We all have a bucket list, or at least things that we want to do at some point in our lives. I don’t even think I have a really huge one, but one of the things on it shouldn’t be too hard to achieve. It’s making a cruise on a big ocean liner. I don’t even care about the destination to be honest. But just the experience of being on a huge and beautiful cruise ship crossing the ocean and gazing at the beauty of the sea, that alone would make it worth it for me. So why haven’t I already done this? Good question. I could go into all kinds of lame excuses but the fact of the matter is I totally could have done this a million times over already. Maybe it’s lazyness, maybe it’s simply me not taking a step in trying to do something really different with my life for a change. Whatever the reason, I still plan on doing it. It’s pretty ironic though that Day Four, the sequel to The Three a book that I recenly read and highly enjoyed, once again makes me wonder if making such a trip is a good idea. First she did it with planes, now she sets her sights on a cruise ship. I see a pattern emerging here….
The Beautiful Dreamer is huge cruiseship that has hundreds of passengers aboard, that are enjoying a trip across the ocean. For three days things have been going well and everyone seems to take pleasure in the many things the ship has to offer. Also aboard is acclaimed psychic medium Celine del Ray, who is able to commune with the dead and is able to bring closure to the family members of the deceased. Or so she claims. Madeline who is the assistant of Celine has her own knowledge of the things her boss can do. But ofcourse being her assistant and all she is not going to ruin things. However on day four of the cruise, disaster strikes. The electricity fails, stranding the ship with nowhere to go, and no way to call for help. If that wasn’t bad enough already, a mysterious ilness seems to have taken hold aboard the ocean liner, with more and more people falling victim to it. But then things become even worse when a body of a young woman is found who has apparently been murdered. Increasingly frightening events are happening aboard the ship, and fear and tension take hold of the passengers and crew. Madeline is beginning to get more and more convinced that someone, or something doesn’t want the ship to reach land…..ever again….
Day Four takes place after the events of the first book. But I do have to say that if you did not read that one, you could still enjoy this book as it stands pretty much on it’s own. There is the occasional reference to a name from The Three, but other than that you don’t really require any knowledge of the first book. For those who of you who read my review for the first novel you might recal that it was written in a very unique way. Using interviews, news paper clippings and skype conversations it spun it’s tale and showed very effectively what happens when fear and paranoia take hold of the world. Day Four is a more traditional book. Although near the end of the novel, the author again uses the same trick she used in the first one to uncover the final truth such as it is. We experience this novel switching between multiple characters. Each chapter spents time with one of them as they try to stay alive during the nightmare events that are unfolding before their eyes. We have a pretty diverse number of characters, ranging from a pair of elderly women that have plans to commit suicide, to the assistant of the medium, crewmembers, and even the killer who is aboard.
Each of them had their own little background story, some working better than others, but overall it was a nice diverse cast. I do have to admit that I would have liked a little bit more depth to some of them, which would have helped me form more of an attachment to a few of the characters. But just like in the first book it’s creating the oppressive atmosphere that Sarah Lotz excells in. As can be expected in situations such as these, tempers are beginning to run high. It starts of rather innocently with people just complaining about the fact that they are going to be late in catching a flight or not having enough towels in their cabins. As soon as it is beginning to become clear that rescue isn’t coming, and food is running short as well, people are slowly reverting to animal behaviour. Just like in the first novel, it’s again not exactly clear what is going on. Is it a supernatural force, aliens, something even more sinister? Whatever the case might be Lotz again manages to write a very engaging novel, that really is one of those books that is engaging your brain in trying to figure out the puzzle.
Is the book as good as The Three though? I would have to say no. But that’s mainly due in part to the fact that the style of the original novel was very unique and something that I had not really seen before. Here we have for the most part a traditional novel, that while still very good, isn’t really unique. I also had a bit of a problem with the ending. It was pretty abrupt, and although I do like open endings that leave you speculating what just happened, I would have liked a little bit more closure to the final events. Overall though this was still a great read that I highly enjoyed. There are some elements in the book that fall into the horror category, but it never gets gory in any way. This is more of mystery/supernatural story, and a great book to just curl up into bed with, while a storm is brewing outside. I definitely recommend this novel, and if you liked The Three, chances are that this one will be to your liking as well.
I give Day Four a 8 out of 10 score.
