Evelyn wakes up enveloped in darkness. She remembers nothing, not even her own name. All she knows is that she is not where she is supposed to be. She is not alone; there is a guarded man named Ace who watches her from a distance with his piercing, somewhat abnormal blue eyes. In fifty days, he will explain everything and set her free, but she must patiently wait until then.
However, waiting is not so simple.
Evelyn finds herself battling with her own mind. Her strange dreams are intensifying, her physical body is changing, the “woman inside” is becoming louder, and the tension between her and Ace is growing with each passing day.
Fifty Days is a story of prolonged mystery, enthralling suspense, and tangled love, with a dash of Brittney Kristina’s prominent use of metaphorical elements and psychological twists. The reader will find themselves on the edge of their seat as Evelyn fights to find herself and understand why she’s really there before the fiftieth day arrives. By then, she might be too late.
Brittney Kristina is the author of Forsaken, Fifty Days, and the creative nonfiction and story collection, Hummingbird Tales. When she’s not writing, she’s nose-deep in a book, sipping from a large mug of coffee or tea, enjoying a long run in nature, or gushing over her love of psychology.
*DISCLAIMER: The author gave me a free copy of this novel, in exchange for an honest review.* This book was seriously amazing! From the moment I began the novel, I was hooked. The characters were well fleshed out, but, until close to the end of the novel, they maintained their secrets. The plot was so intriguing. There honestly aren't enough words to describe how much I liked this book, but I will try. It was masterfully written, from the descriptions of physical traits or scenery, to the descriptions of emotions, every word painted vivid pictures in my mind and feelings in my heart. I was pulled into the story from the start and it never let me go. Brittany did an excellent job with this novel. Even if you have never ventured into the suspense/thriller genre before, you should read this book. This book is NOT horror, if that scares you. I would never read horror, but this does not have any. It just has an other-worldly element to it. There is some romance, including some kissing scenes, but nothing too steamy or descriptive, in my opinion. I was blown away by Brittany's writing and I think you'll be too. I rate this book 3.5/5 stars for cleanness (About 5 times when God's name is taken in vein, as well as Jesus' name taken in vein once; several d**m's, and a few hell's, totaling about 14 cuss words; a few mentions of a guy having no shirt on and only wearing boxers and a girl snuggling next to the shirtless guy; to my knowledge, there was no apparent intimacy mentioned beyond kissing); 5/5 stars for characters; 5/5 stars for plot; and a personal rating of 5/5 stars.
I’ve never been this speechless after finishing a novel before. Much less by a teen, indie author. I guess there’s a first time for everything, right? Fifty Days reads like a mystery—unsettling, dark, twisted, and incredibly atmospheric. The tone and prose surpass countless other books that I’ve had the chance of reading, and the dialogue is powerful, meaningful, and raw in more ways than one. The pacing is breathtaking, leaving you with more questions after each passing day. The buildup to the fiftieth day is a slow-burn, but by the end, you will realize how truly masterful this author is with her craft, weaving the story along through a certain period of time with ease. And the ending? It’ll have your heart racing at the way everything locks into place and at the astonishing weight the end holds. My only criticism would be that Brittney describes the characters’ eyes and facial features far too much. The same descriptions are used repetitively as well. This wouldn’t have bothered me had the story not dragged in places. Overall, Fifty Days jumps over a wide number of others in its genre, highlighting the sins and nature of what makes us human. It’s a lyrical, poetic, and deeply atmospheric masterpiece that only Brittney Kristina could write. 4.5/5 stars! (I don’t think I’ll be going in a basement anytime soon ;)
I enjoyed reading Fifty Days very much! I loved the mysterious and confusing atmosphere for the majority of the book and found it very entertaining. However, the ending was abrupt and the resolution of Evelyn's mystery was not quite what I hoped it would be. I would have appreciated some more foreshadowing throughout the story, because the ending came out of left field and did not seem to completely connect to the events of the novel. I also think that Brittney would benefit from a more varied approach to sentence structure and word choice in her writing style. Having said that, it was an extremely unique concept, and mostly well executed. This story was unlike anything I've ever read before, and it was intriguiging and exciting to read something so brand-new!
This book is interesting, weird, gripping, and confusing. The pacing was either just right or very slow, but the story developed to where I wasn’t bored and lost my breath a few times. I didn’t enjoy the “romance” as much as I think I was supposed to– the circumstances were weird and pretty toxic. When everything fell together, I was completely engrossed and read for hours at a time. Overall, I wasn’t completely convinced by some elements of the story but the twists and turns made for a very exciting story. I recommend this to fans of the unusual and mysterious.
