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The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly
When band-geek Ivy and her friends get together, things start with a rousing board game and end with arguments about Star Wars.
Her older sister Autumn is a different story. Enigmatic, aloof, and tough as nails, Autumn hasn't had real friends--or trusted anyone--in years. Even Ivy.
But Autumn might not be tough enough. After a drug deal gone wrong, Autumn is beaten, bound, and held hostage. Now, trapped between life and death, she leaves her body, seeking help. No one can sense her presence--except her sister.
When Autumn doesn't come home, Ivy just knows she's in trouble. Unable to escape the chilling feeling that something isn't right, Ivy follows a string of clues that bring her closer to rescuing her sister... and closer to danger.
Autumn needs Ivy to find her before time runs out. But soon, both sisters realize that finding her also means untangling the secrets that lead to the truth--about where they're hiding Autumn, and what Autumn has been hiding.
Her older sister Autumn is a different story. Enigmatic, aloof, and tough as nails, Autumn hasn't had real friends--or trusted anyone--in years. Even Ivy.
But Autumn might not be tough enough. After a drug deal gone wrong, Autumn is beaten, bound, and held hostage. Now, trapped between life and death, she leaves her body, seeking help. No one can sense her presence--except her sister.
When Autumn doesn't come home, Ivy just knows she's in trouble. Unable to escape the chilling feeling that something isn't right, Ivy follows a string of clues that bring her closer to rescuing her sister... and closer to danger.
Autumn needs Ivy to find her before time runs out. But soon, both sisters realize that finding her also means untangling the secrets that lead to the truth--about where they're hiding Autumn, and what Autumn has been hiding.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published February 11, 2020
45 people are currently reading
8061 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Tate
6 books251 followersMeredith Tate grew up in Concord, New Hampshire, where she fell in love with her two passions—writing and traveling. She earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of New Hampshire and worked in Boston for several years before deciding to pursue her true dream of telling stories. After spending three wonderful years in St. Louis, Missouri, and three more amazing years in Zurich, Switzerland, Meredith now lives in Houston with her husband and her spoiled rescue dog. When Meredith’s not writing, she loves photography, playing the piano, trying new recipes, and chasing her goal of seeing every continent (five down, two to go!).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews
January 10, 2020
I'm so thankful writers, such as this one, are choosing to write about important issues. I don't necessarily know if a book like this would have been published ten years ago, so I guess I am also thankful for the publishers for recognizing the value in these types of stories.
Autumn Casterly is a senior in high school and a drug dealer. She hopes to keep adding to her stack of cash so she will have enough to eventually leave town and not look back. It's been a long time since she has gotten along with her family members, including Ivy, her younger sister. Ivy is a bit of a band geek and she surrounds herself with a trusted group of friends with similar interests. The sisters share nothing in common these days.
After a drug deal goes horribly wrong, Autumn is beaten and held hostage. She has a bit of an out of body experience where she can see what others are up to but they can't see her. Autumn knows if someone doesn't find her soon, she's going to die. Ivy starts feeling this strange presence, almost like her missing sister is there with her. If Ivy wants to piece together what happened to her sister, she might have to dig into Autumn's past. And Ivy might discover there's a lot about her sister she didn't even know. The story goes back and forth between the perspectives of Ivy and Autumn.
There's certainly a thriller aspect to the story as you want to keep reading to find out if Autumn will ever be found. However, that wasn't the strength of the novel as for me it was much more about getting to know Autumn. At first I was a bit turned off by her over the top tough approach to handling things. In all honesty some of her dialogue at the beginning of the book sounds like it's from some cheesy mafia type movie or show. I do think though she is a character worth getting invested in. I thought Ivy was another well-developed character. I liked what the author did in terms of Ivy's storyline that wasn't directly about her sister's disappearance.
When I write a book review I try to stick to what is mentioned in the publisher's synopsis. So that's why I am choosing not to discuss in detail the important issues in the story but I do think it is okay to mention it's related to some things that have been brought up in the #metoo movement.
Definitely recommend reading this book if you appreciate it when writers explore tough topics in a thoughtful way.
Thank you to the publisher and BookishFirst for sending me a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
Autumn Casterly is a senior in high school and a drug dealer. She hopes to keep adding to her stack of cash so she will have enough to eventually leave town and not look back. It's been a long time since she has gotten along with her family members, including Ivy, her younger sister. Ivy is a bit of a band geek and she surrounds herself with a trusted group of friends with similar interests. The sisters share nothing in common these days.
After a drug deal goes horribly wrong, Autumn is beaten and held hostage. She has a bit of an out of body experience where she can see what others are up to but they can't see her. Autumn knows if someone doesn't find her soon, she's going to die. Ivy starts feeling this strange presence, almost like her missing sister is there with her. If Ivy wants to piece together what happened to her sister, she might have to dig into Autumn's past. And Ivy might discover there's a lot about her sister she didn't even know. The story goes back and forth between the perspectives of Ivy and Autumn.
There's certainly a thriller aspect to the story as you want to keep reading to find out if Autumn will ever be found. However, that wasn't the strength of the novel as for me it was much more about getting to know Autumn. At first I was a bit turned off by her over the top tough approach to handling things. In all honesty some of her dialogue at the beginning of the book sounds like it's from some cheesy mafia type movie or show. I do think though she is a character worth getting invested in. I thought Ivy was another well-developed character. I liked what the author did in terms of Ivy's storyline that wasn't directly about her sister's disappearance.
When I write a book review I try to stick to what is mentioned in the publisher's synopsis. So that's why I am choosing not to discuss in detail the important issues in the story but I do think it is okay to mention it's related to some things that have been brought up in the #metoo movement.
Definitely recommend reading this book if you appreciate it when writers explore tough topics in a thoughtful way.
Thank you to the publisher and BookishFirst for sending me a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
September 10, 2021
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4.
CW:
Well that had me on the edge of my seat!
What a suspenseful story about a girl hanging on to life and hoping her connection to her sister is strong enough to save her. Autumn is undeniably quite an unlikeable character but through flashbacks we learn why her life drastically changed course. I thought both voices were done well and liked how the alternating POVs added tension as we drew closer to the end of the novel. A good YA thriller.
CW:
Well that had me on the edge of my seat!
What a suspenseful story about a girl hanging on to life and hoping her connection to her sister is strong enough to save her. Autumn is undeniably quite an unlikeable character but through flashbacks we learn why her life drastically changed course. I thought both voices were done well and liked how the alternating POVs added tension as we drew closer to the end of the novel. A good YA thriller.
Want to read
December 31, 2019Hi - I'm the author :) This is a book that's very dear to my heart, and I hope you like it.
Please see my website http://meredithtate.com for content / trigger warnings <3
Please see my website http://meredithtate.com for content / trigger warnings <3
March 1, 2020
A poignant and hard hitting exploration of rape culture and sisterhood.
Sensitively but candidly tackling topics such as the nuances of consent, victim blaming, gaslighting, this fast paced thriller had me on the edge of my seat wanting answers but terrified for Autumn as to what those answers might entail.
Despite the somewhat large cast of characters, each of them had their place in the story. They were given backstories and complexities and by the end of the book, I really felt like I knew each of them. I also loved how diverse the cast was (there's an f/f relationship, an aro-ace character, a Filipino American character, a Korean American, a Jewish character and the MC self identifies as fat.)
Personally, I really enjoyed the representation Ivy gave as a fat teen girl. I loved that she owned it and, although it was discussed, being fat wasn't her whole personality. It was simply a fact and one she didn't look at negatively or reflect on all too often. (I'm also totally here for her Hufflepuff nerdiness.)