I have scrolled down and skipped the review. As I have just bought ‘Day Three’ on your recommendation, (and not even started it yet) I had better not know what happens in ‘Day Four’. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Haha…well…you would be suprised Pete. Day Four is a standalone novel, that while a sequel has next to nothing to do with the first one. It’s a totally different tale that it tells, and the only thing it has in common is the fact that it refers to one or two names from the first novel. So, you are safe to read this 😊😊
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Stop with the procrastination now!
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😂😂😂
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As you know I took both these books on holiday and enjoyed them both. Wholeheartedly agree with your review. I found it interesting that neither book had a main character that I really liked or rooted for, but still the stories had me hooked. The Three was so different in how it was written that Four couldn’t really match and yes the ending was a bit rushed, but still a good read. I wonder where she’s going with the next one? 5 on a train? 🤣
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Am so glad you enjoyed the books 😊😊 I was a bit worried seeing that I had recommended them, and if you didn’t like them I was the one to get the blame for that 😅😅
But that’s absolutely true: it’s probably one of the few series of books that I found enjoyable despite the fact that the characters didn’t really stand out. Yeah I pretty much knew going into Four that it would not be as good as the original, but it was still very close. It’s a pretty good question. I actually went on Goodreads today to see if she has already written something new, and she has. But I don’t think it’s part of this series. The book is called The White Road.
It’s a real shame though, because honestly I would really like to find out more about what is really behind all this. Oh well, hopefully she will get back to it again at some point 😊
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I hope so too! Might give the white road a try though!
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I have added it to my to read list as well 😊
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Nice plot, feel like reading the book 😀 and while reading the review I am just thinking what if this novel becomes a movie 😂
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It’s definitely a book that would lend itself very nicely for a movie. Who knows it might happen someday. It’s certainly been a great read! 😊 Thanks for your comment! 😊
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Dont let the dream die! Cruises are awesome and a wonderful way to get away from the world! We share the same dream and dont let anything flicker out the flames of hope!
With that said, you have just have me a series to pick up. I’ve been currently trying to catch up with the Brandon Sanderson Cosmere and I could use s change of pace. Awesome review!
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Thanks so much for this great and wonderful comment😊 It really made me smile.
I have definitely not given up on that dream, and it’s something that I will do. The only thing is finding the right time for it…but it will happen. Don’t let your dream die either!
I had to look up that particular series as this is the first time I have heard about it, but having read a few things that certainly sounds pretty great too. Adding that one to my way too long to read list 😂😂
Glad you liked the review, and I hope you will like the books. Thanks again for this great comment 😊
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I’m sure I’ll check out Day Four, but from the synopsis on Goodreads for The Three, I can say I’m definitely interested in it.
I’m not sure if you’ve read this one but since you mentioned you liked the unique writing style of The Three, I thought I’d recommend it anyway. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff is written in a similar manner, in the form of interviews, video transcripts, and emails, among other things. It’s scifi and futuristic but it also features a mysterious illness and it’s just really, really good. … ok so I’m really bad at talking about my favorite books, but from what I read in your review, I get the feeling that you might really like it.
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The Three was definitely the better book, although this one did come close to that (it just wasn’t as unique as The Three).
I don’t think you are bad at talking about your favorite books at all, as I just went to Goodreads and marked it on my to read list. I quickly read the synopsis for it, and it really seems like a book that has me written all over it.
Thanks for this great comment and the recommendation. I hope you will enjoy The Three and Day Four as well 😊
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It’s nice that this book can be a stand-alone. Sometimes sequels/follow-ups can get too invested in what happened previously that they’re hard for new and old fans alike to enjoy.
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That is so true. There are some book series that have so many parts, that it’s almost daunting to get into them for any new readers. But yes this really is pretty much a stand alone novel..which is a good thing, and a good one at that 😊
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At this rate the author is just going to kill all your dreams to travel around the world man… Hahaha I’m glad you still enjoyed this one though. I too find that the change in the writing style (not being completely similar to the first one) is a bit saddening. I’d have been a bit disappointed to be honest, especially since it left such a huge impact on you when you got around to read the first book. Great review as always, Michel! 😀
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Haha…she is at that. It’s almost as if she has a personal vendetta against me 😂😂
Yeah, that style was really unique but on the other hand it would be impossible to write every book in that style, so I can understand her writing this book in a more traditional style. It was stil a very good book, that came close to the original.One that’s definitely recommended. Thanks as always for all the wonderful comments 😊😊
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Taking a cruise would be so fun- though perhaps not one as creepy as this 😉 It’s cool that this stands pretty much on its own. And I like the sound of the structure of this. Pity about the abrupt ending though and that it wasn’t as good as the first one- I do want to check out the series though 🙂
Awesome review!
