunting McKenna's bedroom at night, leaving her clues that all seem to point to Violet. McKenna enlists the help of her cute next-door neighbor Trey in finding out exactly what kind of curse Violet has put on all of the popular girls in the junior class. As Violet seemingly steps into the life Olivia left unfinished, McKenna and Trey have a limited amount of time to bring an end to Violet's game before more lives are lost.
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First published February 5, 2013
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About the author
Zoe Aarsen
6 books174 followersZoe Aarsen is an author, graphic designer, and horror fanatic who resides in Los Angeles, CA.
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August 29, 2013
***My original review for this didn't get posted *sniff, sniff, it's so sad* because I was using the wrong html formatting. Then my computer hang and ... well, everything I had composed previously just disappeared in thin air. Gone! Poof! So I'm trying my best to re-rewrite (it happened twice) that first review according to what I remember***
This was one of the best paranormal books I have ever read. In fact, it was so good, that it inspired me to write a decent review like this one.
The book had some scary parts (which I loved), but I had to constantly remind myself:
It's just a book! It's just a book! It's just ...
I am so scared right now.
But sometimes ...
I'm in complete denial.
Okay, I just wanted to put this out there ... when I found out there was a second book, I was like:
Okay, now that I got that out of my chest ... back to the review.
The reasons I love this book so much are:
1)The plot is so freaking AH-MAZING! It's like you want something to happen, but at the same time you don't because you're afraid that you'll get a heart attack or that you're not brave enough to crawl out from underneath your blankets and make a run for it to the safety of your parents' bedroom. But then you still wish something happens, and when something crazy or scary DOES happen, all you can think is "Awesome, awesome ..." with pure amazement, until you realize you're all alone and it's already late at night.
2) The protagonist, McKenna Brady isn't what people think she is. She's not shallow and superficial, thinking only about looking pretty. She's just as amazed as everyone else about her transformation, and just wants to belong and not made fun of (especially after that tragedy their family had to go through: where the shadow of her twin sister's death follows her around). She also cares more about her friends than she lets on: she even goes to the point of having herself arrested in order to accomplish a task to save one of her friends. Although there were some things I did not get about her, but I'll elaborate on that more later.
3) McKenna has (or had) a twin which makes her awesome.
4) She also has a spirit haunting her room, which is really creepy but also super cool.
5) It's a great story to tell your friends if you want to freak them out (mine certainly did *insert evil laugh here*). It's also great if you let them read certain chapters because it makes them FEEL the story more (and they end up thinking about it at night *another round of evil laughter*).
6) There's a spirit haunting McKenna's room (and eventually her house) which is creepy, but also very very cool.
7) I learned a new game :))
Okay, so what I did not like or really get about the book:
1) Some chapters were kind of dragging, like in the first part. Although, I guess that was necessary since it set the whole story, and it introduced some of the main characters. But maybe I felt like they dragged because I wanted to get to the really thrilling parts already. Haha!
2) McKenna can be unnervingly ... unemotional. Yeah, she gets scared. Yeah, she feels bad for someone dying (there was this point where she felt worse for her dog's death than her friend). But ... when she talks about her sister, it kind of felt like she's super distant. I mean, I get that she fears her sister may be behind all the hauntings, but I feel like she doesn't really feel remorseful for what happened to her twin, you know? I don't know ... something just lacks.
3) Trey Emory. Okay, don't get me wrong. I love Trey, but well ... he was kind of super nonchalant during the beginning of the book, and I feel like towards the middle he just goes around with McKenna hunting for ways to stop Hannah but ... I don't know, I think it felt kind of rushed that he agreed so quickly to help McKenna out. Although, I know he was Olivia during the last moments of her life, and she was freaking out but I think he should have been more hesitant somehow about helping. But I guess because he agreed to help her out so quickly, things did speed up a bit. Although, the book was quite well-paced most of the time
Overall, I think it's still a pretty good read. The writer did an amazing job, and she just made me want to keep on reading (I'm already reading her second book on Wattpad! I personally like the second book more, it gets super exciting in the first chapters, unlike in here).
I remember thinking:
"Psssh, this isn't scary at all."
And then later I'd be hiding under my sheets, taking back what I said ...
And trying hard not to freak out
Best. Book. Ever.
This was one of the best paranormal books I have ever read. In fact, it was so good, that it inspired me to write a decent review like this one.
The book had some scary parts (which I loved), but I had to constantly remind myself:
It's just a book! It's just a book! It's just ...
I am so scared right now.
But sometimes ...
I'm in complete denial.
Okay, I just wanted to put this out there ... when I found out there was a second book, I was like:
Okay, now that I got that out of my chest ... back to the review.
The reasons I love this book so much are:
1)The plot is so freaking AH-MAZING! It's like you want something to happen, but at the same time you don't because you're afraid that you'll get a heart attack or that you're not brave enough to crawl out from underneath your blankets and make a run for it to the safety of your parents' bedroom. But then you still wish something happens, and when something crazy or scary DOES happen, all you can think is "Awesome, awesome ..." with pure amazement, until you realize you're all alone and it's already late at night.
2) The protagonist, McKenna Brady isn't what people think she is. She's not shallow and superficial, thinking only about looking pretty. She's just as amazed as everyone else about her transformation, and just wants to belong and not made fun of (especially after that tragedy their family had to go through: where the shadow of her twin sister's death follows her around). She also cares more about her friends than she lets on: she even goes to the point of having herself arrested in order to accomplish a task to save one of her friends. Although there were some things I did not get about her, but I'll elaborate on that more later.
3) McKenna has (or had) a twin which makes her awesome.
4) She also has a spirit haunting her room, which is really creepy but also super cool.
5) It's a great story to tell your friends if you want to freak them out (mine certainly did *insert evil laugh here*). It's also great if you let them read certain chapters because it makes them FEEL the story more (and they end up thinking about it at night *another round of evil laughter*).
6) There's a spirit haunting McKenna's room (and eventually her house) which is creepy, but also very very cool.
7) I learned a new game :))
Okay, so what I did not like or really get about the book:
1) Some chapters were kind of dragging, like in the first part. Although, I guess that was necessary since it set the whole story, and it introduced some of the main characters. But maybe I felt like they dragged because I wanted to get to the really thrilling parts already. Haha!
2) McKenna can be unnervingly ... unemotional. Yeah, she gets scared. Yeah, she feels bad for someone dying (there was this point where she felt worse for her dog's death than her friend). But ... when she talks about her sister, it kind of felt like she's super distant. I mean, I get that she fears her sister may be behind all the hauntings, but I feel like she doesn't really feel remorseful for what happened to her twin, you know? I don't know ... something just lacks.
3) Trey Emory. Okay, don't get me wrong. I love Trey, but well ... he was kind of super nonchalant during the beginning of the book, and I feel like towards the middle he just goes around with McKenna hunting for ways to stop Hannah but ... I don't know, I think it felt kind of rushed that he agreed so quickly to help McKenna out. Although, I know he was Olivia during the last moments of her life, and she was freaking out but I think he should have been more hesitant somehow about helping. But I guess because he agreed to help her out so quickly, things did speed up a bit. Although, the book was quite well-paced most of the time
Overall, I think it's still a pretty good read. The writer did an amazing job, and she just made me want to keep on reading (I'm already reading her second book on Wattpad! I personally like the second book more, it gets super exciting in the first chapters, unlike in here).
I remember thinking:
"Psssh, this isn't scary at all."
And then later I'd be hiding under my sheets, taking back what I said ...