The twist on the way Autumns chapters were told is something I've not seen before but I thought it added such a brilliant depth and view to her own story and the plot overall.
Having previously know anything about this book and having very much picked it up on a whim, I'm so glad to say that this surprised me in the best of ways.
It's also been a while since the conclusion to a YA thriller/mystery caught me off guard, so yay for not guessing the plot twist after two pages!
TW: rape
Sensitively but candidly tackling topics such as the nuances of consent, victim blaming, gaslighting, this fast paced thriller had me on the edge of my seat wanting answers but terrified for Autumn as to what those answers might entail.
Despite the somewhat large cast of characters, each of them had their place in the story. They were given backstories and complexities and by the end of the book, I really felt like I knew each of them. I also loved how diverse the cast was (there's an f/f relationship, an aro-ace character, a Filipino American character, a Korean American, a Jewish character and the MC self identifies as fat.)
Personally, I really enjoyed the representation Ivy gave as a fat teen girl. I loved that she owned it and, although it was discussed, being fat wasn't her whole personality. It was simply a fact and one she didn't look at negatively or reflect on all too often. (I'm also totally here for her Hufflepuff nerdiness.)
The twist on the way Autumns chapters were told is something I've not seen before but I thought it added such a brilliant depth and view to her own story and the plot overall.
Having previously know anything about this book and having very much picked it up on a whim, I'm so glad to say that this surprised me in the best of ways.
It's also been a while since the conclusion to a YA thriller/mystery caught me off guard, so yay for not guessing the plot twist after two pages!
TW: rape
September 29, 2019
A sharp and biting look at the bonds of sisterhood. I loved it.
February 16, 2020
MY RATING⇢ 4 ✰STARS✰
BOOK TAGS⇣
⤏ REMINISCENT OF IF I STAY MIXED WITH A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE ⤏ BEATEN, KIDNAPPED & BOUND ⤏ THE BOND OF SISTERS ⤏ HOW MUCH LOSING YOUR MOTHER CAN AFFECT YOU ⤏ IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIP
MY THOUGHTS⇣
There are elements in this book that totally worked for me and a few that fizzled...as in they felt unnecessary to me. They felt like the author was trying to be TOO relevant. Having lost my own Mother, the stuff she touched on pertaining to the death of their mother really resonated with me, though.
This book has a lot going on...shady drug deals, a robbery, dog-loving, nerdy band geeks, board-game playing, death of a parent, a barely-there parent, a step-parent who favors their own child, an embarrassing parent, sex between step-siblings, an A-sexual coming out, friends that are there for you, the bonds of sisterhood and an invisible ghost-like haunting, or like a pushing-in-the-right-direction-ghosting (that part really made the story, btw), plus a whole slew more. Most of these elements completely worked...some were a tad much or left me tuning out. But, the message in this book, is a very important one. When are children are trying to tell us something, when they are crying out for help...we should listen and respond. There's a little bit more to it than that...but I'm trying not to spoil too much.
Overall, I recommend this book for teens that are high school age, because it deals with mature themes, and parents of teens and basically anyone else with a connection to teens. The narration was really good...there is a distinct difference between the two narrators, but I'm not really a fan of Emma Galvin's nasally voice.
BOOK DETAILS⇣
AUDIO PERFORMED BY⇢ EMMA GALVIN (AUTUMN) & PHOEBE STROLE (IVY)
NARRATION RATING⇢ 4.5/5 (4 FOR GALVIN, 5 FOR STROLE)
BOOK COVER⇢ LOVE IT
SETTING⇢ CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE
SOURCE⇢ LIBBY AUDIOBOOK (LIBRARY)
AUDIOBOOK LENGTH⇢ 9 HOURS, 55 MINUTES
BREAKDOWN⇣
Plot⇢ 4.3/5
Characters⇢ 3.7/5
The Feels⇢ 4/5
Pacing⇢ 4/5
Addictiveness⇢ 4/5
Theme or Tone⇢ 4.2/5
Flow (Writing Style)⇢ 4/5
Twisty-ness⇢ 3.7/5
Originality⇢ 4/5
Ending⇢ 4.3/5
BOOK TAGS⇣
⤏ REMINISCENT OF IF I STAY MIXED WITH A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE ⤏ BEATEN, KIDNAPPED & BOUND ⤏ THE BOND OF SISTERS ⤏ HOW MUCH LOSING YOUR MOTHER CAN AFFECT YOU ⤏ IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIP
MY THOUGHTS⇣
There are elements in this book that totally worked for me and a few that fizzled...as in they felt unnecessary to me. They felt like the author was trying to be TOO relevant. Having lost my own Mother, the stuff she touched on pertaining to the death of their mother really resonated with me, though.
This book has a lot going on...shady drug deals, a robbery, dog-loving, nerdy band geeks, board-game playing, death of a parent, a barely-there parent, a step-parent who favors their own child, an embarrassing parent, sex between step-siblings, an A-sexual coming out, friends that are there for you, the bonds of sisterhood and an invisible ghost-like haunting, or like a pushing-in-the-right-direction-ghosting (that part really made the story, btw), plus a whole slew more. Most of these elements completely worked...some were a tad much or left me tuning out. But, the message in this book, is a very important one. When are children are trying to tell us something, when they are crying out for help...we should listen and respond. There's a little bit more to it than that...but I'm trying not to spoil too much.
Overall, I recommend this book for teens that are high school age, because it deals with mature themes, and parents of teens and basically anyone else with a connection to teens. The narration was really good...there is a distinct difference between the two narrators, but I'm not really a fan of Emma Galvin's nasally voice.
BOOK DETAILS⇣
AUDIO PERFORMED BY⇢ EMMA GALVIN (AUTUMN) & PHOEBE STROLE (IVY)
NARRATION RATING⇢ 4.5/5 (4 FOR GALVIN, 5 FOR STROLE)
BOOK COVER⇢ LOVE IT
SETTING⇢ CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE
SOURCE⇢ LIBBY AUDIOBOOK (LIBRARY)
AUDIOBOOK LENGTH⇢ 9 HOURS, 55 MINUTES
BREAKDOWN⇣
Plot⇢ 4.3/5
Characters⇢ 3.7/5
The Feels⇢ 4/5
Pacing⇢ 4/5
Addictiveness⇢ 4/5
Theme or Tone⇢ 4.2/5
Flow (Writing Style)⇢ 4/5
Twisty-ness⇢ 3.7/5
Originality⇢ 4/5
Ending⇢ 4.3/5
March 12, 2021
4,5 ⭐️
Me encantan los libros de misterios adolescentes. En serio, me encantan (las recomendaciones se valoran y agradecen). He leído varios libros de este tipo, algunos bastante buenos y otros... bueno, tan malos que preferiría olvidarlos.
The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly es un libro que agregué a mi kindle hace dos o tres meses, y ahí quedó. No recordaba la sinopsis del libro al empezarlo, pero supongo que algo en la portada llamó mi atención lo suficiente para leer el primer capítulo.
Y me enganchó, casi desde el principio.
Ivy Casterly es una adolescente bastante normal. Un poco gorda, aunque por lo general, eso no le preocupa demasiado. Hay un momento en que habla acerca de eso, en que no entiende por qué la gente tiene esa obsesión con ser delgada, como si ser gorda fuera lo peor que te pudiera pasar. Por supuesto, tiene toda la razón.
Ivy tiene 15 años, está en primer año de la secundaria, tiene un grupo de amigos que harían literalmente cualquier cosa por ella. Es un poco nerd, amable y buena. Su vida familiar es una mierda, pero en general trata de ser optimista y evita los conflictos.
