Thanks to NetGalley and Amulet Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
368 Pages
Synopsis: Trudchen grew up hearing Odette’s stories of their monster-slaying mother and a magician’s curse. But now that Tru’s older, she’s starting to wonder if her older sister’s tales were just comforting lies, especially because there’s nothing fantastic about her own life—permanently disabled and in constant pain from childhood polio.
In 1909, after a two-year absence, Od reappears with a suitcase full of weapons and a promise to rescue Tru from the monsters on their way to attack her. But it’s Od who seems haunted by something. And when the sisters’ search for their mother leads them to a face-off with the Leeds Devil, a nightmarish beast that’s wreaking havoc in the Mid-Atlantic States, Tru discovers the peculiar possibility that she and her sister—despite their dark pasts and ordinary appearances—might, indeed, have magic after all.
Cat Winters has grown to become one of my favorite YA authors because of her lyrical style of writing, and the wonderful way she combines historical fiction with the supernatural. Although Odd & True was not at all what I expected, I think it might be her best novel yet!
The story is told from both sisters’ perspectives—Tru’s in 1909, and Od’s farther in the past during the two years she was away. I thought this was going to be a book about hunting monsters, but it’s really about Tru and Od coming to terms with the tragedies in their pasts and coming to facing reality, as long buried family secrets come to light. As they cope with all this, there’s a lot of sadness, but the love and support these sisters share is so pure and beautiful, that it’s obvious that in the end they will pull through.
The story is more family drama than thriller, but it does have a hint of the paranormal in the last third of the book. I found this to be a quick page-turner, because I loved both Tru and Od, and also because of the intrigue surrounding their family. Their battle with the Leeds Devil is a nice touch especially as the events surrounding it are based upon actual events. The ending is absolutely perfect as everything comes full circle and I found myself tearing up a bit reading the last few pages.
With Odd & True, Cat Winters has definitively proven what a creative writer she is. This is a story about hardship, loss, family secrets, monsters and myths. But most of all, it’s a beautiful story of two sisters who overcome the setbacks in their lives because of the love they have for each other. I highly recommend this for older teens and adults who enjoy historical fiction with character-driven plots, that are infused with traces paranormal elements.
Teagan R. Geneviene said:
Marvelous review. I’m definitely intrigued. Happy weekend.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you Teagan! Have a great weekend!🙋🏻
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iArtichokeu said:
I love family based fantasy books. Despite how messed up some families are, haha. Reminds me of Supernatural. Nothing is more important than family.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s so funny you mentioned Supernatural, because Od & Tru definitely reminded me of Dean & Sam.😊
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iArtichokeu said:
Haha! Definitely a good thing.
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kaysblogs said:
Amazing review, love your blog so much
http://www.kayleighsblogs.wordpress.com
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Kayleigh! I love yours as well!
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Touch My Spine Book Reviews said:
Wow this looks really good!!! I love books about sisters and their relationships. Like Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter! Anyways, this looks really good! TBR!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Love, LOVE Cat Winters! I haven’t been disappointed once by one of her books!🤗
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Touch My Spine Book Reviews said:
I will check her out for sure
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raistlin0903 said:
I am just in awe of the amount of books you manage to read each week. I really mean that as a compliment. It is truly amazing. And ofcourse I keep adding books because of you lol, but that’s okay 😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Michel. I don’t know what I’d do without my books!☺️
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James J. Cudney IV said:
Great cover, book and review. Looks like something I want to read. Thanks.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Jay! If you’ve never read anything by Cat Winters, I can’t recommend her books highly enough.🙋🏻
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Raven @ Dreamy Addictions said:
This book is already in my tbr and I’m so glad you loved it. It sounds amazing! I hope I enjoy it as much as you did. Nice review, though 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Raven! I’d love to know your thoughts after you read it.☺️
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Carrie said:
Absolutely love that cover! First look though it reminds me a bit of Lizzy Bordon. Sounds like a nice read to go with the eye catching cover inside though. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Isn’t it lovely? And thankfully Tru is much nicer than Lizzy.😁
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Carrie said:
Haha that would help. But that line of not all monsters have claws and fangs made me think she was going to start chopping something up.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😂
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KrystiYAandWine said:
Wonderful review, Kim! I did like this book. I loved how there was so much more emotional depth than I expected going into it. And I loved the story of the two sisters like you said. I did want a little more paranormal action, but that’s just because it’s Halloween season, and that’s what I’m in the mood for. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Krysti. I really enjoyed your review, but I still can’t comment on your blog.😔 I was expecting more paranormal as well, but I wound up loving Od and Tru so much that I wound up not missing it.☺️
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KrystiYAandWine said:
That’s so weird and sad! Of all the people for it to do that to also! 😞 But we can still chat here at least. ☺️ I did love Od and Tru, and how great are those character names?!
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Cal's Constant Raving Reviews said:
This looks bad-ass!!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
If you like YA fiction, Cat Winters is one of the best authors out there in my opinion. She’s quirky and unique, and I absolutely love her writing style!
BTW, I wanted to let you know your much appreciated comments have been appearing in my spam folder.
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Cal's Constant Raving Reviews said:
Hahahah oh no 😦 😦 I wonder why? I promise I’m not spam!!!
Thanks for the recommendations– I would love to check her out.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
No worries. I’ll keep rescuing you!😊
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
ooh sounds phenomenal!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
So, SO good!
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K. D. Dowdall said:
Hi Kim, this sounds so unique and interesting and magical with monsters. What a great review. Karen 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Karen. If you haven’t tried Cat Winters, I highly recommend her.😊
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Lisa said:
My copy arrived this week, and I’m so excited! I love Cat Winters.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I hope you enjoy it!
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Sophie @ Blame Chocolate said:
Everyone seems to rave about this book! I definitely need to give it a go 🙂 It’s interesting how it’s more a family drama than a thriller, and focuses so much on the two sisters and their hardships.
I didn’t know (or didn’t remember) this was based on true facts. Awesome!
Lovely review, Kim 🙂 So glad you loved this one!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Sophie! I’d love to your thoughts after you read it. And it’s just the bit about the hunt for the Leeds Devil that’s based on fact.
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ignitedmoth said:
Great review! I’ve been hearing such good things about this book. 🙂 Definitely gonna have to check it out.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks! I’d love to know what you think when you read it.😊
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ignitedmoth said:
For sure! 😀
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The Telltale Mind said:
Might have to grab this one for my wife. Sounds decent.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Cat Winters is an incredible writer Geoff. She hasn’t disappointed me once.😊
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mlbradford said:
Time to play byhookorbybook catch-up again! Another fantastic review here.
Had a great time this week writing fiction – can’t wait to get it posted!
Working on the latest ‘Scribe Post now as well – something awesome to start your weekend! 🙂
Cheers!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I’m looking forward to reading your latest Brad!
I posted something today that might make you laugh.😁
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mlbradford said:
Don’t worry – I will eventually reach today! (It’s been a long week!) 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh no. No rush Brad. I just want to make you laugh for a change,☺️
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mlbradford said:
That’s most kind, Kim.
Despite not having anything Publishable just yet, I have managed to keep myself entertained in this part of th blogosphere these last few days.
“You should concentrate on writing so reality cannot destroy you” – Ray Bradbury.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Love that quote!
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mlbradford said:
Of course, anyone named “Brad” deserves recognition and praise 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😁
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Awesome review, Kim! Sounds like a marvelous novel.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Lashaan! I haven’t been disappointed by her yet.
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