* I was sent a review copy of this book by the author, which in no way affects my thoughts and opinions.
From the moment we meet Evelyn, we know that the pages ahead are only to be filled with extensive insight and nail-biting suspense. The character is beautiful, and her development expresses the awestruck wonder that is her soul. She incorporates in a character a well-roundness that makes her relatable to the readers: kind, brave, risky, simplistic, thoughtful. She is a collage of characteristics that define her as a beautiful and compassionate soul. The plot, as well, is a masterpiece in itself, leaving the reader to count down the days as each chapter passes to finally reveal what it is that will "set [her] free". The author does a brilliant job at continuing to build suspense throughout the book, never releasing the grip she maintains on the audience's attention. Combining mystery and love, 50 Days is exciting and intriguing and enthralling, expressing a writing style that is sincere, perceptive, and imaginative. Brittney Kristina takes the reader along for the journey aside Evelyn, and it does not disappoint. From the first chapter to the final page, Kristina will keep you hooked and craving for more. A talent that is individual and unique, Brittney Kristina's books will captivate you.
The tone is absolutely stunning and builds the suspense of the novel. There’s a good, old-fashioned trashy romance, but it’s not instalove, and it makes sense within the context of the novel. It’s such a prose and character-driven piece, which you guys know that I’m all about. As the story progresses, the details build into a complex and creative mystery filled with subtle but powerful tension. The beauty of it is, when the reveal finally hits you in the face, it made sense all along. My only complaint is that the technique of italics for emphasis was overdone. However, Fifty Days is so incredibly unique, enthralling, and mysterious with a healthy dose of angsty romance. I stan so hard.
Dark, twisted, psychological and frightening. Starting out as a very stylized account of Stockholm Syndrome and continuing on to be chilling in all the best ways. In my totally unbiased opinion, Brittney Kristina is SUCH a talented writer, and it helps that I know how much love she puts in her writing (love you Brittney!)
Disclaimer: Brittney is the girlfriend of my roommate. I started this book before her and I had really even had an actual conversation, mostly out of curiosity and as a conversation starter. Brittney and I have had genuine conversations since I started this book, but I will try to be as unbiased as I can in my review. Some spoilers below.
I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would, not that I was expecting to hate it, it's just that romantic YA books are not generally my cup of tea. I loved the premise, and the way it is split up day by day really made me want to keep reading. Oftentimes the day would end on a cliffhanger and I would find myself reading chapter after chapter late into the night to find out what happens. There were times I felt just as anxious as Evelyn to get to day 50 so I could finally understand what was happening.
However, there were a few things I had issues with. The way Evelyn is written to struggle with the woman inside (later revealed to be the alien queen) is very clumsily written. There were a few times I was just confused as to what was going on. Perhaps it was written that way on purpose, but either way I felt it could've been executed better. The "not-Ace" thing was kind of confusing too. There was also a GIGANTIC info dump at the end. Almost the entire last chapter is Ace explaining to a whole bunch of doctors and Evelyn what was going on. No one tries to stop him or interrupts him, he just monologues the entire time. Maybe it's just the Stockholm syndrome, but the fact that Evelyn still loved Ace even after kidnapping her and revealing that he had helped to commit genocide against countless alien species was so weird to me. In the words of my other roommate, the alien idea was "dope as fuck" though. There were also a few spelling mistakes and missing words but those are mostly non-issues.
All in all, I give this book a 3/5. Worth your time? I believe so. The next "Gatsby"? No way. I know I wrote more negatives than positives, but that's simply because it's easier to take note of things you dislike over things you like. It's also important to keep in mind that Brittney was still in high school when she wrote this book. Very impressive! I'm super excited to read her short story collection "Hummingbird Tales" and see how her writing has evolved.
If you're not Brittney, go ahead and stop reading now. I really did enjoy this! Sorry if I came across as a bit too critical, I wanted to give my fully honest opinion. I really do admire that you are only 21 and have published THREE books. I started "Hummingbird Tales" tonight and have enjoyed it so far. Super excited to see how you tackle your new ideas we talked about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I feel somewhat rude giving this book a two star rating, since I seem to be the minority. I realize the author was young when she wrote this and it is an independently published book, but for fairness sake, I still wanted to rate it like any other book on Goodreads. I picked up a copy at my local bookstore. It is impressive to write and publish a novel at such a young age, especially one that is a bit genre bending! Here are some thoughts and constructive (hopefully) criticisms: There was unnecessary repetition. It got redundant to read the same descriptions of people over and over. There were words misused (ie: the word occupied was used incorrectly a few times) Some things could have been made more clear. For instance, there is a lot of description in the book, but the way in which the woman was inhabiting the main character, was kind of muddled. Especially early on, we are told the woman is there and interrupting the main characters thoughts, but there are a lack of specific details. Some of the days seemed like filler. I really did appreciate the unique twist at the end, though it could have been executed with more grace.