And trying hard not to freak out
Best. Book. Ever.
April 18, 2019
I loved this book so much that I read it in about two days and stayed up until 3 am finishing it! This book is amazing. Think "Heathers" or "Mean Girls" but with a supernatural twist! The best YA Thriller that I've read in a long time.
Some of my favorite parts of the book included how the author used common kids' games and horror stories to create her own unique world. I was definitely one of those kids who played around with Ouija boards, Tarot cards, and silly games like "Light as a feather, stiff as a board". I also knew all of the local places that were supposed to be haunted. I could definitely see myself hanging out with the characters in this book and probably getting into major trouble.
As an extra twist, you can find Violet Simmons on Twitter, and she'll play the game with you! I got a spooky prediction of my own death, but I'm sure it won't come true, because it's just a game, right? ;)
The only part of this book that made me sad was how quickly it ended. I started to get nervous as I got close to the end and realized that everything would probably not be resolved. As soon I finished, I immediately looked for a sequel, but it's not finished yet. :( I will definitely be waiting to find out what happens next!
Some of my favorite parts of the book included how the author used common kids' games and horror stories to create her own unique world. I was definitely one of those kids who played around with Ouija boards, Tarot cards, and silly games like "Light as a feather, stiff as a board". I also knew all of the local places that were supposed to be haunted. I could definitely see myself hanging out with the characters in this book and probably getting into major trouble.
As an extra twist, you can find Violet Simmons on Twitter, and she'll play the game with you! I got a spooky prediction of my own death, but I'm sure it won't come true, because it's just a game, right? ;)
The only part of this book that made me sad was how quickly it ended. I started to get nervous as I got close to the end and realized that everything would probably not be resolved. As soon I finished, I immediately looked for a sequel, but it's not finished yet. :( I will definitely be waiting to find out what happens next!
October 15, 2019
McKenna Brady has done it.
She’s become one of the most popular girls at Weeping Willow High School. She’s had a tragic life thus far but for the first time in a long while, things are finally looking up.
Everything can change in the blink of an eye though and they do. It’s head of the clique, Olivia Richmond’s, Sweet 16 sleepover and the new girl in the group suggests they play a game. Her name is Violet and she has the perfect knack for weaving the creepiest stories of how each of the girls will die. As the gang chants “Light as a feather, stiff as a board” they levitate each girl into the air and it’s all just a game that is…
Until the girls start dying in the exact same way that Violet predicted. One by one by one.
Now it’s up to McKenna and her neighbor Trey to figure out what exactly is going on and how to stop it. Because while McKenna is well acquainted with the darkness that is Death, she’s had more than enough of it in her lifetime.
Siiiiiiiiiigh.
It took me several times to try to get into this book and that should have been a sign to me to you know…drop it. Run away. Never look back.
Instead I kept going because I am a psycho for pain.
I am a lover of corny teen horror. I mean, hello??? Fear Street is my second mother. It helped RAISE ME. I should have known this was going to be bad when I saw it was advertised as Riverdale meets Final Destination. I mean mother of GOD. THAT IS NOTHING TO BE PROUD OF. I know this is a series on Hulu and yes, I do plan on watching it and being disgusted with myself afterwards but that’s not the point. What is the point?
First of all, what the hell is this plot? From the beginning we’re basically told that Violet is this evil psycho because she’s not from this school and GASP doesn’t have a date to the homecoming that’s just totally NOT OKAY. The supposed horror wasn’t horrific at ALL and ya’ll know.
Ya’ll KNOW I love my horror. There weren’t any suspense, any build up. NOTHING. There’s a lot of: “Please call her phone. Omg, I’m calling. Call again! What do we do? Idk!! I’m totally calling! What do we do?! …We wait.”
Cut to 20 minutes later.
She dead oh my god, she totally dead.
WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT? And no these are NOT SPOILERS. You can read this on the synopsis on Goodreads.
Oh and then there’s McKenna’s quest to be a part of the popular clique. I understand. I was in high school too. I don’t remember my hs having a popular clique and if there was one it was the nerds. But girl, please get a grip. I honestly thought we got over this I’m too cool to hang out with guys my friends don’t approve of in the early 2000s. It’s mad cliche and it’s annoying. Stop. Oh, also McKenna only became cool after she lost 20 pounds and got contact lenses so that’s totally a great thing, right guys??
This writing was all over the place and honestly I was bored to tears. I had no idea what was going on half the time. It wanted to be a ghost story but clashed with romance so badly. I also couldn’t keep up with none of the characters. I had no idea who was who and honestly could care less. None of them were very likable.
I nearly DNF and honestly I should have especially since it ended up at the worst cliff hanger. No, I absolutely will not be reading the second book. The first was enough. For a relatively quick read this one really frustrated and confused me because I had no idea what the hell was going on most of the time. People died, people blamed Violet even though they all played the same game, McKenna whined about wanting to be popular, ghost shit happened, the end, CLIFFHANGER.
I need to stay away from teen horror for awhile. All it does is give me a headache. This is no The Craft that’s for sure. In conclusion, this reads like something 12 year old me would have written as an Inuyasha/Buffy fanfic.
This seems like a really mean review and for that I apologize but there is a character named Amanda in it so there’s a brightside
She’s become one of the most popular girls at Weeping Willow High School. She’s had a tragic life thus far but for the first time in a long while, things are finally looking up.
Everything can change in the blink of an eye though and they do. It’s head of the clique, Olivia Richmond’s, Sweet 16 sleepover and the new girl in the group suggests they play a game. Her name is Violet and she has the perfect knack for weaving the creepiest stories of how each of the girls will die. As the gang chants “Light as a feather, stiff as a board” they levitate each girl into the air and it’s all just a game that is…
Until the girls start dying in the exact same way that Violet predicted. One by one by one.
Now it’s up to McKenna and her neighbor Trey to figure out what exactly is going on and how to stop it. Because while McKenna is well acquainted with the darkness that is Death, she’s had more than enough of it in her lifetime.
Siiiiiiiiiigh.
It took me several times to try to get into this book and that should have been a sign to me to you know…drop it. Run away. Never look back.
Instead I kept going because I am a psycho for pain.
I am a lover of corny teen horror. I mean, hello??? Fear Street is my second mother. It helped RAISE ME. I should have known this was going to be bad when I saw it was advertised as Riverdale meets Final Destination. I mean mother of GOD. THAT IS NOTHING TO BE PROUD OF. I know this is a series on Hulu and yes, I do plan on watching it and being disgusted with myself afterwards but that’s not the point. What is the point?
First of all, what the hell is this plot? From the beginning we’re basically told that Violet is this evil psycho because she’s not from this school and GASP doesn’t have a date to the homecoming that’s just totally NOT OKAY. The supposed horror wasn’t horrific at ALL and ya’ll know.
Ya’ll KNOW I love my horror. There weren’t any suspense, any build up. NOTHING. There’s a lot of: “Please call her phone. Omg, I’m calling. Call again! What do we do? Idk!! I’m totally calling! What do we do?! …We wait.”
Cut to 20 minutes later.
She dead oh my god, she totally dead.
WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT? And no these are NOT SPOILERS. You can read this on the synopsis on Goodreads.
Oh and then there’s McKenna’s quest to be a part of the popular clique. I understand. I was in high school too. I don’t remember my hs having a popular clique and if there was one it was the nerds. But girl, please get a grip. I honestly thought we got over this I’m too cool to hang out with guys my friends don’t approve of in the early 2000s. It’s mad cliche and it’s annoying. Stop. Oh, also McKenna only became cool after she lost 20 pounds and got contact lenses so that’s totally a great thing, right guys??
