by Cat Winters

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publish Date: 12th September 2017

Title: Odd and True
Author: Cat Winters
Publisher: Amulet Books
Book: Standalone
Genre: YA/Historical fiction
Found: Netgalley (and everywhere else!)
Rating: 3.5 Voodoos

Trudchen grew up hearing Odette’s stories of their monster-slaying mother and a magician’s curse. But now that Tru’s older, she’s starting to wonder if her older sister’s tales were just comforting lies, especially because there’s nothing fantastic about her own life—permanently disabled and in constant pain from childhood polio.

In 1909, after a two-year absence, Od reappears with a suitcase supposedly full of weapons and a promise to rescue Tru from the monsters on their way to attack her. But it’s Od who seems haunted by something. And when the sisters’ search for their mother leads them to a face-off with the Leeds Devil, a nightmarish beast that’s wreaking havoc in the Mid-Atlantic states, Tru discovers the peculiar possibility that she and her sister—despite their dark pasts and ordinary appearances—might, indeed, have magic after all.

-Netgalley

This is not the book I was expecting.
Anyone picking this book up for the same reasons I did is going to be a little disappointed.
The ending is not disappointing however, it’s actually very happy and I loved it!

This book is told from two points of view, one is Od’s – the past and the other is Tru’s – the present. The epilogue is from a third POV however and I can’t tell you whose because spoilers. This isn’t too distracting, but Od’s chapters aren’t all the same year so it’s helpful to pay attention to the dates at the top. I also recommend keeping a few bookmarks or bits of paper nearby so that you can mark things you think may be important later because I didn’t and then couldn’t flick back when I realised things which was a little frustrating. It’s not a complex plot but I did find myself often wishing I could go back and re-read or check something – I didn’t highlight anything on my kindle app because I was feeling lazy/didn’t think I’d need to.

I liked both Tru and Od. I felt sorry for them too and I loved that Tru was ‘disabled’ and adventuring. I found myself wishing that she wasn’t suite so disabled though. This was usually at times of high tension when I wanted her to be able to run away and stay safe! Hers was a happier storyline but I have hope for Od’s!!
I also loved uncle Magnus too, though we mostly see him through the eyes of a child and so some of his mysteries are never explained.
I did NOT however, like the aunt AT ALL! She had the worst parenting skills EVER!
“I want you to avoid something but I’m totally not telling you what it is, JUST DON’T YOU DARE DO IT!!!” Gee, thanks auntie.

These girls were amazing despite everything. Once Od convinced Tru to join her they certainly made far more headway than all the others clomping around being scared and shooting at shadows.

This book contained some hidden secrets and a bit of a twisty ending. I was holding out for one way, then we were going the other, except we weren’t…
I didn’t want the book to be any longer but I’d have liked some more information on some of the characters and situations, especially as this was a standalone novel! I really loved the epilogue! It hardly gave us anything, but it also gave us everything. I can imagine them getting a visit one day, out of the Blue and I’m so excited for them.

I’d really love to explore this world further, have more of an explanation and meet a new generation of hunters.