The Life and Deaths of Frankie D.

I have received a digital Advance Reader's Copy of this book through the publisher. This has not affected my rating in any way.

“Hi my name is Ebony Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way and I-“

Ok, I'm joking, I'm joking... but if you told me that this was the opening line to this book, I'd probably believe you.

The Life and Deaths of Frankie D. had potential. It's synopsis sounds good, it's cover is beautiful, and yet this disappointed me in so many ways. The premise of this book had me hoping for A Madness So Discreet or Daughter of the Burning City vibes, but this was very bland in comparison.

Frankie was one of the most annoying characters I've ever had to read about. She almost seemed like she was based on Ebony from My Immortal, if that's even possible. In almost every single chapter she had to mention that she was a goth. We get it, Evanescence, please stop telling me.

The plot was interesting, but I felt it was lacking in creepiness. Not even that, it felt like it was trying so hard to be creepy that it just wasn't. It was almost comical, really. Although this book had some very beautiful moments, like the circus and the appreciation for the acts in it. I was a bit worried that this author would be ableist, even by accident, but the author was very careful in describing these characters. They were well written and well treated, so I applaud the author on that.

Final thoughts? This was okay. If Frankie's personality had been changed, and the story had a bit more of a “spooky, creepy” plot, I think this would've been more enjoyable.