Recently I’ve been on a V.C. Andrews kick so when the newest book, House of Secrets, was released a few weeks ago I immediately bought it. Oh boy do I have some opinions about this book and none of them are good. I’ll tell you the synopsis and then my thoughts. There will be major spoilers in this review.

The Synopsis

Ever since Fern could remember, she and her mother have lived as servants in Wyndemere House, the old gothic mansion of the Davenport family. She may have been a servant, but Fern developed a sweet friendship with Dr. Davenport’s son, Ryder, and she was even allowed free range of the estate.

But Dr. Davenport has remarried and his new wife has very different ideas about a servant’s place. Now Fern and her mother are subject to cruel punishments, harsh conditions, and aren’t even allowed to use the front door.

Yet, for all her wrath, the cruel woman cannot break the mysterious bond between Ryder and Fern. And when Ryder invites Fern to join his friends at prom, there’s nothing Mrs. Davenport can do to stop them nor can she continue to guard the secret that haunts the women of Wyndemere—but there’s nothing she won’t try.

After all, reputation is everything.

My Thoughts

I have so many issues with this book that I feel the best way to organize my thoughts is with a bullet list. All V.C. Andrews books are ghost written by a man named Andrew Neiderman and that’s who I’ll be referring to below.

• The title. I am so tired of the word “secrets” being used in the titles of  Neiderman’s books. This is just a ploy to draw readers in. Be creative!
• This book was unforgivably boring and predictable. I figured out the big twist by page ten.
• Along with the storyline, the characters were boring. I honestly couldn’t remember the main characters name for most of the book because she was so forgettable. Her name is Fern, by the way.
• The twist was so stupid and obvious. Of course Fern and Ryder are half siblings. It was made ridiculously obvious. I know that Neiderman follows a formula with his books and most of the time that’s fine because the characters are so detailed and entertaining that you don’t mind reading about the same scenarios. The problem with this book is the characters are so boring and have no personality. I didn’t care about any of them.
• Also, after Fern and Ryder find out they’re siblings they’re totally fine with it. Even though they had been passionately kissing and falling for each other. Sure that’s believable…

I think that’s all I have to say about this book. I was so disappointed because apparently it was supposed to be as good as the older series and it doesn’t even come close. I feel like Andrew Neiderman is probably starting to get burnt out. He should let these books die a graceful death or either take a break until he’s inspired again. As always, if you loved this book that’s great. We all have different opinions. Let me know if you’ve read this book or are planning to! Thanks for reading and have a great day!