This writing was all over the place and honestly I was bored to tears. I had no idea what was going on half the time. It wanted to be a ghost story but clashed with romance so badly. I also couldn’t keep up with none of the characters. I had no idea who was who and honestly could care less. None of them were very likable.
I nearly DNF and honestly I should have especially since it ended up at the worst cliff hanger. No, I absolutely will not be reading the second book. The first was enough. For a relatively quick read this one really frustrated and confused me because I had no idea what the hell was going on most of the time. People died, people blamed Violet even though they all played the same game, McKenna whined about wanting to be popular, ghost shit happened, the end, CLIFFHANGER.
I need to stay away from teen horror for awhile. All it does is give me a headache. This is no The Craft that’s for sure. In conclusion, this reads like something 12 year old me would have written as an Inuyasha/Buffy fanfic.
This seems like a really mean review and for that I apologize but there is a character named Amanda in it so there’s a brightside
February 10, 2020
"Violet had suggested that we play a game....
She hadn’t mentioned that in her game, she was always the winner. Or that playing could cost you your life."
Heathers meets The Craft in this twisted story that takes place around a middle school horror game. Or for the younger generation, Riverdale meets The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Light as a feather, stiff as a board is a game most kids played at slumber parties. Where we tried to outdo our friends with the most terrifying tales of death and hauntings. It never seemed to work but what happens when it does?
McKenna is now part of the popular clique and was invited to attend the birthday slumber party of the most popular girl at school. After discussing plans for the upcoming dance and guys in horror movies, things go from exciting to drab quickly. That is until the new shy girl at school mentions a scary game that she played with old friends.
One girl lays flat on her back, the other girls place their fingers beneath her and chant light as a feather, stiff as a board. After awhile, the person on the floor starts to levitate with the power of concentration from the others. Before this happens, the head girl goes into gory details about how that person will die. Most of the girls go through it that night except McKenna.
After the party, things start to line up in a really disturbing way. One of the girls die and it happens exactly the way it was described at the slumber party. Now every girl who was there is on high alert and the clock is ticking for them to stop this force from ending their lives.
This book was seriously dark and creepy. The way the hypothetical deaths were described were really gory. Now I’m excited to actually see the show and read the other books in this series.
Light as a Feather was a fantastic read. YA horror is something that is looked past but we need more of this in our lives. There was something about this book that made me uneasy in my own house and I loved it.
She hadn’t mentioned that in her game, she was always the winner. Or that playing could cost you your life."
Heathers meets The Craft in this twisted story that takes place around a middle school horror game. Or for the younger generation, Riverdale meets The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Light as a feather, stiff as a board is a game most kids played at slumber parties. Where we tried to outdo our friends with the most terrifying tales of death and hauntings. It never seemed to work but what happens when it does?
McKenna is now part of the popular clique and was invited to attend the birthday slumber party of the most popular girl at school. After discussing plans for the upcoming dance and guys in horror movies, things go from exciting to drab quickly. That is until the new shy girl at school mentions a scary game that she played with old friends.
One girl lays flat on her back, the other girls place their fingers beneath her and chant light as a feather, stiff as a board. After awhile, the person on the floor starts to levitate with the power of concentration from the others. Before this happens, the head girl goes into gory details about how that person will die. Most of the girls go through it that night except McKenna.
After the party, things start to line up in a really disturbing way. One of the girls die and it happens exactly the way it was described at the slumber party. Now every girl who was there is on high alert and the clock is ticking for them to stop this force from ending their lives.
This book was seriously dark and creepy. The way the hypothetical deaths were described were really gory. Now I’m excited to actually see the show and read the other books in this series.
Light as a Feather was a fantastic read. YA horror is something that is looked past but we need more of this in our lives. There was something about this book that made me uneasy in my own house and I loved it.
September 29, 2019
3.5/5
“I wanted to wake up in another town, in another life, another existence entirely, in which I had never gone to Olivia’s birthday party and become a part of this nightmare.”
I liked this more than I thought I would, but the ending (an over-the-top cliffhanger) was a disappointment.
This story of a curse/possession and hauntings was interesting and creepy.
A new girl in town gets a group of popular girls to play Light As A Feather Stiff As A Board (oh hey 5th grade memories) as she foretells their deaths in gory detail (nope we didn’t play that version).
The deaths begin to happen exactly as predicted. Definite Final Destination vibes.
The romance between the MC and her neighbor was a YA relationship I actually liked and rooted for. The MC wasn’t bad either, though she sucked at following through and investigating clues.
This story left a lot of questions at the end and I’ll likely read the second one, but the ridiculousness of the ending -think of a (randomly placed) blockbuster action movie- kind of put me off.
Overall it was a good, creepy read and I’ll check out the TV show this October.
“I wanted to wake up in another town, in another life, another existence entirely, in which I had never gone to Olivia’s birthday party and become a part of this nightmare.”
I liked this more than I thought I would, but the ending (an over-the-top cliffhanger) was a disappointment.
This story of a curse/possession and hauntings was interesting and creepy.
A new girl in town gets a group of popular girls to play Light As A Feather Stiff As A Board (oh hey 5th grade memories) as she foretells their deaths in gory detail (nope we didn’t play that version).
The deaths begin to happen exactly as predicted. Definite Final Destination vibes.
The romance between the MC and her neighbor was a YA relationship I actually liked and rooted for. The MC wasn’t bad either, though she sucked at following through and investigating clues.
This story left a lot of questions at the end and I’ll likely read the second one, but the ridiculousness of the ending -think of a (randomly placed) blockbuster action movie- kind of put me off.
Overall it was a good, creepy read and I’ll check out the TV show this October.
January 26, 2021
4 / 5
"I wanted to wake up in another town, in another life, another existence entirely, in which I had never gone to Olivia’s birthday party and become a part of this nightmare."
I really wasn't expecting much from this one, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. To be completely honest, in the first few pages I was sure that I'd found my first DNF of the year, but once the girlsactually started playing their unfortunate game, I was hooked.
I can't complain about the writing, but it wasn't anything special. The characters were pretty well developed - especially considering how little 'screen time' some of them had. McKenna was a relatable leading lady, and Trey and Mischa were both good supporting characters. And the plot was interesting enough that I finished the book in a little over a day.
Overall, I would recommend this if you're looking for a spooky YA mystery to entertain yourself with. I already bought the sequels, so I'm gonna dive right into the next one!
"I wanted to wake up in another town, in another life, another existence entirely, in which I had never gone to Olivia’s birthday party and become a part of this nightmare."
I really wasn't expecting much from this one, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. To be completely honest, in the first few pages I was sure that I'd found my first DNF of the year, but once the girlsactually started playing their unfortunate game, I was hooked.
I can't complain about the writing, but it wasn't anything special. The characters were pretty well developed - especially considering how little 'screen time' some of them had. McKenna was a relatable leading lady, and Trey and Mischa were both good supporting characters. And the plot was interesting enough that I finished the book in a little over a day.
Overall, I would recommend this if you're looking for a spooky YA mystery to entertain yourself with. I already bought the sequels, so I'm gonna dive right into the next one!
October 25, 2019
This was a fun, lighthearted, spooky horror read - perfect for this time of year!
Light as a Feather follows a group of teenage girls who play the game light as a feather at a slumber party. During the game, the new girl in town, Violet, predicts each girls death. Later, her predictions start coming true. The surviving girls have to come together and figure out a way to stop this before its too late.