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Thank you so much! 😊 Well, the first one admittedly was very hard to beat because of the really unique style of the book. But that said, this one still came very close, and it was a great and mysterious read. Definitely enjoyed it 😊
As for taking a cruise, that is still in my plans, but yes…not one as bad as this one lol 😂😂
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A Cruise would be lovely to go on 🙂 Hope you cross it of your bucket list someday 😀
Wow, that would be a rather scary boat to be on. It’s safe to say if I was on it, I’d be the first one to volunteer to get in one of the lifeboats and go find help. Sharks, pirates, sunstroke and giant waves seem slightly better then being trapped on a boat with a murderer and a bunch of angry hungry cruise goers, who could possible turn cannibalistic 😂😂
Great review 🙂 The book sounds really exciting 🙂
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Well, eventually I will, as it’s certainly something I definitely plan on doing at some point 😊 Preferably within the next two years or so.
Lol…and yeah I would definitely not go on a boat like this. I would jump ship and take my chances with the sharks lol 😂😂
Seriously though, this really was a great read, and one that I really enjoyed a lot. It definitely got very close to the quality of the first book 😊
Lol..and thanks for this great comment!! It really made me laugh 😊😊
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A medium on a cruise ship?! Sign me up, right the eff now!!! Really though, this sounds like an excellent premise for a story. Great review Michel!
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Thank you Didi for the kind words 😊😊
Haha…yeah a medium on a cruise ship, that almost sounds like the start of a really bad joke 😂😂
But it’s definitely a terrific read. Really enjoyed it, and this one is highly recommended 😊
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Its officially on my list 🤩🤗😎
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Why I haven’t heard of these books before, i have no idea. But they’re in my list now. Your review made me want to read it. Well done. 🙂
By the way about our Buddy reading… You think we can read certain number of chapters then talk about what we think every Sunday? I think that’s how buddyreading works. hehe..
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Haha, they are definitely not very well known novels I think, but they were certainly some of the better books that I have read in quite a while, that’s for sure 😊😊 I hope you will enjoy them 😊
As for your question: that sounds great! When do you wish to start, and how many chapters do you want to read? (You are a much faster reader then me though lol 😂😂).
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Hehe… Let’s start tomorrow Nov. 1 and our minimum read can be 5 chapters a week. Is that ok? If not, 3 chapters can do. But you can read as much as you can. Mybe you read 7 or 10 chapters a week because you can’t put it down. hehe.. Anyway, no matter how many chapters you read is what we’re gonna discuss. 🙂 I won’t be reading much this November because I’,m joining NaNoWriMo(are you familiar with it?) I promise I wont read the whole book in one day. hehe. i’ll read only three to 5 chap. 🙂
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Haha…okay😂😂 And you are not wrong, maybe it will be too hard to put down lol. But yeah 5 chapters a week should be doable C(although of course this week is already halfway done 😂😂). But I think 5 chapters should be do able. 😊😊 Cool! 😀
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And we dont have to read it in a month. It would be even more fun if we finish it until last week of Dec. 🙂
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I think that’s also do-able. Seeing as it’s a pretty thick book 😊😊 Well…sounds like a plan 😊 Oh…and pressed sent to soon on the other comment: No I’m not familiar with NanoWriMo. What is that about? 😊😊
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Haha… I’m just gonna answer here. Ok then let’s do 5 chapters a week. And then every Sunday we’ll talk about it… It’s gonna be amazing since for sure we won’t have same thoughts about what we read. I love sharing opinions and discuss them 🙂
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month which is a pretty big even for writers, both aspiring and published authors can join. It runs from Nov 1-30 and we, writers try to write 50K words till 30th. It’s very challenging and will really push you to WORK on your novel. hehe. not to mention the friends you meet while doing it. 🙂
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Haha..well that sounds cool! Looking forward to it. And who knows, we might still end up having the same opinions 😊😊 But yeah: this is going to be awesome! 😊
As for NaNoWriMo…that really sounds amazing!! Good luck on that, and I hope you will have fun as well! 😊
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It will be an amazing experience.. Happy reading to us. 🙂
And thank you. 🙂
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Well, I have III on my list to read, so I’m with Pete in this one. I kind of skimmed the important parts of your review so I wouldn’t have TOO much given away! But, trapped on a boat with no electricity, a virus and people dying?? I think that was the gist of it?? *shudder* can’t wait to get to it, but a cruise is NOT on my bucket list. The rooms are SO TINY unless you spend a RIDICULOUS amount of money. And you have such a set amount of time to hit land and check stuff out, other than that you’re trapped in the boat… Which, yes, is apparently HUGE…. But, eh. I may go one day because my sis keeps trying to convince me. But, I’d rather fly to euprope somewhere and take a train through some places.