Autumn Casterly es justamente lo contrario a su hermana pequeña. Tiene 18 años y se dedica a vender drogas, desesperada por juntar dinero para escapar del pueblo en que vive con su familia, a quien odia. Es agresiva, egoísta, poco empática. Una bully, con una pésima actitud.
Autumn tiene la costumbre de desaparecer, de ir de un lado a otro sin decirle nada a nadie. Así que, cuando no llega a alojar a su casa el viernes, su padre y su madrastra, Kathy, no se preocupan demasiado. Después de todo, es una ocurrencia habitual.
Pero Ivy siente que hay algo extraño. Y aunque su hermana la trate pésimo y la ignore todo el tiempo, no puede evitar buscarla. Tiene el presentimiento de que algo anda muy mal, y que Autumn la necesita.
Por supuesto, nadie le cree. Ni su papá, ni Kathy, ni la policía. Así que Ivy se da cuenta de que, si quiere que su hermana aparezca, depende de ella.
Así es como comienza esta carrera contra el tiempo para encontrar a Autumn.
Me gustó mucho el libro. La historia te mantiene con la nariz pegada al kindle, ansiosa por saber dónde está Autumn, aunque hubo varias cosas que se me hicieron un poco predecibles.
Por último, creo que el libro deja un mensaje bastante potente en relación con los delitos sexuales.
Me encantan los libros de misterios adolescentes. En serio, me encantan (las recomendaciones se valoran y agradecen). He leído varios libros de este tipo, algunos bastante buenos y otros... bueno, tan malos que preferiría olvidarlos.
The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly es un libro que agregué a mi kindle hace dos o tres meses, y ahí quedó. No recordaba la sinopsis del libro al empezarlo, pero supongo que algo en la portada llamó mi atención lo suficiente para leer el primer capítulo.
Y me enganchó, casi desde el principio.
Ivy Casterly es una adolescente bastante normal. Un poco gorda, aunque por lo general, eso no le preocupa demasiado. Hay un momento en que habla acerca de eso, en que no entiende por qué la gente tiene esa obsesión con ser delgada, como si ser gorda fuera lo peor que te pudiera pasar. Por supuesto, tiene toda la razón.
Ivy tiene 15 años, está en primer año de la secundaria, tiene un grupo de amigos que harían literalmente cualquier cosa por ella. Es un poco nerd, amable y buena. Su vida familiar es una mierda, pero en general trata de ser optimista y evita los conflictos.
Autumn Casterly es justamente lo contrario a su hermana pequeña. Tiene 18 años y se dedica a vender drogas, desesperada por juntar dinero para escapar del pueblo en que vive con su familia, a quien odia. Es agresiva, egoísta, poco empática. Una bully, con una pésima actitud.
Autumn tiene la costumbre de desaparecer, de ir de un lado a otro sin decirle nada a nadie. Así que, cuando no llega a alojar a su casa el viernes, su padre y su madrastra, Kathy, no se preocupan demasiado. Después de todo, es una ocurrencia habitual.
Pero Ivy siente que hay algo extraño. Y aunque su hermana la trate pésimo y la ignore todo el tiempo, no puede evitar buscarla. Tiene el presentimiento de que algo anda muy mal, y que Autumn la necesita.
Por supuesto, nadie le cree. Ni su papá, ni Kathy, ni la policía. Así que Ivy se da cuenta de que, si quiere que su hermana aparezca, depende de ella.
Así es como comienza esta carrera contra el tiempo para encontrar a Autumn.
Me gustó mucho el libro. La historia te mantiene con la nariz pegada al kindle, ansiosa por saber dónde está Autumn, aunque hubo varias cosas que se me hicieron un poco predecibles.
Por último, creo que el libro deja un mensaje bastante potente en relación con los delitos sexuales.
February 8, 2020
The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly is a quiet but hard-hitting YA mystery/thriller that tackles rape culture, victim blaming, gaslighting, and the nuances of consent. I loved the ways this handled these issues and enjoyed the story and the exploration of complicated family relationships. I think for readers looking for a thrilling mystery with a fast pace and lots of shocking twists and turns, they are going to be a little disappointed. This is a quieter, more character-driven book that slowly fills in the history of these two sisters. There is a mystery and there are some revelations, but I didn't find any of them to be particularly surprising. Which, for me, is fine because I loved the other elements of this book. Your mileage may vary.
The story follows two sisters, Ivy and Autumn, who have a distant relationship and could not be more different. The story is told through alternating perspectives so we hear from both of them.
Ivy is a nerdy, fat (self-identified) band geek with a great group of friends. We get thoughtful representation of fatness here with Ivy mostly being happy with her own body, but recognizing other people being uncomfortable with it or making comments about it. Ivy also has a romance arc that I won't spoil, but I really like the way everything played out for her.
Autumn is popular, conventionally attractive, and also terrifying. She deals drugs to save for college and will threaten anyone who gets in her way. It has been years since Ivy and Autumn were close, and we slowly learn more about what changed. But when an attempted robbery goes sideways, Autumn is beaten and abducted, leaving Ivy as the only person to take her disappearance seriously. Can she find her sister before time runs out? And what will she learn along the way? Part of this involved Autumn as a sort of ghost while in between life and death, able to sometimes influence Ivy through her presence. Some readers may not like this, but I didn't mind it.
The two sisters feel very distinct and well-developed. I appreciated how the author depicted them as human with flaws, differing responses to trauma, and a desire for love. I think the commentary here on rape culture is well-executed and important. So many things get blamed on victims of swept under the rug and the future of the abuser is often prioritized over that of the victim. All of this is brilliantly highlighted. I really loved this story and what it's doing. Thanks to Penguin Teen for sending me a copy of this one for review! All opinions are my own.
TW include physical violence, abduction, drugging, drug use, gun violence, rape, sexual harassment, sexual assault, bullying
The story follows two sisters, Ivy and Autumn, who have a distant relationship and could not be more different. The story is told through alternating perspectives so we hear from both of them.
Ivy is a nerdy, fat (self-identified) band geek with a great group of friends. We get thoughtful representation of fatness here with Ivy mostly being happy with her own body, but recognizing other people being uncomfortable with it or making comments about it. Ivy also has a romance arc that I won't spoil, but I really like the way everything played out for her.
Autumn is popular, conventionally attractive, and also terrifying. She deals drugs to save for college and will threaten anyone who gets in her way. It has been years since Ivy and Autumn were close, and we slowly learn more about what changed. But when an attempted robbery goes sideways, Autumn is beaten and abducted, leaving Ivy as the only person to take her disappearance seriously. Can she find her sister before time runs out? And what will she learn along the way? Part of this involved Autumn as a sort of ghost while in between life and death, able to sometimes influence Ivy through her presence. Some readers may not like this, but I didn't mind it.
The two sisters feel very distinct and well-developed. I appreciated how the author depicted them as human with flaws, differing responses to trauma, and a desire for love. I think the commentary here on rape culture is well-executed and important. So many things get blamed on victims of swept under the rug and the future of the abuser is often prioritized over that of the victim. All of this is brilliantly highlighted. I really loved this story and what it's doing. Thanks to Penguin Teen for sending me a copy of this one for review! All opinions are my own.
TW include physical violence, abduction, drugging, drug use, gun violence, rape, sexual harassment, sexual assault, bullying
October 28, 2022
For anyone who has seen Sky Tv’s amazing series ‘Euphoria’ I think you will understand why Autumn Casterly reminds me so much of Roo.
This is a fantastic book with an important message about consent for women and young girls alike.
Loved it! 💫
This is a fantastic book with an important message about consent for women and young girls alike.
