Review of Marionette by Anya Allyn

Series: Dollhouse #3
Format: eBook
Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Romance,
Pages: 214
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: 05/07/2013
Find The Author: Website ¦ Twitter

In the third book of The Dollhouse Books, Cassie must fight to keep from losing the world she knows, and from losing herself - beyond the mirrors.

After the deceit and betrayal of those close to her, Cassie is cast into a world of unknowns - where there is no escape, and where her every footstep takes her deeper into darkness.

She uncovers dark secrets, far beyond the dollhouse.

As she seeks the second book of the Speculum Nemus in the frozen world, outside forces seek her. And they are restless and they will not wait.

The last chapter of Paper Dolls had such a huge plot twist, I wanted to read the next book as soon as possible, thinking that it must be amazing. The concept of alternate worlds added so much more to the story, I though that the author would be like a kid in a sweet shop for ideas for what to write next.

Sadly, this wasn't the case. This book was much shorter than it's predecessors, Dollhouse and Paper Dolls. by about 100 pages, and by the end of the book I was glad of this. I think this book would fall into the 'filler' category, as lot a lot happens and I spent the whole time waiting to get the end.

I knew When I started Dollhouse that this was a self published series, but this was the first book that felt self published. Some of the conversations between characters fell flat and even came off as cheesy at times. There was none of the suspense and mystery that kept me reading long into the night this time. There were a few chapters from Ethan thrown in, which weren't particularly memorable to me. He didn't say or do anything I didn't already expect. 

The other worlds, I was expecting something a lot bigger I guess. Most of the one world we visit has frozen over and there's some giant snakes lurking about. The main world is this one castle on an island in France and the whole thing felt very claustrophobic.

The ending was interesting, and I do want to find out what happens next but I would be lying if I said I didn't see it coming. The ghost idea in Paper Dolls was creepy and certainly fascinating but much like the dialog in Marionette, it just felt cheesy here. I'm hoping Music Box gets back on track!