Book Review: Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann
Cryer's Cross
Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann has a bit of a fascinating concept and could have been incredibly creepy and horrific, however, the execution left something to be desired on my part.
Cryer’s Cross is the name of an incredibly small town in Montana, as in the population is 212. The school is one room. There’s only 4 kids in each class. Already, my mind goes towards Children of the Corn. I admit, corn fields are hella creepy. Anyways, the book opens with a man hunt for missing sophmore Tiffany. We meet main character, senior Kendall Fletcher and her friend-boy, Nico who take part in the man hunt. Kendall has OCD, plays soccer, and is a dancer. Nico is the boy next door and Kendall’s best friend. Anyways, the man hunt ends and they don’t find Tiffany. Two new people move to town, Jacian and his sister. More things happen. Another student disappears.
Really, as the book is super short, that’s the most I can sum up without giving the entire plot away. Between a few of the chapters are these weird excerpts that begin with ‘We’ and say some freaky, but hilarious things. I mean, unintentionally hilarious. I know it was trying to be scary, but it just completely took me out of the story. I get that is supposed to be paranormal and mysterious, but I would kind of groan and just want to get back to Kendall and the scenes with Jacian.
I also felt like I never really connected with the characters. I would say this is a plot centered book, which is fine. Some people prefer those books. Personally, though, I like my books character-driven. And I sort of felt like Kendall was a blank slate, or an any-girl. I mean, sure, she has a few defining characteristics, like OCD, but I never felt she was any sort of a special snowflake or real. I did like Jacian, but again, I’ve read him before. The angry bad boy, with a soft exterior, because he’s going through something.
I did enjoy the pacing though. It’s third person present tense. It feels a little bit like a movie. Also, I haven’t read a whole lot of books with this sort of point of view. I thought this was unique and a great way to present the story.
Although Cryer’s Cross was a disappointment to me, I am looking forward to checking out Lisa McMann’s Wake series.
Disclosure: E-galley received for review.
Other Reviews:
All About {N}
The Compulsive Reader
YA Librarian Tales
YA Bliss
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh shoot! I had really hoped to see a great review for this one. I haven’t read her other series, but this looks dark and creepy. Hmmm perhaps if you’re in the mood for something equally creepy, you should try Draw the Dark by Ilsa Bick. It’s great! Love your honest review!
That’s pretty much how I felt about the first book in the Wake series. Never really grabbed hold of me so I didn’t read the rest of it.
Glad you’re still willing to give Wake a go. I can see how people would have mixed feelings on that one too, though I enjoyed it! Will plan on trying Cryer’s Cross in the next week. Glad to read your review before jumping in!
I have yet to read anything by Lisa McMann but after your review I think I’ll be checking out her Wake series before reading this one.
Interesting. I saw another review of this one, completely opposite to yours!
I downloaded this via GalleyGrab and I’m still deciding whether to read it or not. I’m glad I stumbled upon your review!
I read the Wake series a while ago (before I started reviewing), I thought it was pretty good.