Loved it! 💫
February 10, 2020
Honestly, I am trying to find the words to convey how much I needed The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly. What I thought was a story about a misunderstood, snarky, and delinquent teenager ended up being a compelling story that explored the depths of sisterhood while also serving as a feminist platform to call out rape culture, victim shaming, and gaslighting.
The story follows two sisters, Autumn and Ivy, who couldn’t be more different than one another. After the death of their mother, the sisters have drifted apart from one another. The story alternates between their individual perspectives providing greater depth and insight into both characters.
Ivy is a huge nerd and band geek. She’s also aware that she’s heavier, but she doesn’t let it bother her. Ivy and her friends collectively make up the ‘nerd herd’, which is an excuse to get together every day and play games or argue about Star Wars.
Autumn is a rough around the edges teenager that views the world as broken. She sells drugs to her fellow classmates to raise money for college and will ruin anyone’s life who gets in the way. When a robbery doesn’t go to plan, Autumn ends up abducted and beaten to the brink of death. Her ghost/spirit is able to get to Ivy, which gives Ivy a strong sense that Autumn needs her help. With time running out, Ivy drops everything to find Autumn even if it means putting herself into dangerous situations and uncovering secrets that were hidden from her.
This was an absolute page-turner wrought with suspense as the clock is ticking on Autumn’s life. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens to Autumn. Additionally, the author does an incredible job of discussing difficult topics such as loss, grief, love, consent, rape culture, and victim shaming with poise.
As someone who went through a very similar experience in high school, this story NEEDS to be heard. Stories like this weren’t written over a decade ago because of the toxic masculinity culture. It stories like this that finally give victims a voice, and reminds us that we no longer need to be silent.
Thank you to Penguin Teen and Bookish First for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
The story follows two sisters, Autumn and Ivy, who couldn’t be more different than one another. After the death of their mother, the sisters have drifted apart from one another. The story alternates between their individual perspectives providing greater depth and insight into both characters.
Ivy is a huge nerd and band geek. She’s also aware that she’s heavier, but she doesn’t let it bother her. Ivy and her friends collectively make up the ‘nerd herd’, which is an excuse to get together every day and play games or argue about Star Wars.
Autumn is a rough around the edges teenager that views the world as broken. She sells drugs to her fellow classmates to raise money for college and will ruin anyone’s life who gets in the way. When a robbery doesn’t go to plan, Autumn ends up abducted and beaten to the brink of death. Her ghost/spirit is able to get to Ivy, which gives Ivy a strong sense that Autumn needs her help. With time running out, Ivy drops everything to find Autumn even if it means putting herself into dangerous situations and uncovering secrets that were hidden from her.
This was an absolute page-turner wrought with suspense as the clock is ticking on Autumn’s life. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens to Autumn. Additionally, the author does an incredible job of discussing difficult topics such as loss, grief, love, consent, rape culture, and victim shaming with poise.
As someone who went through a very similar experience in high school, this story NEEDS to be heard. Stories like this weren’t written over a decade ago because of the toxic masculinity culture. It stories like this that finally give victims a voice, and reminds us that we no longer need to be silent.
Thank you to Penguin Teen and Bookish First for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
February 23, 2020
I love reading some good YA and Tate gives us a feeler of a novel surrounding Ivy and her sister, Autumn. They're polar opposites and barely exist to each other after the death of their mother, in a house their father and stepmother aren't really trying to keep together. When Autumn goes missing, Ivy is determined to find her because this doesn't feel like the usual disappearing act Autumn would give.. something is amiss...
This novel touches on a variety of important topics, the most centralized topic being rape culture. Unfortunately a topic that needs to be addressed. At certain times, it did feel a teeny bit PSA, but handled well. The best part of this whole book is getting to know Ivy and Autumn. I appreciate the uniqueness in how they end up getting connected. And within the space of a few days, how they grow.
Tate keeps you captivated as you continue to wonder if Autumn will ever be found. There was one moment where I actually gasped! There is some levity within this somber read that comes from Ivy's cast of friends. All of these characters feel very real and human and you feel the teen angst. Personally, I feel this is a fantastic contemporary YA thriller serving up some life lessons.
This novel touches on a variety of important topics, the most centralized topic being rape culture. Unfortunately a topic that needs to be addressed. At certain times, it did feel a teeny bit PSA, but handled well. The best part of this whole book is getting to know Ivy and Autumn. I appreciate the uniqueness in how they end up getting connected. And within the space of a few days, how they grow.
Tate keeps you captivated as you continue to wonder if Autumn will ever be found. There was one moment where I actually gasped! There is some levity within this somber read that comes from Ivy's cast of friends. All of these characters feel very real and human and you feel the teen angst. Personally, I feel this is a fantastic contemporary YA thriller serving up some life lessons.
January 27, 2020
If you’re looking for a mystery/thriller that will keep you turning the pages, pick up this book. There’s also a bit of a paranormal aspect to this book which I absolutely loved.
This isn’t just a mystery thriller though, the book is a lot more sinister than that. It deals with tough topics and topics that are very relevant today. The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly will make you rage at the world and the injustice many woman face these days. It will make you want to punch every single adult who told a character she was making stuff up for attention.
Not only does the book touch on tough topics but it plays into the stereo types we all know. The all star jock who can do no wrong, the popular druggie who no one seems to take seriously and the super nerdy girl that everyone makes fun of. The book breaks down these stereotypes and shows that not everything is as it seems on the surface (which we all know). Just because you’re popular doesn’t mean you’re happy or have a ton of friends, just because you’re a huge geeky nerd doesn’t mean you don’t have a community and just because you might be the all star jock doesn’t mean you’re an all star human.
The story follows two sisters, one popular who is also a drug dealer, Autumn, and the other who is a giant nerd and loves her found family, Ivy. When Autumn goes missing no ones seems to care, she’s had run ins with the cops, she’s a drug dealer, stays out late, parties and sometimes doesn’t come home so everyone thinks she’s run away and will turn up. Ivy is the only one who seems to care about her well-being and believes something bad has happened. On Ivy’s mission to find Autumn she uncovers many secrets about her sister which explains why Autumn acts the way she does.
This book is fantastic and if you’re looking for something you can’t put down, this is it!
This isn’t just a mystery thriller though, the book is a lot more sinister than that. It deals with tough topics and topics that are very relevant today. The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly will make you rage at the world and the injustice many woman face these days. It will make you want to punch every single adult who told a character she was making stuff up for attention.
Not only does the book touch on tough topics but it plays into the stereo types we all know. The all star jock who can do no wrong, the popular druggie who no one seems to take seriously and the super nerdy girl that everyone makes fun of. The book breaks down these stereotypes and shows that not everything is as it seems on the surface (which we all know). Just because you’re popular doesn’t mean you’re happy or have a ton of friends, just because you’re a huge geeky nerd doesn’t mean you don’t have a community and just because you might be the all star jock doesn’t mean you’re an all star human.
The story follows two sisters, one popular who is also a drug dealer, Autumn, and the other who is a giant nerd and loves her found family, Ivy. When Autumn goes missing no ones seems to care, she’s had run ins with the cops, she’s a drug dealer, stays out late, parties and sometimes doesn’t come home so everyone thinks she’s run away and will turn up. Ivy is the only one who seems to care about her well-being and believes something bad has happened. On Ivy’s mission to find Autumn she uncovers many secrets about her sister which explains why Autumn acts the way she does.
This book is fantastic and if you’re looking for something you can’t put down, this is it!
May 9, 2024
Entertaining overall but it felt like the story dragged on for too long.