With a mix of evil spirits, hauntings, and romance, this book was a good easy scare for the Halloween season. I was incredibly disappointed in the end since absolutely none of the questions the story raises were answered but then I found out this is just the first of the series. I'm not sure if I'm willing to dive into the rest but I will check out the show on Hulu to see how it ends!
3 1/2 stars!
Light as a Feather follows a group of teenage girls who play the game light as a feather at a slumber party. During the game, the new girl in town, Violet, predicts each girls death. Later, her predictions start coming true. The surviving girls have to come together and figure out a way to stop this before its too late.
With a mix of evil spirits, hauntings, and romance, this book was a good easy scare for the Halloween season. I was incredibly disappointed in the end since absolutely none of the questions the story raises were answered but then I found out this is just the first of the series. I'm not sure if I'm willing to dive into the rest but I will check out the show on Hulu to see how it ends!
3 1/2 stars!
June 28, 2020
This was fine, but I think the final couple chapters of this book didn't work for me? It was like it changed to a completely different book. I also didn't realise Light as a Feather is actually a game for American children (well, that's what I've heard from my friends) so that knocked down the rating as I thought the author had come up with this idea all on her own!
February 24, 2019
Best thing: The first Book is too engrossing! I was completely into-into this fast-paced, creepy novel which managed to be sweet & romantic at the same time. The first book in this series is just perfect-- it made me zip through the chapters, I couldn't wait to start the next one already, hell, I even became the story-teller for my two "non-reader" friends and thier classmate (all of them loved it and were begging me to start & finish the next book ASAP).
Though I love the paranormal genre, I haven't come across very good novels so I just stick to TV series, short stories, and the best of all, urban legends told by real people on nights out! Well, keeping the genre aside this book manages to be much more than a scary ride. As I said before, the romance between the protagonist (Kathy, Katherine...i don't remember) and Trey just made me root for them, the atmosphere of the small town gives you the chills, high school drama is on-point...
BAD NEWS: As amazing as the first book is, it starts to get tirey somewhere between the second one and after a point I just wanted the series to end! It was being stretched unnecessarily like a pathetic daily soap. There was a stupid love- triangle which just turned the protagonist into a dumb-teenage-girl character of sorts...Matured characters started to act like scarecrows, handsome Trey was turned into a bald guy, and worst shit happened (which I can't recall, as I read it long back).
WORST PART: The only character I cared for throughout DIES IN THE END!! No, he's not cancerous, it's not a murder, it's not even necessary except to screw-up with already screwed up readers who managed to have come this far. I don't know if authors think killing off characters for no reason puts them in the league of Georg R.R.Martin or something, because IT DOESN'T! That's a completely different story people.
To be frank, Trey's character, like all others, was starting to get all over the place too...I had somehow managed to ignore it and keep the picture of Trey-from-book-one in my mind all the way through, and I mean it literally--i couldn't imagine him bald, so I ignored that too! The end just made it all seem so stupid...it was a kind of marketing gimmick so angry readers would be more pissed and will talk about it and curious readers would pick up the book to see what's the fuss about!
I'll honestly advise readers to NOT READ IT! The author is not that bad a writer (in Book 1 at least), you'll get engrossed in the story (which starts out good too) and stay with it even though It's plainly being stretched out like an old school soap opera. By the time you're on the last pages of Book 3 (if you manage to go that far) you've made up your mind about how below-average the series is--and right then a character is killed off for cheap thrills! So now it's not even a below average book. It's just cheap...whatever talent & imagination was there in the beginning ran out and replaced by commercialization, and blindly copying authors completely OUT OF ONE'S* LEAGUE !
Did I mention how the end doesn't even make sense. At all. To sum it up in an old adage: It's "Much ado about nothing.." I don't remember a single thing about the story except it all starts with the game and the girls start dying and...nope, I don't remember! And it's not worth remembering either.
Recall that dumb experience of starting on a difficult math problem--you spend an eternity on arriving at the solution but by the time you think you're finally there you can't remember what the question even was!!!Save the precious time readers, there are too many good books & we're not immortals 😉 Go pick up the Song of Ice & Fire series. You'll hate Martin when a character dies but you'll get over it by the next chapter ends.
*Zoe Aarsen
Okay, confession Time: After I finished, I was mad at myself. Why did I keep up with a bad book which was clearly going nowhere, telling myself I'm just curious to see how it ends, when in reality I don't give give a flying fork for where it is going? Oh, right, I still had that creepy-but-sweet atmosphere created in the starting pages in my mind & I can't believe that THAT then and THIS now is part of the same series! Yup I can get that delusional..
Though I love the paranormal genre, I haven't come across very good novels so I just stick to TV series, short stories, and the best of all, urban legends told by real people on nights out! Well, keeping the genre aside this book manages to be much more than a scary ride. As I said before, the romance between the protagonist (Kathy, Katherine...i don't remember) and Trey just made me root for them, the atmosphere of the small town gives you the chills, high school drama is on-point...
BAD NEWS: As amazing as the first book is, it starts to get tirey somewhere between the second one and after a point I just wanted the series to end! It was being stretched unnecessarily like a pathetic daily soap. There was a stupid love- triangle which just turned the protagonist into a dumb-teenage-girl character of sorts...Matured characters started to act like scarecrows, handsome Trey was turned into a bald guy, and worst shit happened (which I can't recall, as I read it long back).
WORST PART: The only character I cared for throughout DIES IN THE END!! No, he's not cancerous, it's not a murder, it's not even necessary except to screw-up with already screwed up readers who managed to have come this far. I don't know if authors think killing off characters for no reason puts them in the league of Georg R.R.Martin or something, because IT DOESN'T! That's a completely different story people.
To be frank, Trey's character, like all others, was starting to get all over the place too...I had somehow managed to ignore it and keep the picture of Trey-from-book-one in my mind all the way through, and I mean it literally--i couldn't imagine him bald, so I ignored that too! The end just made it all seem so stupid...it was a kind of marketing gimmick so angry readers would be more pissed and will talk about it and curious readers would pick up the book to see what's the fuss about!
I'll honestly advise readers to NOT READ IT! The author is not that bad a writer (in Book 1 at least), you'll get engrossed in the story (which starts out good too) and stay with it even though It's plainly being stretched out like an old school soap opera. By the time you're on the last pages of Book 3 (if you manage to go that far) you've made up your mind about how below-average the series is--and right then a character is killed off for cheap thrills! So now it's not even a below average book. It's just cheap...whatever talent & imagination was there in the beginning ran out and replaced by commercialization, and blindly copying authors completely OUT OF ONE'S* LEAGUE !
Did I mention how the end doesn't even make sense. At all. To sum it up in an old adage: It's "Much ado about nothing.." I don't remember a single thing about the story except it all starts with the game and the girls start dying and...nope, I don't remember! And it's not worth remembering either.
Recall that dumb experience of starting on a difficult math problem--you spend an eternity on arriving at the solution but by the time you think you're finally there you can't remember what the question even was!!!Save the precious time readers, there are too many good books & we're not immortals 😉 Go pick up the Song of Ice & Fire series. You'll hate Martin when a character dies but you'll get over it by the next chapter ends.