Overall, the book could have benefited greatly from some professional editing-Sure, there were multiple misspellings and typos, but a professional editor could also help with the flow, pacing, and structure of the story.
I hope this author continues to write, learn, and improve!
*I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own*
I have to say that Fifty Days is definitely a book that I think everyone should read at least once. I really liked Kristina's ability to create a level of suspense in each chapter to lead up to the big reveal at the end, which might I add, is shocking to say the least. I didn't see it coming at all. I also liked the chemistry between Ace and Evelyn because it didn't feel rushed or out of place. I think if you're into mysteries, this is a book that I think you would enjoy and potentially go back to re-read. Even though I wasn't in love with the writing style because I felt like the descriptions focused a little too heavily on the physical attributes of the characters (more specifically the eyes) I still couldn't stop turning the page to figure out the answers to all the questions I had. I'm grateful to have been given the chance to read Fifty Days and I think that Kristina is going places with her writing, especially from what I've seen from this, which was the first piece of work I've ever read from her. Grab a copy when you get the chance! I promise you're going to love it as much as I did.
*I was given an ARC of Fifty Days for an honest review. These are my own opinions.*
When first reading the back cover blurb of this novel, I was a bit skeptical about how Brittney would be able to keep the reader interested in Evelyn's story for Fifty Days. Well let me say this right away: She kept me interested. Beyond interested. This isn't just a typical psychological thriller. Brittney masterfully intertwines the tone, atmosphere, structure, characters, and the plot in such a way that you'll want to keep reading and reach the next day. You'll be frustrated when Evelyn is frustrated. You'll be hopeful when Evelyn is hopeful. But most importantly, if you want a novel that will literally keep you guessing at every turn, Fifty Days delivers on that and so much more.
My only criticism of the novel would have to be the dialogue tags. There were many times when the word 'said' would have been much better, but some of the adjectives just pulled me out of the story.
Evelyn West is being held captive in the basement of a house. Not aware of why she is there, how long she has been there, or even how she got there, she is sure she’s not crazy and that she needs to get out.
During the next days she goes through a whole gambit of emotions as she struggles with changes both physically and psychically. Her captor keeps telling her she’ll know all in 50 Days....and after that?
This book is very well written, but quite bizarre. What is it that changes Evelyn and Ace so drastically one minute, and let’s them be “normal” the next. When I came to the end,I almost had more questions than I started with.
And I’m still not sure I even liked the story, although I love the author’s bravery. Recommended w/caveats. 4/5
[I received this book from the publisher and I chose to voluntarily read and review it]
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Wow. Wow. Wow. This book was gripping and mysterious, the plot was woven so well together and the character development was done really well. Brittney is great at creating suspense and I couldn't stop reading because I was so intrigued about what would happen next. The characters were irritating sometimes but I ended up loving it because grey characters are very interesting to read. I did not see the ending coming, at first I didn't like it but I kept on reading and wow! The ending was great. Everyone needs to read this book. It is gripping, a page-turner, filled with suspense and mystery and you follow along with the main character, feeling just as confused as she does. I loved Fifty Days.
This book reminded me of a mixture between The Cellar by Natasha Preston and Stolen by Lucy Christopher. Books that show a relationship between an abductor and abductee just really grasps me for some reason. I think it’s honestly because I’m so afraid of that ever happening to me or someone I know, it just kind of traps me in a space i can’t turn away from. Kristina did a great job with this book! Though at times i felt like the story lagged a little bit, I really appreciated watching how Evelyn and Ace interacted with each other. I found myself a lot throughout saying “omg what?!??” and i love that. I’m planning on picking up Kristina’s debut, Forsaken pretty soon after my next couple reads. I really enjoy her style and the emotion she lets shine in her writing. great job Brittney!
Spoiler free! Recommended? Yes This book was certainly unique and super intriguing. I was quite confused throughout most of it, although so was the main character, and I really had no idea how it was going to end. I enjoyed the book as a whole, but the ending was my favorite part and I felt like it went by too quickly. I also spent a lot of time being mad at the characters, but if you enjoy surprise endings and characters that make some interesting choices this is definitely the book for you! Favorite quote: "...is he really the bad guy? I don't know. If so, he isn't a very good bad guy."