December 15, 2019
Thanks to Bookish First and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader's copy. I really enjoyed this story.
Woo! Alright. Where to begin? This book was a nail-biter for sure. It had me feeling all the emotions and flipping those pages as fast as I could to see how it was going to end. I think that means it's done its job.
I'mma start with the characters. Where can I get my I <3 Ivy buttons? I loved Ivy so much. A 15-year-old overweight mega nerd who reminded me a lot of my high school self, if I was an actually good person with tons of loving friends instead of a socially anxious clown who hated the world. She's who I WANTED to be, I guess. She rocked. I think that her love interest and her were very shippable.
Moving on to her sister, Autumn. Ooh boy. So as soon as the book starts off we are presented with Autumn... a terrible person, really. Or is she? Autumn was a perfect example of teen angst and how fucked up a person can get when bad things happen to them. In that respect, I loved her too. Her attitude was badass in the best possible way and, surprise surprise, she ended up to also be a good person in the end.
Time to talk about the plot, mommy. This book had major thriller vibes. Ooh, I'm just seeing now that this is the first book in a series. Hmm, idk how I feel about that. I really do think that this book wrapped up perfectly. No need to follow the characters any further unless the author has tons of wild plans up her sleeve. Anyway, back to what I was saying. huehue. The plot was very suspenseful but rich and weaved with layer upon layer of subtext.
One of the best parts of this book is how the author used the great story as a platform to promote an important political agenda. Spoiler alert: but this book brushes strongly against the rape culture here in America. I was getting major #metoo vibes but in a way that will hopefully help inform young people that these things are not okay and hopefully normalize speaking up about such things.
I also want to say that I cherish the way that the importance of friendship was highlighted as well as the complexities of family.
Now me gonna talk about the writing a little. The story is told from the first person points of view of two very different sisters, Ivy and Autumn. I really enjoyed getting those two alternating POVs. There were definitely less Autumn POVs but that's for the best because she had such a strong voice and strong personality, too much would have felt abrasive.
I have literally no clue how old the author is but the voices read like authentic teen voices. At least to me, a 25-year-old teenage wannabe. lol The writing was strong and purposeful, most especially the Autumn chapters, and the overall tone that was used made the whole thing easy to read and compelling.
That's really about all I have to say. I loved the story. I expect this book to do pretty well once it's released. Sprinkled with all those nerdy references, you got yourself a hit that most readers of YA can enjoy.
Woo! Alright. Where to begin? This book was a nail-biter for sure. It had me feeling all the emotions and flipping those pages as fast as I could to see how it was going to end. I think that means it's done its job.
I'mma start with the characters. Where can I get my I <3 Ivy buttons? I loved Ivy so much. A 15-year-old overweight mega nerd who reminded me a lot of my high school self, if I was an actually good person with tons of loving friends instead of a socially anxious clown who hated the world. She's who I WANTED to be, I guess. She rocked. I think that her love interest and her were very shippable.
Moving on to her sister, Autumn. Ooh boy. So as soon as the book starts off we are presented with Autumn... a terrible person, really. Or is she? Autumn was a perfect example of teen angst and how fucked up a person can get when bad things happen to them. In that respect, I loved her too. Her attitude was badass in the best possible way and, surprise surprise, she ended up to also be a good person in the end.
Time to talk about the plot, mommy. This book had major thriller vibes. Ooh, I'm just seeing now that this is the first book in a series. Hmm, idk how I feel about that. I really do think that this book wrapped up perfectly. No need to follow the characters any further unless the author has tons of wild plans up her sleeve. Anyway, back to what I was saying. huehue. The plot was very suspenseful but rich and weaved with layer upon layer of subtext.
One of the best parts of this book is how the author used the great story as a platform to promote an important political agenda. Spoiler alert: but this book brushes strongly against the rape culture here in America. I was getting major #metoo vibes but in a way that will hopefully help inform young people that these things are not okay and hopefully normalize speaking up about such things.
I also want to say that I cherish the way that the importance of friendship was highlighted as well as the complexities of family.
Now me gonna talk about the writing a little. The story is told from the first person points of view of two very different sisters, Ivy and Autumn. I really enjoyed getting those two alternating POVs. There were definitely less Autumn POVs but that's for the best because she had such a strong voice and strong personality, too much would have felt abrasive.
I have literally no clue how old the author is but the voices read like authentic teen voices. At least to me, a 25-year-old teenage wannabe. lol The writing was strong and purposeful, most especially the Autumn chapters, and the overall tone that was used made the whole thing easy to read and compelling.
That's really about all I have to say. I loved the story. I expect this book to do pretty well once it's released. Sprinkled with all those nerdy references, you got yourself a hit that most readers of YA can enjoy.
July 18, 2020
Meine Goodreads-Freunde, wir müssen reden! Wie kann es denn sein, dass keiner von euch dieses absolute Highlight von einem Buch auf dem Schirm hat?! Eigentlich bin ich doch immer die, die viel zu spät auf der Party erscheint...
Okay, ich gebe zu, dass sich der Klappentext wie ein typischer YA-Thriller mit etwas Magic Realism anhört, aber ich kann sagen, dass das nicht ansatzweise der Fall ist. Zwar scheint es zunächst so als drehe sich alles um die Entführung von Autumn Casterly, doch wird sehr schnell klar, dass dies nur das Grundgerüst bildet, das die Autorin nutzt um auf viele Probleme in der Gesellschaft einzugehen. Obwohl Meredith Tate viele der gängigen Jugendbuchthemen aufgreift, kommt keines davon zu kurz oder wirkt erzwungen in die Geschichte eingefügt.
Allerdings sollte man sich vor dem lesen darüber klar sein, dass in The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly nichts beschönigt wird und einen die Handlung mehr als einmal tief treffen kann. Das war zumindest bei mir der Fall. Die Autorin verzichtet zwar auf extrem bildliche Beschreibungen, aber man sollte trotzdem wissen, dass es neben Themen wie fat shaming und Drogenkonsum hier auch um körperlicher Gewalt und Vergewaltigung geht.
Für mich bisher die Überraschung des Jahres und ich lege es jedem ans Herz, der spannende Geschichten zum miträtseln mag und es gleichzeitig schätzt, wenn eine Autorin sich mit wirklich wichtigen Problemen in der heutigen Gesellschaft auseinandersetzt.
Okay, ich gebe zu, dass sich der Klappentext wie ein typischer YA-Thriller mit etwas Magic Realism anhört, aber ich kann sagen, dass das nicht ansatzweise der Fall ist. Zwar scheint es zunächst so als drehe sich alles um die Entführung von Autumn Casterly, doch wird sehr schnell klar, dass dies nur das Grundgerüst bildet, das die Autorin nutzt um auf viele Probleme in der Gesellschaft einzugehen. Obwohl Meredith Tate viele der gängigen Jugendbuchthemen aufgreift, kommt keines davon zu kurz oder wirkt erzwungen in die Geschichte eingefügt.
Allerdings sollte man sich vor dem lesen darüber klar sein, dass in The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly nichts beschönigt wird und einen die Handlung mehr als einmal tief treffen kann. Das war zumindest bei mir der Fall. Die Autorin verzichtet zwar auf extrem bildliche Beschreibungen, aber man sollte trotzdem wissen, dass es neben Themen wie fat shaming und Drogenkonsum hier auch um körperlicher Gewalt und Vergewaltigung geht.
Für mich bisher die Überraschung des Jahres und ich lege es jedem ans Herz, der spannende Geschichten zum miträtseln mag und es gleichzeitig schätzt, wenn eine Autorin sich mit wirklich wichtigen Problemen in der heutigen Gesellschaft auseinandersetzt.