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Well…as I said to Pete, this book stands on it’s own, and it doesn’t really refer to anything from the previous book 😊 So you are a safe in reading this post: and I always write my reviews spoiler free 😊
But yep…that was pretty much the gist of it: correct! 😊 It’s definitely a fun read, that’s for sure, and I think you would like it a lot 😊
Haha…well..the experience of being on the boat itself is for me what’s so much fun about it in the first place 😊 But yes, it’s something I do want to do at some point…that’s for sure 😊
Ooh…and I like your idea of the train: that’s also a really fun thing to do! 😊😊 (I love taking long trainrides, and well Europe is awesome…so there is that 😊).
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Ya ya…. Rub it in that you’re RIGHT THERE!!! So… GO ENJOY IT!! Remember, Paris is only… Was it 3 hrs away?? WHY AREN’T YOU THERE RIGHT NOW??? (… or was it 5 hrs??… I don’t remember… PRETTY CLOSE! 😘)
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Lol…it’s about 5 hours away I think 🤔🤔 Haha…I don’t know because I have to work, and Paris isn’t really fun by myself? 🤔🤔
That might have been it lol 😂😂
And yes you were close…pretty much right honestly: awesome! 😘
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I feel like you try to justify the horror part without the gory just for me 😂 I haven’t heard of this series yet. I’m glad to see a novel review from you 😊 Great review Michel!
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Haha…well…a lot of people sometimes get turned off with gore, so yeah I thought it would be a good thing to mention that 😂
It’s a very underrated series of books if you ask me. Thanks for the kind words, and if you do manage to check these out, would love to hear your thoughts on it 😊😊
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I noticed that on Goodreads. Not many ratings at all. Is this book like that TV show Lost? That’s also based on the plane crash and some survivors..
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No which is a real shame, as it really is very good 😊
It’s nothing like Lost though…totally different story 😊😊 A very good one though! 😀
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Mighty, thorough review! Ocean travel is one of my favorite forms of travel.. ships just have so much space… buses and planes are just stuffed and you’re elbowing people all the time, trains are better and ships are the best… so, you should totally do a cruise! yolo and all that 😉
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Haha, thank you so much: and yes I definitely do plan on taking that cruise. Probably not next year as there are some other changes that will happen then. But hopefully the year after that 😊
As for the novel, it’s well worth the read. I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts on it, if you do end up reading this one 😊
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Cruise ships are the most amazing way to travel. They have ruined any other method for me. I have been on 3 and wish I could live on the sea.
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Yeah…it’s definitely something that I plan on doing at some point. Next year there are a couple of major changes coming in my life, but after that year, I hopefully can plan a cruise.
It definitely seems like an amazing way to travel 😊😊
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Hopefully these changes are good ones 😊 I hope that, if you get around to trying a cruise, you enjoy your time aboard!
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This sounds like a tight plot that really grips the reader. And these kind of travel oriented stories have always been my favorite and I will definitely be checking this out! Great review! One of your best book reviews yet! You really made my mind wander across so many thoughts! Great job!
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Awww, there you go making me blush again 😊😊 Thank you so much for the kind words 😊😊
It really was a terrific read, while the first one was definitely better, I still enjoyed this one as well 😊 I highly recommend checking it out, and I hope you will enjoy it too 😊
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I will definitely check it out and add it to my infinitely big list!
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