Brittney is an amazing author! I'm also an aspiring indie author myself, and her friendship, advice, and work have been instrumental in my continued writing.
Her style is incredibly captivating and accessible, and I love the way the narrative is organized and develops! This is great literature especially because Brittney wrote this in such a way that I feel so captivated by the story that I become Evelyn. I'm so fascinated with the story and now that I've finished it, Fifty Days is my favorite book!
Great work, Brittney!! You're awesome and such an inspiration! I can't wait to see what you write in the future!
I'll be honest, that this was not the best book I've ever read, but it was also not the worst. In fact, this book hit a happy medium. I read this as part of a re-launch group and I'm grateful for the opportunity.
Pros: BK does a good job of keeping you confused with what's happening and yet, makes you fall in love with the characters and their dynamic.
Cons: The ending is an info dump, abrupt and dissatisfying.
Overall: This is one of three or four books from indie authors that I've read recently that have made me fall in love with the suspense genre. I really want to read BK's other work 'Forsaken'.
I have no words. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. My emotions were tugged down like strings during the ending. I have no words, did I already say that? :) This was a ride, a rollercoaster. Slow at times but it slowly raced faster and faster.. It kept it on my toes and I am not satisfied by the ending and not in a bad way. Ace, why? Ace, why? I'm done now. You understand it. I really enjoyed this book.
Oh. My. Gosh. This. Book. Thank you, Brittney, for sending me an ARC of 50 Days before it's rerelease. So, I already had high hopes for 50 Daya, but I had no idea it was going to become one of my favorites books not just of the year, but period. It was amazing. It's also very much outside my usual genre. Right from the start, Brittney drew me right in. The Main Character wakes up not even knowing her name. She learns she's been kidnapped by a guy named Ace, and he tells her in 50 Days, he will tell her EVERYTHING. The books documents the MC's 50 Days inside Ace's house. I like how the book is divided by days. Some days were super short, while others were super long, depending on what was happening. As the readers, reading this book is like walking inside a cave towards the light. As we read, clues are dropped, and theories are made on why Ace kidnapped her. I never would've suspected the ending, TBH. Ace wins the award of one of my favorite male characters. Despite being her kidnapper, he was so sweet to the MC. He had boundaries, he introduced her to coffee and tried to keep her happy. It'd be so cool to get to read chapters in his POV like through bonus content, but I'm glad we didn't have his POV inside the book because it would've ruined the mystery. Brittney's writing style is ADDICTING. I'M OBSESSED. I just wanted to keep reading. If I wasn't reading, I was thinking about it. I'm sad it's over, but I see it being one I re-read over and over again. P.S. Day 32 is my favorite <3
Fifty days is an incredibly enthralling read. It sinks into your head until you have no idea what's going on but you can't stop reading. I've never read a book in this kind of format before but I really liked it. It helped me to get more invested in the story, honestly. I was counting down the days to day Fifty so I could get all the answers right along with Evelyn.
Evelyn is such a great character and so is Ace. There is so much chemistry between the two even though Ace fought it for so long. I thought Evelyn acted pretty realistic. There were parts where I was like I would have handled that differently but I'm not Evelyn.
Ace was a hard character to read and with the ending, I now know why. He was supposed to be that way. One good thing about this book is all questions were answered at the end. There were no loose ends that needed tidying up or anything. I don't want to talk too much about the story because I don't want to give anything away. I will say this though if you read this book pay attention because even the smallest detail is important in the story.
I did read the old version of this book. I know the author revamped the novel so I will read the newer version too to see what's different.
As someone who enjoys books with psychological narratives, this book immediately captured my attention! The author did an excellent job of establishing an intriguing plot that propelled the story forward and made you as a reader feel like you were on the journey with the main character, Evelyn. Just as Evelyn was anticipating the answers she would receive, you equally were waiting in suspense for answers to your own questions as the story progressed. Knowing the author wrote this story at a young age made so many elements of the story that much more impressive. If you’re into suspense stories that intertwine sci-fi and psychological elements, then this is your book!
This book was so incredibly suspenseful, and so, so addictive. I found that I could not possibly read only one chapter when I opened the book-- I had to read chunks at a time. I stayed up way too late reading this book, and at times I had to force myself to close the book and try to go to sleep. It is hard to not read this book all at one time, which is a big deal for me to say, because I'm the kind of reader who likes to take their time and read a chapter here and there… but not with this book. No way.
Fifty Days is a psychological, suspenseful, romantic mystery that will leave you feeling every emotion you could possibly feel.
It was such an amazing read! Definitely one of the best books I've read in 2021 so far.