April 14, 2020
It has been far too long since I read a book that I loved as much as this one.
Everything about this book spoke to my heart and don't get me wrong 😂
I'm not a rebel like Autumn ,but more of an overweight nerd like Ivy.
Which Brings me to a point I enjoyed the variety of characters a lot.
This book deals with a very sensitive topic with such ease and respect that surprised me.
What made Autumn the bully we see in the first chapters and how she is perceived as a criminal rather than the victim she initially is.
In the end this book is
Everything about this book spoke to my heart and don't get me wrong 😂
I'm not a rebel like Autumn ,but more of an overweight nerd like Ivy.
Which Brings me to a point I enjoyed the variety of characters a lot.
This book deals with a very sensitive topic with such ease and respect that surprised me.
What made Autumn the bully we see in the first chapters and how she is perceived as a criminal rather than the victim she initially is.
In the end this book is
February 14, 2020
Quite the page-turner! A sisterly bond, suspense & mystery, fantastic friendships, and supernaturalism all abound within this very enjoyable YA #metoo thriller. I don’t read YA often, but when I do I find that I want more of it. I look forward to the next novel author Meredith Tate produces.
Thank you @penguinteen for the free book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you @penguinteen for the free book in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2020
I'll admit the intriguing title of this book caught my attention -- that plus my love for YA thrillers made it likely I was going to read TLCOAC at some point. Then I read an excerpt of the book on Bookish First... and Meredith Tate’s writing completely hooked me, so I signed up to review it!
This was a wonderfully written story of sisterhood, secrets, and the ways family and institutions can let you down. The characters are written with a lot of empathy. I don’t want to spoil the plot for you, so I’ll just say it tackles important issues while keeping the mystery alive and interesting.
I do want to note that TLCOAC seems to fit in a (newer, I think?) category of YA thriller that appears to be en vogue at the moment (I'm thinking of Jane Anonymous as another one of these): books that are less about pure entertainment and take a turn into a deeper, more serious issue. I've been caught off guard by these lately, since I tend to think of YA thrillers as more meant for entertainment (like Karen McManus, Kara Thomas, or Jennifer Lynn Barnes thrillers). I point this out not because it's a bad thing, but because sometimes I find it helps the reading experience to have the right expectations going in.
TLCOAC comes out February 11 and I recommend preordering or adding it to your TBR!
Book gifted by Penguin Teen via Bookish First in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was a wonderfully written story of sisterhood, secrets, and the ways family and institutions can let you down. The characters are written with a lot of empathy. I don’t want to spoil the plot for you, so I’ll just say it tackles important issues while keeping the mystery alive and interesting.
I do want to note that TLCOAC seems to fit in a (newer, I think?) category of YA thriller that appears to be en vogue at the moment (I'm thinking of Jane Anonymous as another one of these): books that are less about pure entertainment and take a turn into a deeper, more serious issue. I've been caught off guard by these lately, since I tend to think of YA thrillers as more meant for entertainment (like Karen McManus, Kara Thomas, or Jennifer Lynn Barnes thrillers). I point this out not because it's a bad thing, but because sometimes I find it helps the reading experience to have the right expectations going in.
TLCOAC comes out February 11 and I recommend preordering or adding it to your TBR!
Book gifted by Penguin Teen via Bookish First in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 24, 2019
Ebeneezer Scrooge has nothing on Autumn Casterly. If he started squirreling his money away in Tampax boxes and dealing drugs to teenagers, the resemblance would be uncanny.
Imagine the classic tale with less Christmas revelry and a whole lot of teen angst. And instead of some altruistic ghosts herding the main character towards his redemption, she's on her own in between life and death as she watches the events of her disappearance unfold from limbo. Throw in a dollop of catchy, hip slang terms and Harry Potter references so the reader doesn't forget what year it is, and you've summed up a good majority of the Last Confession of Autumn Casterly.
There are two points of view in play here, and one I significantly enjoyed more than the other. Autumn is a bully and a drug-dealer and an overall mean-spirited person. She has a poor reputation as the school pill-pusher and is not above thievery, extortion and physical intimidation to get what she wants.
Her younger sister Ivy, on the other hand, is the culmination of all things "nerd culture" and has a rambunctious pack of friends to spout enough nerdy exposition at the reader until they are convinced that they are indeed the self-proclaimed niche of underdogs that they purport to be. There are some cringey moments throughout her perspective where an attempt at encapsulating the teenage manner of speech is attempted poorly. And if I took a shot everytime a modern day reference to some big name tv or movie was made, rest assured I would be too drunk to be writing this review. Needless to say, the secondary characters making up the "nerd herd" of Ivy's group of friends were default at best and indistinguishable from one another. The attempt at romance as a sub-plot for Ivy smooshed in between an epic mystery of finding her sister was just not exciting enough to warrant my interest.
Clunky exposition aside and the story became a lot more enjoyable halfway through. Even though Autumn isn't a likable character and is foolhardy enough to get herself caught up in a perilous situation, it was hard not to feel a sense of urgency when she goes missing. The supernatural element to this story is effective and refreshing. Essentially she becomes a lingering spirit that can watch and to some extent, communicate vaguely with her sister as she tries to uncover the mystery of her disappearance. In the beginning she's frantic and angry, demanding her sister stop everything to save her. As she realizes her limitations in getting her point across in the corporeal world, she starts to observe her sister's daily life and realizes that perhaps she hasn't been the best sibling or even, a decent person worth saving. It is only when she realizes how much shes lost that she can begin to pick up the pieces and move on.
Overall, a great mystery with supernatural elements that made the narrative exciting and enjoyable. Ivy's angsty teenage subplots with friends and love interests were hindrances on the narrative at best.
I received a free copy of this book from Bookishfirst and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Imagine the classic tale with less Christmas revelry and a whole lot of teen angst. And instead of some altruistic ghosts herding the main character towards his redemption, she's on her own in between life and death as she watches the events of her disappearance unfold from limbo. Throw in a dollop of catchy, hip slang terms and Harry Potter references so the reader doesn't forget what year it is, and you've summed up a good majority of the Last Confession of Autumn Casterly.
There are two points of view in play here, and one I significantly enjoyed more than the other. Autumn is a bully and a drug-dealer and an overall mean-spirited person. She has a poor reputation as the school pill-pusher and is not above thievery, extortion and physical intimidation to get what she wants.
Her younger sister Ivy, on the other hand, is the culmination of all things "nerd culture" and has a rambunctious pack of friends to spout enough nerdy exposition at the reader until they are convinced that they are indeed the self-proclaimed niche of underdogs that they purport to be. There are some cringey moments throughout her perspective where an attempt at encapsulating the teenage manner of speech is attempted poorly. And if I took a shot everytime a modern day reference to some big name tv or movie was made, rest assured I would be too drunk to be writing this review. Needless to say, the secondary characters making up the "nerd herd" of Ivy's group of friends were default at best and indistinguishable from one another. The attempt at romance as a sub-plot for Ivy smooshed in between an epic mystery of finding her sister was just not exciting enough to warrant my interest.
Clunky exposition aside and the story became a lot more enjoyable halfway through. Even though Autumn isn't a likable character and is foolhardy enough to get herself caught up in a perilous situation, it was hard not to feel a sense of urgency when she goes missing. The supernatural element to this story is effective and refreshing. Essentially she becomes a lingering spirit that can watch and to some extent, communicate vaguely with her sister as she tries to uncover the mystery of her disappearance. In the beginning she's frantic and angry, demanding her sister stop everything to save her. As she realizes her limitations in getting her point across in the corporeal world, she starts to observe her sister's daily life and realizes that perhaps she hasn't been the best sibling or even, a decent person worth saving. It is only when she realizes how much shes lost that she can begin to pick up the pieces and move on.
