The Marvelous by Claire Kann! If you enjoy an exciting contemporary, this is one to check out. Keep reading to learn more and read my thoughts on the book.
Title: The MarvelousAuthor: Claire Kann
Also by this author: Let's Talk About Love
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: June 8, 2021
Rating:
From the author of Let's Talk About Love, t his YA novel follows a young woman as she host san epic night of games with a big cash prize for the winner.
Everybody knows Jewel Van Hanen.
When Jewel inherits a not-so-small fortune, she decides to throw a party to celebrate at her new estate. Except she isn't hosting an ordinary high school party: she's hosting a bash with an exclusive guest list of her most loyal "friends" and a life-changing cash prize awarded at midnight.
Once the party begins, her friends embark on an unforgettable game solving cryptic clues, confessing their darkest secrets, and conquering fear-based dares. But as the game grows tougher and intensely more personal, they all begin to wonder: Who exactly is Jewel Van Hanen and why would she put them through this?
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: The Marvelous by Claire Kann
The Marvelous by Claire Kann is mystifying story about a game that does not go as expected. Set during a competition in its reclusive creator’s mansion, this one is filled with puzzles and unique challenges. I enjoyed all three narrators, and the eerie atmosphere the author has created makes the story jump off the page. This is a great read for those looking for a contemporary with an exciting twist.
❀ High-stakes game
After Jewel, the creator of a popular video-sharing app, suddenly disappears, she returns to the platform to announce that she has selected a group of users to come to her mansion for the weekend. However, when the guests arrive at Golden Weekend, Jewel reveals that they must play her elaborate game, promising cryptic puzzles, two winners, and one million dollars. Nothing in the game is as it seems, and the players find the stakes slowly getting higher.
❀ Three Narrators
This book contains three narrators, and I enjoyed each of them. Luna is Jewel’s biggest fan, and she has experience cracking her codes. Nicole is one of the app’s most popular creators, and she has a big heart. The third is not as obvious a choice: Stella a mysterious new user. She was my favourite to follow because of her sense of humour. The multiple narrators are effective because they provide each of the players’ perspectives of the game, and of each other. All three players have their own reasons for competing, and their voices are distinct, which I appreciated.
❀ Mysterious Atmosphere
What makes the book compelling is its mysterious atmosphere. Claire Kann has done an outstanding job setting the tone of Jewel’s mansion with her elaborate puzzles and themed rooms, and there is always the feeling that something is off. Something about this book gave me Charlie and the Chocolate Factory vibes, so I’m sure fans of this story will enjoy reading about Golden Weekend and its mysterious creator.
❀ A Unique Story
The Marvelous by Claire Kann is a unique story about an eerie competition. I loved the cryptic puzzles throughout the book, and all three main characters are well-developed. What I especially enjoyed is the atmosphere the author creates, making for an immersive reading experience. Those looking for a thrilling contemporary will not want to miss this one.
About Claire Kann
Claire Kann is the author of LET’S TALK ABOUT LOVE and an award-winning online storyteller. In her other life, she works for a nonprofit that you may have heard of where she daydreams like she’s paid to do it. Find out more by visiting her website (and while you’re there, tell her about your cats. She loves cats. A lot.)
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
I really like the idea of this book with the cryptic puzzles the characters need to solve. It sounds quite mysterious! 🧐
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Review: Fable of Happiness by Pepper Winters
It has such a mysterious atmosphere! 🙂
This sounds like an interesting book that many people will enjoy.
I agree! 🙂
I enjoy solving puzzles and reading mysteries so this book sounds extra fun.
Sounds like a perfect fit for you! 🙂
We love the puzzles aspect of the book! We’re glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you! 🙂
I wasn’t expecting this book to be so mysterious! The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory vibe is cool. I’m glad it was a great read. It wasn’t on my radar until now. Great review!
I love that aspect so much! Definitely a unique book! 🙂
This sounds so different from Kann’s other books. My interest is piqued.
It is quite different from her usual books! 🙂
Great review, Olivia! This sounds right up my alley! I love how well written and cinematic it sounds! Glad you liked it!
Thanks so much, Giselle! 🙂
I love when books have an atmosphere!
Same, Sophie! 🙂
I like multiple narrators in a book.
It makes for a great experience! 🙂
Sounds really good
This sounds like it would make a great movie!
Yes!! I am here for it! 🙂
Puzzles and mysteries are comfort for me. Definitely adding this to my TBR pile. Having multiple POVs will be interesting to read and see how they interact and intertwine with one another.
This book should give you lots to enjoy! I can’t wait for you to read it! 🙂
Cryptic puzzles and eerieness sounds like my kind of reading!
I hope that you love it if you give it a try! 🙂
this cover is awesome. this sound so fascinating