My Dearest Darkest // Kayla Cottingham

I received this book in one of my Scribbler boxes. The back copy sounded interesting; spooky boarding school setting, paranormal elements, secrets and insecurities that make everything unravel. But this book did not deliver for me. I thought the pacing was off at times, and nothing was happening so I skimmed a bit. The ways the characters figured out clues, or got from point A to point B felt too convenient at times. 

It's told in dual POV, but the switches between felt like there was no rhyme or reason. I do wonder what the difference would be if it was told from a single POV. New-girl Finch with the dark secret could be a great unreliable narrator, but queen bee Selena with all the power could be manipulative and interesting as well. Simon was the only likable character for me in this book, but he was just there to help them with their research and to fill out Selena's backstory to make her more likable. I was extraordinarily suspicious of Sumera (yes, there are several S names in this book) because she was so good and mom-like. 

Those are all negative comments, but for sure personal reader preferences. I think this could be a great book for many readers. In part, my meh rating could be a case of right book read at the wrong time though. I read it in early June as summer is starting to heat up on the East Coast. Since this book was atmospheric and catty with Pretty Little Liars (Sara Shepard) and darkish academia vibes with a lite horror twist on the side, it might be better in fall, or deep winter, when the thought of going into those tunnels under the school makes you shiver and brush the cold damp off your arms. 

I'd still say it's worth a read if you like boarding school books, horror, and a twisty, original plot! This just wasn't the book for me.

*Sensitivity note: I cannot stand any type of eyeball junk (I can't even do the fake eye in "Pirates of the Caribbean"), and this had a lot of eyeball grossness.