*Zoe Aarsen
Okay, confession Time: After I finished, I was mad at myself. Why did I keep up with a bad book which was clearly going nowhere, telling myself I'm just curious to see how it ends, when in reality I don't give give a flying fork for where it is going? Oh, right, I still had that creepy-but-sweet atmosphere created in the starting pages in my mind & I can't believe that THAT then and THIS now is part of the same series! Yup I can get that delusional..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2020
Recenzia completă o găsiți pe Fata din bibliotecă
Nu aș putea să vă spun cu certitudine ce anume a reușit să mă surprindă mai mult: faptul că această carte mi-a întrecut cu mult așteptările sau că am stat până la 3 dimineața ca să o termin de citit, doar pentru ca apoi să tânjesc cu jid după următorul volum din serie. Care încă nu a apărut. Care mă rog să apară cât mai repede, deoarece finalul primului volum m-a lăsat într-un suspans chinuitor (V-am mai spus cât de mult urăsc și, în același timp, iubesc aceste finaluri? Cel mai bun mod de a-ți tortura cititorii. Bună treabă, Zoe!).
Subiectul romanului a reușit să-mi stârnească interesul încă din clipa în care am citit descrierea, iar curiozitatea mi-a făcut imposibilă misiunea de a a trece cu vederea această carte. Cinci adolescente (McKenna, Olivia, Violet, Mischa și Candace) decid să alunge plictiseala prin intermediul unui joc aparent banal, în cadrul căruia o persoană din grup le prezice celorlalte modul în care vor muri.
Prezicerile înfiorătoare pe care le propune Violet cu lejeritate sunt atât de detaliate și de macabre încât reușesc să trezească mici suspiciuni pentru unele fete, dar, de dragul distracției, aleg să nu le acorde prea multă importanță. Însă, odată semănată în mintea lor, sămânța îndoielii rămâne acolo și ajunge să înflorească odată cu moartea Oliviei. Coincidență sau nu? Oare acum există pericolul să se adeverească prezicerile și pentru celelalte fete?
Nu aș putea să vă spun cu certitudine ce anume a reușit să mă surprindă mai mult: faptul că această carte mi-a întrecut cu mult așteptările sau că am stat până la 3 dimineața ca să o termin de citit, doar pentru ca apoi să tânjesc cu jid după următorul volum din serie. Care încă nu a apărut. Care mă rog să apară cât mai repede, deoarece finalul primului volum m-a lăsat într-un suspans chinuitor (V-am mai spus cât de mult urăsc și, în același timp, iubesc aceste finaluri? Cel mai bun mod de a-ți tortura cititorii. Bună treabă, Zoe!).
Subiectul romanului a reușit să-mi stârnească interesul încă din clipa în care am citit descrierea, iar curiozitatea mi-a făcut imposibilă misiunea de a a trece cu vederea această carte. Cinci adolescente (McKenna, Olivia, Violet, Mischa și Candace) decid să alunge plictiseala prin intermediul unui joc aparent banal, în cadrul căruia o persoană din grup le prezice celorlalte modul în care vor muri.
Prezicerile înfiorătoare pe care le propune Violet cu lejeritate sunt atât de detaliate și de macabre încât reușesc să trezească mici suspiciuni pentru unele fete, dar, de dragul distracției, aleg să nu le acorde prea multă importanță. Însă, odată semănată în mintea lor, sămânța îndoielii rămâne acolo și ajunge să înflorească odată cu moartea Oliviei. Coincidență sau nu? Oare acum există pericolul să se adeverească prezicerile și pentru celelalte fete?
March 23, 2021
Я человек очень боязливый, и местами мне было читать историю страшновато, особенно перед сном. Начиная читать, я ожидала историю в духе сериала «Дневники вампира», что в итоге и получила. В истории, где главенствующей составляющей является остается мистика, автор оставляет место и романтике, но линия не является первостепенной. Возможно, автор ее расширит в последующих частях. В истории я вижу коммерческий потенциал, она понравится любителям мистических историй, а самое главное, автор в первой части не раскрывает свои карты, оставляя читателя к концу истории немного в недоумении. Я прочитаю продолжение истории, как только будут опубликованы обе части, мне интересно, чем же закончится история героев, и что же в итоге на самом деле происходит с Вайолет, кто или, вернее, что она такое.
May 15, 2021
a valiant effort. tbh this one was on me for accidentally picking up a published wattpad story, but I can understand why others were really into it!
July 1, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐
FOUR STARS
June 10, 2020 - This book was a wild ride, I have some notes on it; more later probably if I get around to it
Hi so I've gotten around to it a month later, here's my review!
***
"Violet had suggested that we play a game....
She hadn’t mentioned that in her game, she was always the winner. Or that playing could cost you your life."
My expectations for this book: dumb book about dramatic mean girl high schoolers and a haunted house sort of deal, not scary at all and basically similar to the books in that Creepover series I used to read in like, middle school.
Reality of this book: people do be dying, the haunting do be hella creepy and it do be thoroughly creeping me the heck out!
Seriously though, this book was way deeper and spookier than I had anticipated and honestly, I regret reading it after dark. Yes, I am fully aware that I am a wuss.
Okay, so now that I have your attention, aside from the creepy-esque atmosphere this book brings, can we talk about how superficial the book and its characters are? Literally “you were heavier set last year so totally not noteworthy at all or even worthy of considering friendship, but now since you’ve dropped about 20lbs over the summer YAASS SIS, join our bitch squad of popular mean girls now that you’re one of the “pretty people”! Like HUH? That’s so disgusting! All bodies are beautiful. You don’t need to have one meal a day so that you starve yourself to the point of looking like a damn stick to prove it. I wish more content in society and social media that is put out for young people to see promoted more self love and equality rather than hatred towards curvier or skinnier girls. Fat and skinny shaming is so unnecessary. You don’t need to meet the standards society has set to be considered “pretty” because in all honesty, those expectations are unrealistic and unattainable and y’all are beautiful just how you are, both inside and out.
Anyways, aside from that, this book held my attention really well and I got pretty into it. I was looking for more of a contemporary novel to read, however I had run out of new ones so I decided to read this since I figured it’d likely have petty high school drama lying within its pages, which yes, it did, I was not disappointed there as it definitely delivered. Though this wasn’t just ordinary high school drama, there is death in it too. There is a lot of supernatural content in this book with the stuff that happens, I mean obviously, that’s kind of a main point of the plot, and they play with a Ouija Board to contact spirits a couple times too, so I mean I as a lover of the show Supernatural enjoyed the spookiness of the story. However, if you’re against supernatural stuff in general, Ouija boards and corresponding with the other side makes you uncomfortable, this book probably really isn’t for you, it can get weird and spooky with the hauntings and stuff.
The ending of this book however felt a bit rushed, I felt like too many new things were added at the last minute, so much happened really quick, there was a time jump and then it was the end and it just didn’t … I don’t know, flow well? Yeah. It might be just me, but it felt too jumbled or something towards the end. But there’s book two (which I just recently bought) and book 3 is supposed to come out sometime in September 2020 so I’m assuming it’ll contain some sort of less quick explanation.
Overall, I did enjoy the book and the mystery it had to offer, as creepy as it got. It’s probably one of the better paranormal/supernatural stories I’ve read and like I said, was actually spooky/creepy at some parts, and I am intrigued to see where the rest of this story takes us throughout this series.
FOUR STARS
June 10, 2020 - This book was a wild ride, I have some notes on it; more later probably if I get around to it
Hi so I've gotten around to it a month later, here's my review!
***
"Violet had suggested that we play a game....
She hadn’t mentioned that in her game, she was always the winner. Or that playing could cost you your life."
My expectations for this book: dumb book about dramatic mean girl high schoolers and a haunted house sort of deal, not scary at all and basically similar to the books in that Creepover series I used to read in like, middle school.