Overall, a great mystery with supernatural elements that made the narrative exciting and enjoyable. Ivy's angsty teenage subplots with friends and love interests were hindrances on the narrative at best.
I received a free copy of this book from Bookishfirst and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2019
I received an ARC from BookishFirst in exchange for an honest review.
“But it doesn’t matter if they find anything or not. The principal has already pegged me as a criminal. I’m one of the “bad kids” and labels come with assumptions. They assume the bad kids are always monsters, and the good ones never are.”
WOW! What a nail-biting, page turning thriller. I devoured this book in one day and am stunned with how much I loved this book. This follows Ivy trying to find her missing sister Autumn. Autumn is one of the kids labeled as “bad” just because of some fake gossip and assumptions. Nobody believes Ivy when she says she truly thinks her sister is in trouble and hasn’t just “run off”. This is told from not only Ivy’s point of view but Autumn’s as well.
I can’t begin to explain how much I love Ivy who is 15 and a big nerd. She has the best group of nerd friends and is such a good kid, even though her sister treats her like garbage she is willing to do anything to find her. I loved her passion for nerdy things (it reminded me of me) and how she simply sees the good in everything instead of the bad. Even though this was very much focused on the missing sister aspect, there was a little side romance between her and her first love and UGH so cute. I was smiling so hard at their banter and how nice of a guy he was.
Now the “bad” sister Autumn, we get introduced to her and immediately you think she is a delinquent teenager. As we get to know Autumn and how she got into this horrible and scary predicament we find she just had a messed-up couple of years after her mother had passed. I was so scared and sorry for Autumn throughout this whole book and was on the edge of my seat reading and hoping that she would be okay. I loved her badass attitude and how she had this I don’t care about anything or anyone attitude, but deep down she really did care. She cared about her dad, sister, friends, and of course her dog.
I didn’t know how I would like this book, but I found it super compelling and loved the writing style. I connected to Ivy, Autumn, and the other characters and could put myself in their shoes. I loved how this showed just how important families are, but also friends. Not to mention throughout this book were super important messages, that were realistic and made you stop and think about your own life.
“But it doesn’t matter if they find anything or not. The principal has already pegged me as a criminal. I’m one of the “bad kids” and labels come with assumptions. They assume the bad kids are always monsters, and the good ones never are.”
WOW! What a nail-biting, page turning thriller. I devoured this book in one day and am stunned with how much I loved this book. This follows Ivy trying to find her missing sister Autumn. Autumn is one of the kids labeled as “bad” just because of some fake gossip and assumptions. Nobody believes Ivy when she says she truly thinks her sister is in trouble and hasn’t just “run off”. This is told from not only Ivy’s point of view but Autumn’s as well.
I can’t begin to explain how much I love Ivy who is 15 and a big nerd. She has the best group of nerd friends and is such a good kid, even though her sister treats her like garbage she is willing to do anything to find her. I loved her passion for nerdy things (it reminded me of me) and how she simply sees the good in everything instead of the bad. Even though this was very much focused on the missing sister aspect, there was a little side romance between her and her first love and UGH so cute. I was smiling so hard at their banter and how nice of a guy he was.
Now the “bad” sister Autumn, we get introduced to her and immediately you think she is a delinquent teenager. As we get to know Autumn and how she got into this horrible and scary predicament we find she just had a messed-up couple of years after her mother had passed. I was so scared and sorry for Autumn throughout this whole book and was on the edge of my seat reading and hoping that she would be okay. I loved her badass attitude and how she had this I don’t care about anything or anyone attitude, but deep down she really did care. She cared about her dad, sister, friends, and of course her dog.
I didn’t know how I would like this book, but I found it super compelling and loved the writing style. I connected to Ivy, Autumn, and the other characters and could put myself in their shoes. I loved how this showed just how important families are, but also friends. Not to mention throughout this book were super important messages, that were realistic and made you stop and think about your own life.
February 15, 2020
Drug-dealing bully Autumn Casterly leaves no victim unafraid. Hate seeps through her pores onto anyone who dares cross her. Her younger and polar opposite sister Ivy wears nerdom as a badge of honor. The once close siblings rarely speak. When Autumn goes missing her father and the police think she’s runaway to escape legal trouble. Ivy knowing better, sets out to find her prodigal sister. Close to death, Autumn sends Ivy clues, while piecing together events from her past that shaped her past three years. Time is running out.
Is the worst bully worth saving, even if she has no conscience?
Can readers root for a tormentor, even if many lives would be better without her?
Does every “bad guy” have a story?
Can every villain be redeemed?
After reading the first few chapters of THE LAST CONFESSION OF AUTUMN CASTERLY, I didn’t think Autumn was salvageable. Her bullying of Kaitlin made me cringe. Contrarily, Ivy and her band of nerds were adorkable in the dorkiest of ways. They took pride in the activities they enjoyed.
Rape culture lies beneath the surface of Meredith Tate’s gritty examination of this slut-shaming, blame-the-victim story, though only Ivy addresses the issue out loud. Filled with sex and body positivity and loads of diversity in class, race, size and sexual orientation THE LAST CONFESSION OF AUTUMN CASTERLY pricks the soul with painful truths.
Though not an easy read, THE LAST CONFESSION OF AUTUMN CASTERLY is an important story.
Is the worst bully worth saving, even if she has no conscience?
Can readers root for a tormentor, even if many lives would be better without her?
Does every “bad guy” have a story?
Can every villain be redeemed?
After reading the first few chapters of THE LAST CONFESSION OF AUTUMN CASTERLY, I didn’t think Autumn was salvageable. Her bullying of Kaitlin made me cringe. Contrarily, Ivy and her band of nerds were adorkable in the dorkiest of ways. They took pride in the activities they enjoyed.
Rape culture lies beneath the surface of Meredith Tate’s gritty examination of this slut-shaming, blame-the-victim story, though only Ivy addresses the issue out loud. Filled with sex and body positivity and loads of diversity in class, race, size and sexual orientation THE LAST CONFESSION OF AUTUMN CASTERLY pricks the soul with painful truths.
Though not an easy read, THE LAST CONFESSION OF AUTUMN CASTERLY is an important story.
February 2, 2020
Book Review: The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly
By: Meredith Tate
Genre: YA contemporary/Mystery
Format: ARC Happy Pub Day!
Autumn and Ivy couldn’t be more different. Autumn- the popular girl, who doesn’t trust anyone, and is tough to everyone- except her dog, pumpernickel. Ivy- part of the “nerd herd” who loves Star Wars and board games. When a drug deal goes wrong- and Autumn is beaten and held hostage- she leaves her body seeking help. The only one who can help her- is Ivy. Ivy will do anything she can to find Autumn- and May even dig up some secrets that Autumn has been hiding.
I honestly don’t know how to start this review. First of all- this is an advanced YA book. The subject matter is for mature audiences. This book is amazing. It has great character development and growth. The narration is done well and is articulated beautifully. It handles tough subjects in a way that’s bold and beautiful. It explores how we can’t always assume we know people based on looks- and does it in more than one way. I’m honestly so impressed by this book, that everyone needs to run out and get it.
4.5/5. I can’t get over how amazing this book was- I actually read it in a day because I couldn’t put it down. I guessed the ending which is why it’s not a 5 star.
TW: Sexual Assault
By: Meredith Tate
Genre: YA contemporary/Mystery
Format: ARC Happy Pub Day!