Reality of this book: people do be dying, the haunting do be hella creepy and it do be thoroughly creeping me the heck out!
Seriously though, this book was way deeper and spookier than I had anticipated and honestly, I regret reading it after dark. Yes, I am fully aware that I am a wuss.
Okay, so now that I have your attention, aside from the creepy-esque atmosphere this book brings, can we talk about how superficial the book and its characters are? Literally “you were heavier set last year so totally not noteworthy at all or even worthy of considering friendship, but now since you’ve dropped about 20lbs over the summer YAASS SIS, join our bitch squad of popular mean girls now that you’re one of the “pretty people”! Like HUH? That’s so disgusting! All bodies are beautiful. You don’t need to have one meal a day so that you starve yourself to the point of looking like a damn stick to prove it. I wish more content in society and social media that is put out for young people to see promoted more self love and equality rather than hatred towards curvier or skinnier girls. Fat and skinny shaming is so unnecessary. You don’t need to meet the standards society has set to be considered “pretty” because in all honesty, those expectations are unrealistic and unattainable and y’all are beautiful just how you are, both inside and out.
Anyways, aside from that, this book held my attention really well and I got pretty into it. I was looking for more of a contemporary novel to read, however I had run out of new ones so I decided to read this since I figured it’d likely have petty high school drama lying within its pages, which yes, it did, I was not disappointed there as it definitely delivered. Though this wasn’t just ordinary high school drama, there is death in it too. There is a lot of supernatural content in this book with the stuff that happens, I mean obviously, that’s kind of a main point of the plot, and they play with a Ouija Board to contact spirits a couple times too, so I mean I as a lover of the show Supernatural enjoyed the spookiness of the story. However, if you’re against supernatural stuff in general, Ouija boards and corresponding with the other side makes you uncomfortable, this book probably really isn’t for you, it can get weird and spooky with the hauntings and stuff.
The ending of this book however felt a bit rushed, I felt like too many new things were added at the last minute, so much happened really quick, there was a time jump and then it was the end and it just didn’t … I don’t know, flow well? Yeah. It might be just me, but it felt too jumbled or something towards the end. But there’s book two (which I just recently bought) and book 3 is supposed to come out sometime in September 2020 so I’m assuming it’ll contain some sort of less quick explanation.
Overall, I did enjoy the book and the mystery it had to offer, as creepy as it got. It’s probably one of the better paranormal/supernatural stories I’ve read and like I said, was actually spooky/creepy at some parts, and I am intrigued to see where the rest of this story takes us throughout this series.
June 18, 2013
I got this for FREE on Kindle! Compared to other free books (which are usually terrible) it was great!
This story is about as scary as I go. It wasn't really that scary; I'm just a massive wimp. As result, I got freaked out a bit, though mainly at the start.
McKenna has made it to the popular circle for her junior year of high school, befriending Mischa, Candace, queen bee Olivia and newcomer Hannah. Bored at a sleepover, Hannah suggests they play a game of “Light as a feather, stiff as a board”, a game in which you make up the death of each person. Never a good start. New girl Hannah tells the tale with such conviction, saying that Olivia will die in an horrific car accident, Candace will drown and Mischa will choke. All she gets from McKenna is the sense of burning and smoke... McKenna's twin died in a fire when they were eight. Everyone is spooked when Hannah's first prediction comes true, down to the very last detail: Olivia dies in a devastating car crash. Now Hannah seems to have taken Olivia's place and the other girls have to wonder if their deaths will also come true.
Yes, it was kind of cliché but nerveless I enjoyed it. The mystery was intriguing and I enjoyed trying to work out what would happen next.
I felt like the author focused a lot on the relationship between McKenna and Trey throughout the first half of the book (which I liked seeing unfolding) but then kind of lost interest toward the end. As a result, I wasn't particularly invested in their relationship but, then again, it didn't need to be the main focus of the novel.
I was also a little unsure of McKenna's character. I did like her but at times... she seemed so adsorbed in wanting to be popular that she was so horrible to her old friends. Seems a bit heartless.
I think it could have done with some development in places but overall I enjoyed the read and would like to continue with the next book – when it comes out!
This story is about as scary as I go. It wasn't really that scary; I'm just a massive wimp. As result, I got freaked out a bit, though mainly at the start.
McKenna has made it to the popular circle for her junior year of high school, befriending Mischa, Candace, queen bee Olivia and newcomer Hannah. Bored at a sleepover, Hannah suggests they play a game of “Light as a feather, stiff as a board”, a game in which you make up the death of each person. Never a good start. New girl Hannah tells the tale with such conviction, saying that Olivia will die in an horrific car accident, Candace will drown and Mischa will choke. All she gets from McKenna is the sense of burning and smoke... McKenna's twin died in a fire when they were eight. Everyone is spooked when Hannah's first prediction comes true, down to the very last detail: Olivia dies in a devastating car crash. Now Hannah seems to have taken Olivia's place and the other girls have to wonder if their deaths will also come true.
Yes, it was kind of cliché but nerveless I enjoyed it. The mystery was intriguing and I enjoyed trying to work out what would happen next.
I felt like the author focused a lot on the relationship between McKenna and Trey throughout the first half of the book (which I liked seeing unfolding) but then kind of lost interest toward the end. As a result, I wasn't particularly invested in their relationship but, then again, it didn't need to be the main focus of the novel.
I was also a little unsure of McKenna's character. I did like her but at times... she seemed so adsorbed in wanting to be popular that she was so horrible to her old friends. Seems a bit heartless.
I think it could have done with some development in places but overall I enjoyed the read and would like to continue with the next book – when it comes out!
April 30, 2019
I didn't realize that this was a book until I saw the show. And we all know that the book is better than their movie or show adaptation right? And I absolutely enjoyed the show, so I knew without a doubt that I would LOVE the book...except that was not the case. I was sorta disappointed.
I think my main issue with the book was the inconsistency of the writing. Don't get me wrong, I know that this is a YA novel, so it's geared towards teenagers and those in their early twenties. Saying all of this, I wasn't expecting to read it as if it were an adult novel, however there were times where the writing felt very young (middle school age) and then there were times where it felt like it was truly a YA novel. I don't know if this makes any sense at all but hopefully it does. I also felt like the author was trying too hard to relate to the average teenager and she took a lot of cliches and put it into her novel. One of the biggest cliches she used to play a big role in the novel (like mentioned every other chapter) was the main character use to be a fat kid and then one summer she woke up and lost 30 pounds and now all of a sudden she's part of the popular group. That just kind of bothered me.
Other than the inconsistency of the writing and the cliches, I enjoyed the novel. At least I enjoyed it enough to want to read the sequel.
Also this is a Wattpad sensation, and I feel like you can definitely tell. I'm probably going to get a lot of hate for this, but I feel like you can tell when books were Wattpad sensation and then became a book. I'm not saying that Wattpad novels aren't good or well written, I just think there is a different air around these books. And Wattpad is a great and wonderful community.
Anyway, those are just my thoughts.
HAPPY READINGS!!!!
I think my main issue with the book was the inconsistency of the writing. Don't get me wrong, I know that this is a YA novel, so it's geared towards teenagers and those in their early twenties. Saying all of this, I wasn't expecting to read it as if it were an adult novel, however there were times where the writing felt very young (middle school age) and then there were times where it felt like it was truly a YA novel. I don't know if this makes any sense at all but hopefully it does. I also felt like the author was trying too hard to relate to the average teenager and she took a lot of cliches and put it into her novel. One of the biggest cliches she used to play a big role in the novel (like mentioned every other chapter) was the main character use to be a fat kid and then one summer she woke up and lost 30 pounds and now all of a sudden she's part of the popular group. That just kind of bothered me.
Other than the inconsistency of the writing and the cliches, I enjoyed the novel. At least I enjoyed it enough to want to read the sequel.
Also this is a Wattpad sensation, and I feel like you can definitely tell. I'm probably going to get a lot of hate for this, but I feel like you can tell when books were Wattpad sensation and then became a book. I'm not saying that Wattpad novels aren't good or well written, I just think there is a different air around these books. And Wattpad is a great and wonderful community.
Anyway, those are just my thoughts.
HAPPY READINGS!!!!
November 29, 2018
"her body lay in a closed coffin, light as a feather, stiff as a board."
I have a habit of digging through movies coming out, see what's tied to a book, and then read the book before I see the show/movie. In this case, I found that this book is going to become a show on HULU - Light as a Feather (I think). So I went digging and realized I'd downloaded it as a freebie back in 2013! Yay!
The story started just okay. It's slow at first, and McKenna and her need to become popular was annoying. She seemed shallow and needy. As the story progressed, we learn more of her personality and learn more so it gets interesting as Trey, Violet, Olivia, Candace and Mischa all start pushing each other to the conclusion at the end.
Not that there is a conclusion. It's definitely a cliffhanger leaving the ending open for book 2 and 3 that appear to be coming soon....
But all in all, it was just okay. I'm hoping the writing and conversations won't feel so unnatural or dated in the next one.
I have a habit of digging through movies coming out, see what's tied to a book, and then read the book before I see the show/movie. In this case, I found that this book is going to become a show on HULU - Light as a Feather (I think). So I went digging and realized I'd downloaded it as a freebie back in 2013! Yay!
The story started just okay. It's slow at first, and McKenna and her need to become popular was annoying. She seemed shallow and needy. As the story progressed, we learn more of her personality and learn more so it gets interesting as Trey, Violet, Olivia, Candace and Mischa all start pushing each other to the conclusion at the end.
Not that there is a conclusion. It's definitely a cliffhanger leaving the ending open for book 2 and 3 that appear to be coming soon....
But all in all, it was just okay. I'm hoping the writing and conversations won't feel so unnatural or dated in the next one.
August 4, 2019
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this teen thriller, I’ll definitely be reading book 2 and watching the show.
It’s nothing mind-blowing, but if you like creepy ghost stories combined with high school drama then this is right up your street.
My friends and I used to play light as a feather stuff as a board at sleepovers after watching The Craft, but I can’t say we ever predicted each others gruesome deaths.
Quite glad about that now really!
It’s really made me want to watch The Craft and Final Destination again now, they are such awesome films!
I enjoyed this teen thriller, I’ll definitely be reading book 2 and watching the show.
It’s nothing mind-blowing, but if you like creepy ghost stories combined with high school drama then this is right up your street.
My friends and I used to play light as a feather stuff as a board at sleepovers after watching The Craft, but I can’t say we ever predicted each others gruesome deaths.
Quite glad about that now really!
It’s really made me want to watch The Craft and Final Destination again now, they are such awesome films!
July 19, 2021
Review to come!
April 10, 2020
Summary:
After finally being accepted into the popular girl group at school, McKenna's life seems to finally be turning around after a devastating house fire. That is until the new girl in town, Violet, suggests they play Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board.
Things take a dark turn when one of the girls dies exactly how Violet predicted in the game. The remaining friends become very suspicious that Violet may have had something to do with it after she seems to step into the life that the dead girl left behind. It comes down to McKenna to find a way to stop Violet before the predictions of her other friend's deaths come true.
Personal opinion:
As soon as I saw this book, I immediately thought of The Craft movie and knew I had to read it. I thought it was a fun read that I would have absolutely loved as a tewn.
I liked how the romance aspect between McKenna and her neighbor manages to be cute and noticeable without outshining the overall plot of the book. The story itself was fast paced with quite a bit of suspense, loss and even a police chase mixed in to keep things exciting. It was, however, a bit more paranormal based than I expected with no actual witchcraft really involved. But it was still a well written book that I would definitely recommend!
After finally being accepted into the popular girl group at school, McKenna's life seems to finally be turning around after a devastating house fire. That is until the new girl in town, Violet, suggests they play Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board.
Things take a dark turn when one of the girls dies exactly how Violet predicted in the game. The remaining friends become very suspicious that Violet may have had something to do with it after she seems to step into the life that the dead girl left behind. It comes down to McKenna to find a way to stop Violet before the predictions of her other friend's deaths come true.
Personal opinion:
As soon as I saw this book, I immediately thought of The Craft movie and knew I had to read it. I thought it was a fun read that I would have absolutely loved as a tewn.
I liked how the romance aspect between McKenna and her neighbor manages to be cute and noticeable without outshining the overall plot of the book. The story itself was fast paced with quite a bit of suspense, loss and even a police chase mixed in to keep things exciting. It was, however, a bit more paranormal based than I expected with no actual witchcraft really involved. But it was still a well written book that I would definitely recommend!
December 17, 2020
Yikes This Was Boring
July 25, 2024
DNF - 25%
I should stop reading YA books...
Especially Wattpad ones. Sorry, not sorry
I should stop reading YA books...
Especially Wattpad ones. Sorry, not sorry
June 13, 2025
This has been on my tbr list for 8.5 million years. Every single time someone chose this for me in a "Pick for Me" challenge I always chose the other books to read. I'm not sure why I kept putting it off but that's how I rolled. Stupid? Yes. So it comes up again and I figured it's now or never expecting to not like it because it was to "teenagerish" and I wouldn't be able to connect with the characters. Well I'm here to tell you what a dumb ass I am. I loved the book. In fact it now resides on my favorites shelf. It's what would happen if the movies "Heathers" and "The Craft" had a baby. Back in the day those were 2 of my favorite movies. McKenna is a bad ass plain and simple. I know in the beginning she was a bit pathetic in how she needed the approval of the popular girls, but once events start happening to her friends and to her she knew what needed to be done and by god she did it. That ending had my jaw hanging. I will not be waiting a gazillion years to read book 2.
August 23, 2020
The story starts out with McKenna (recently accepted into the popular clique) and Violet (the new girl in town) arriving at Olivia’s (the most popular girl) sweet sixteen party. During the party Violet suggests they play light as a feather with a twist that she will predict each girls death in detail. It all seems like a harmless game until a week later one of the girls dies exactly as Violet predicted. McKenna, afraid that her other friends from the party may be next, scrambles to find out how Violet was able to predict Olivia’s death with such accuracy and find a way to protect her friends.
I really enjoyed this book. I can’t really pinpoint a reason other than I was totally vested in seeing the story play out. The girls were so relatable, except Violet who was just creepy but she kept things interesting. McKenna and Trey’s romance was cute. If I have any complaints it’s that ending felt rushed. This is the first in a series so I’m interested to see where the author goes from here.
This was definitely entertaining.
I really enjoyed this book. I can’t really pinpoint a reason other than I was totally vested in seeing the story play out. The girls were so relatable, except Violet who was just creepy but she kept things interesting. McKenna and Trey’s romance was cute. If I have any complaints it’s that ending felt rushed. This is the first in a series so I’m interested to see where the author goes from here.
This was definitely entertaining.