Autumn and Ivy couldn’t be more different. Autumn- the popular girl, who doesn’t trust anyone, and is tough to everyone- except her dog, pumpernickel. Ivy- part of the “nerd herd” who loves Star Wars and board games. When a drug deal goes wrong- and Autumn is beaten and held hostage- she leaves her body seeking help. The only one who can help her- is Ivy. Ivy will do anything she can to find Autumn- and May even dig up some secrets that Autumn has been hiding.
I honestly don’t know how to start this review. First of all- this is an advanced YA book. The subject matter is for mature audiences. This book is amazing. It has great character development and growth. The narration is done well and is articulated beautifully. It handles tough subjects in a way that’s bold and beautiful. It explores how we can’t always assume we know people based on looks- and does it in more than one way. I’m honestly so impressed by this book, that everyone needs to run out and get it.
4.5/5. I can’t get over how amazing this book was- I actually read it in a day because I couldn’t put it down. I guessed the ending which is why it’s not a 5 star.
TW: Sexual Assault
February 16, 2020
I LOVED this book!! You guys know YA is my jam and this one is exactly why I am a huge fan of YA thrillers. They pull you in every single time and give us readers exactly what we are looking for in a great thriller.⠀
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The dynamic of the characters in this book made this book! They were so diverse but their friendship was admirable. ⠀
⠀I couldn’t imagine being either Ivy or Autumn. They were both such strong characters and I loved that they were so young and strong. Two sisters who were very different, yet so much alike. ⠀
⠀This was an extremely fast and enjoyable read for me. I think if you don’t read YA or usually enjoy it, you may be wrong after reading this one because this book was good enough for anyone to enjoy!! ⠀
⠀Definitely am adding this to my stack of YA favorites!
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The dynamic of the characters in this book made this book! They were so diverse but their friendship was admirable. ⠀
⠀I couldn’t imagine being either Ivy or Autumn. They were both such strong characters and I loved that they were so young and strong. Two sisters who were very different, yet so much alike. ⠀
⠀This was an extremely fast and enjoyable read for me. I think if you don’t read YA or usually enjoy it, you may be wrong after reading this one because this book was good enough for anyone to enjoy!! ⠀
⠀Definitely am adding this to my stack of YA favorites!
August 2, 2019
It’s rare that I read a book in one sitting, but AUTUMN is a rare book. Gripping, relentless, and tightly plotted, with deeply important messages that are woven seamlessly into the story, it was an utter delight from start to finish.
April 2, 2020
3.5 stars
March 26, 2020
This is one of these books that you intend to read just the first chapter of and the next moment it's 3 in the morning and you are 80% through the book and have to make the decision if you want to go to bed before work or to finish it. One of the best and most compelling YA novels I have ever read. I basically loved all the characters - all of them were unique and complex!
February 3, 2021
Riveting. This was a book that I just couldn't put down once I got into it. It's also one of those few books where I liked both narrators equally, so I never really thought "oh no, another Ivy chapter, I wanted to get back to Autumn." It's an issue book while still maintaining interest, and the points that are made about rape culture seem realistic, and all too ignored.
September 11, 2021
The story of two sisters, polar opposites, one pretty and one maybe not so much, one more of an introvert and the other an extrovert (sounds like my sister and me in many ways). However, sisterly bonds are hard to break even if you don't want them. Autumn and Ivy, the two POV's in this book, are sisters who seemingly are not fond of each other and borderline dislike/hate each other. One is a drug dealer, another I guess we could say is a goody two shoes.
One day when a drug deal gone bad happens, Autumn is kidnapped, beaten to a pulp, and she thinks she is going to die; however, she has one hope and that is her sister, Ivy. Autumn is between life and death when she exerts her presence into Ivy's mind and heart and Ivy senses something is wrong and that her sister is in danger. She sets out to find her sister's whereabouts and if she is truly in danger or has just run away again.
I thought both characters were well-developed and I got a good insight into their personalities and why they each did things they did. The author broached a couple of difficult topics, one of which at the end of her book she gave a couple websites to look at which I did. I was disgusted at the stats on the website and saddened by it, but I'm so thankful Tate brought the reader's attention to those sites.
I think this is a book that others should read and definitely not skip the author's notes in the back.
One day when a drug deal gone bad happens, Autumn is kidnapped, beaten to a pulp, and she thinks she is going to die; however, she has one hope and that is her sister, Ivy. Autumn is between life and death when she exerts her presence into Ivy's mind and heart and Ivy senses something is wrong and that her sister is in danger. She sets out to find her sister's whereabouts and if she is truly in danger or has just run away again.
I thought both characters were well-developed and I got a good insight into their personalities and why they each did things they did. The author broached a couple of difficult topics, one of which at the end of her book she gave a couple websites to look at which I did. I was disgusted at the stats on the website and saddened by it, but I'm so thankful Tate brought the reader's attention to those sites.
I think this is a book that others should read and definitely not skip the author's notes in the back.
February 9, 2020
If you’re looking for a young adult novel that reads like a novel for anyone with an unputdownable storyline, look no further.
Autumn Casterly is trouble, Ivy Casterly is the opposite. Their relationship after their mom died is nonexistent and unfriendly (to put it mildly), particularly after Autumn took a different path in life than Ivy (again, this is putting it mildly). When Autumn disappears, most people are unconcerned- but Ivy has a sinking feeling that something is wrong. Ivy enlists the help of her friends to find Autumn, all while Autumn is a spirit?/ghost?/otherworldly being? guiding Ivy to the right place.
I SO was not expecting this to be a book I binge read in one afternoon. I love this book- not only does it have elements of a thriller, it also explores the relationship between sisters, friends, and family. Other important themes that Tate touches on are rape, toxic masculinity, sexuality, and the pressures that high schoolers face. The author weaves these deeper themes in seamlessly, which makes this young adult book so important for teens and adults alike (especially given our current political climate and our attitudes towards women).
Perfect when paired with some cheese and crackers, some chocolates (you’re welcome to judge my eating habits lol I do), and a chunk of free time to start and finish this page-turner. 4.2 ⭐️
December 21, 2019
Thank you to BookishFirst and Penguin Random House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was great and details what the after effects of a very heavy subject can have while exposing what it feels like as a teenager to want to fit in or to stand out and be in total control. One main thread through the whole book is the concept of sister bonds and how deep they run. The older, "rougher" sister, Autumn, goes missing one night (which is not unusual), but the younger, nerdy sister Ivy knows deep down something isn't right and sets out to find her sister. This book is told in alternating POVs and overall I liked the story and the message it has.
I THINK I did find a glaring continuity error towards the end of the book, or it may have been a fluidity problem. Reminder that I do have an uncorrected proof of the novel. The characters were well developed and had good character transformations. The book started to lull a bit for me before the climactic reveal but ended nicely for a YA book. I will definitely recommend this to those who enjoy YA and I am glad to have read it.
This book was great and details what the after effects of a very heavy subject can have while exposing what it feels like as a teenager to want to fit in or to stand out and be in total control. One main thread through the whole book is the concept of sister bonds and how deep they run. The older, "rougher" sister, Autumn, goes missing one night (which is not unusual), but the younger, nerdy sister Ivy knows deep down something isn't right and sets out to find her sister. This book is told in alternating POVs and overall I liked the story and the message it has.
I THINK I did find a glaring continuity error towards the end of the book, or it may have been a fluidity problem. Reminder that I do have an uncorrected proof of the novel. The characters were well developed and had good character transformations. The book started to lull a bit for me before the climactic reveal but ended nicely for a YA book. I will definitely recommend this to those who enjoy YA and I am glad to have read it.
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