December 13, 2018
I really liked it I’m surprised again I feel like I say it a lot but I did really enjoy this book. Towards the end of the book, it was so good and had action and it was scary my heart was beating fast lol. I started watching the tv show after I finished this book. I think they changed a lot I definitely like the book better than the tv series.
July 20, 2019
Reviewed for School Library Journal 11/2018 (although I don't think they printed it):
After losing weight and getting contact lenses, sixteen-year-old McKenna Brady finds newfound popularity with the prettiest girls in school. At a birthday party, the girls play a game familiar to anyone who saw the 1996 film The Craft: Light as a feather, stiff as a board. During the slumber-party game, new student Violet Simmons tells grisly stories about each girl’s demise. One friend soon perishes in exactly the way Violet had described. McKenna and her surviving girlfriends wonder who will be next. Can they can stop what they fear is a supernatural killing spree? The book is set in Willow, Wisconsin, a small town that has no defining characteristics. Neither do its residents. As a group, McKenna and her indistinguishable, shallow pals are solely concerned with looks, boys, and popularity. They seem less offended by the fact that new girl Violet may be killing them one-by-one and more upset that Violet becomes more popular as a result. Aarsen first published this story on Wattpad, a platform for serially published content, which may account for the cliched plot’s rambling nature and the confusing abundance of featureless characters. This book has been developed into a Hulu limited series, co-produced by Wattpad’s own production company. Verdict Fans of the Hulu series can read the story for free on Wattpad, where they can interact with the author and other readers. Not recommended for purchase.
After losing weight and getting contact lenses, sixteen-year-old McKenna Brady finds newfound popularity with the prettiest girls in school. At a birthday party, the girls play a game familiar to anyone who saw the 1996 film The Craft: Light as a feather, stiff as a board. During the slumber-party game, new student Violet Simmons tells grisly stories about each girl’s demise. One friend soon perishes in exactly the way Violet had described. McKenna and her surviving girlfriends wonder who will be next. Can they can stop what they fear is a supernatural killing spree? The book is set in Willow, Wisconsin, a small town that has no defining characteristics. Neither do its residents. As a group, McKenna and her indistinguishable, shallow pals are solely concerned with looks, boys, and popularity. They seem less offended by the fact that new girl Violet may be killing them one-by-one and more upset that Violet becomes more popular as a result. Aarsen first published this story on Wattpad, a platform for serially published content, which may account for the cliched plot’s rambling nature and the confusing abundance of featureless characters. This book has been developed into a Hulu limited series, co-produced by Wattpad’s own production company. Verdict Fans of the Hulu series can read the story for free on Wattpad, where they can interact with the author and other readers. Not recommended for purchase.
January 11, 2020
I predicted that McKenna’s ~transformation~ would have nothing to do with the plot and guess what? IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PLOT. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN THE SAME BOOK WITHOUT IT. Seriously, y’all, we need to STOP with the “I’m gorgeous and popular but I was a hideous monster before I lost weight and got contacts” backstories. It did nothing for McKenna’s character development, it did nothing to inform her character motivations, it did nothing to make her a more likable or relatable character. It was just shoehorned in there to explain why McKenna was suddenly friends with these girls, which, like, what was the point of these girls being brand new friends? And McKenna’s weight loss was mentioned SO MUCH. FOR NO REASON. I HATE IT.
To be clear: this was a stupid, stupid book. It was poorly written, the plot was messy, the characters were boring and also idiots, it got oddly religious, and I found myself cringing every few pages. Like, you can definitely tell this was written serially on Wattpad.
But like also I had a hard time putting it down? And I’m probably going to read the second book even though I know it’s gonna be just as awful?
Dead dog: McKenna walks into her bedroom and finds her childhood dog died while she was at school. The dog is curled up on McKenna’s bed because she wanted to be close to her human during her last moments. This was the only part of the book that genuinely affected me, even though it wasn’t actually done well.
To be clear: this was a stupid, stupid book. It was poorly written, the plot was messy, the characters were boring and also idiots, it got oddly religious, and I found myself cringing every few pages. Like, you can definitely tell this was written serially on Wattpad.
But like also I had a hard time putting it down? And I’m probably going to read the second book even though I know it’s gonna be just as awful?
Dead dog: McKenna walks into her bedroom and finds her childhood dog died while she was at school. The dog is curled up on McKenna’s bed because she wanted to be close to her human during her last moments. This was the only part of the book that genuinely affected me, even though it wasn’t actually done well.
February 20, 2020
"She hadn’t mentioned that in her game, she was always the winner. Or that playing could cost you your life."
Light as a Feather, Stiff As a Board (Weeping Willow High #1)
by Zoe Aarsen
I think I made a mistake with t his one.
I was attracted to this book because of the title. Back when I was young, my friends and I would play this game. If you do not know what I am talking about "Light as a feather, stiff as a board" is indeed a real game. And it is a creepy one. My friends and I used to scare ourselves silly playing it in the way that only kids can.
But I did not find many scares here. The book, (what I read of it) was very YA, A bit to much for me and I couldn't get into it.
I find that I sometimes read a book thinking it will be scarier then it is. In the case of YA Mysteries, I have now learned to choose with care but I still every so often make the wrong choice. I think the book itself was fine but not at all the right fit for me and not creepy.
Though the book itself wasn't my kind of book I would recommend it for people who really dig YA mysteries. It just didn't have the creepy factor for me. I do love the title though! Will never forget that game, played many times at all night slumber parties. Just wish book had been a bit more eerie then it was.
Light as a Feather, Stiff As a Board (Weeping Willow High #1)
by Zoe Aarsen
I think I made a mistake with t his one.
I was attracted to this book because of the title. Back when I was young, my friends and I would play this game. If you do not know what I am talking about "Light as a feather, stiff as a board" is indeed a real game. And it is a creepy one. My friends and I used to scare ourselves silly playing it in the way that only kids can.
But I did not find many scares here. The book, (what I read of it) was very YA, A bit to much for me and I couldn't get into it.
I find that I sometimes read a book thinking it will be scarier then it is. In the case of YA Mysteries, I have now learned to choose with care but I still every so often make the wrong choice. I think the book itself was fine but not at all the right fit for me and not creepy.
Though the book itself wasn't my kind of book I would recommend it for people who really dig YA mysteries. It just didn't have the creepy factor for me. I do love the title though! Will never forget that game, played many times at all night slumber parties. Just wish book had been a bit more eerie then it was.
November 1, 2015
Actual rating - 2.5
This wasn't an awful read, but it was nowhere near as enjoyable as I remember book one being.
I found this one to be hard to follow unfortunately. I read book one over two years ago, so my memory of what happened was very foggy. The most confusing part of the book for me though, was that the characters names had been changed. I felt completely lost at times because of it!
To sum it up, I spent most of the time thinking this;
This wasn't an awful read, but it was nowhere near as enjoyable as I remember book one being.
I found this one to be hard to follow unfortunately. I read book one over two years ago, so my memory of what happened was very foggy. The most confusing part of the book for me though, was that the characters names had been changed. I felt completely lost at times because of it!
To sum it up, I spent most of the time thinking this;
June 21, 2013
A really good book that kept me on the edge until the very last page. It will make you wonder and work your heads out as to why those events were happening. I really loved this book since I am a huge fan of horror and suspense. In fact, this book had me looking at my back or listening to weird noises even when I was at the comforts of my home. What made me give it a four-star is that I think it needs to have a sequel.
dnf
October 4, 2019Setting this one aside. I gave it 40-ish pages and was so bored. Still going to check out the show.
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