**3.5 STARS**

Content Warning: body horror, illness, blood, parental death, underage drinking

This book was giving me The Craft vibes throughout and I love that movie. Obviously, it wasn’t The Craft, because but it had all the vibes – group of high school girls, vows of being best friends, blood vows, things happening to the girls.

Sorrow is a small town, but one with a backstory. There are six girls with the same birthday, if that’s not suspicious, I don’t know what is. Isabeau is one of these girls and there is a feeling these girls once upon a time were close best friends but not anymore, at least not with Isabeau. But something happens on their sixteenth birthday and it’s a race to figure out what is going on with the girls.

There are some heavy issues that are brought up in this book such as lost friendship, family problems, grief, and problematic parent/child bonds. I like how they face their problems eventually though and there is actually a happy ending even though this was a horror story.

Speaking of horror, this is set in a small town with a backstory about a witch named Sorrow. The horror is happening to the girls, where they are disappearing, or going through some illness and bleeding out of their eyes and such.


Final Thoughts:

I thought this was pretty entertaining especially with premise of a small creepy town called Sorrow and six girls having the same birthday. What these girls uncover is something dark but the darkness makes way for the light and love of their friendship as they are reunited again. I think that was my favorite part of the book – the friendship. It would have been nice if there was more witchcraft in this book but that’s just for my personal preference!

I am not a huge horror fan, but this book was great. I wanted to know what was going to happen throughout the story, keeping me turning the page. It wasn’t super intense, so if you are looking for something really spooky I wouldn’t say this fit the bill. But it does have intrigue and powerful moments. I love the story of friendship helping the girls overcome their problems. The book doesn’t paint the friendship as being without faults, which made it feel more realistic. And Isabeau’s moment of self-realization was well done.

Thos one kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I loved all six of the main characters and found them each to be strong in their own ways.

Sadly this book was not for me. I just wasn't vibing with it. The writing was not fun and the cover is uncomfortable.

Six of Sorrow is captivating from the very beginning, full of twists and turns that keep you flipping the pages. The story of Sorrow and how these girls are tethered together is woven together so perfectly in the most haunting and beautiful way. From the very beginning I was lured in by the relatable characters and enjoyed the atmospheric prose that brings them and the setting to life. I loved the friendship between Isabeau and Reuel, and how determined Iz was to protect her as they worked through understanding the mysterious illness that's taken over her.
Of course I also enjoyed all the witchy vibes and Yellowjackets comp! This was such a s good read!

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. I think Amanda has stepped right up into my circle of favorite authors. I loved Starlings, and I LOVED this. It was nostalgic feeling, atmospheric, and beautifully written. I loved the dynamic of the girls, and thought it was an interesting story addition for them all to share the same birthday, I really loved how unique that tie between them all was. Ms. Linsmeier is holding steady on my list as an auto-buy author!

Six of Sorrow is what would result if The Craft had the best friends come together to fight an evil magic force coming to get them. Small town vibes, large group friendship, and the best romance (if you're into subtle hints until all at once you realize you've been in love the whole time - this is my favorite thing, I even cried). The book delivers on the creepy /horror vibes it promises, and for a large group of friends and only one POV there was a perfect page balance and the characters felt distinct. I LOVED IT, thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

Also, thanks NetGalley for allowing me to read this book before Pub Date in exchange for an honest review. Catch me at the bookstore during release day.

Amanda did it again. I really enjoy and love her writing style. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for reading.
10/10

I loved this so much !!!! it was referred to as a cross between “pretty little liars” and “practical magic “ and that’s exactly the vibe that I got the whole time reading this book it’s everything you want in a witchy girl group mystery ! Was an easy 4 star read for me an would absolutely read it again

Beautiful lyrical book! If you love magical realism, this one is perfect for you. It revolves around sisters who are bonded by birth, not blood. The novel explores the concept of family, which is more than just blood relations. The story also delves into how the past can create unintended consequences. I am trying to be cryptic and avoid giving away spoilers. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

In the small town of Sorrow, named for its most famous witch, six girls share a birthday. For much of their lives, they were the best of friends, but now they’re barely speaking. All Isabeau has left is Reuel. On their sixteenth birthday, the two girls decide to celebrate with a nighttime picnic in the cemetery, and then they walk home, parting ways at Reuel’s front porch.

But in the morning, Reuel is gone.

As the town gathers a search party, Isabeau and the other four girls are drawn back together in their grief. Weirdly, their mothers are drawn together as well, even though they’ve never been close. When Reuel shows up a few days later, something is very wrong with her. Her symptoms get worse and worse despite the doctors’ best efforts, and then . . . another one of the girls goes missing.

It’s not long before Isabeau and her friends realize that the six of them are being targeted in some way, and their mothers have a secret connection from the past that seems related. Will the girls be able to figure out what’s happening to them before it’s too late?

We were definitely intrigued by the mystery of this one and rooting for the girls to figure it out. While there’s definitely something not human going on, it’s also got enough mystery/suspense vibes to draw in those (like us) who are new to the horror genre. We think many students will enjoy the story, but it’s definitely for older teens, especially since it includes a fair amount of profanity and casual teen drinking and smoking.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Children’s, and Delacorte Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

(3.5 stars rounded down: it was an engaging read but didn't particularly stand out, perhaps because the characters seem pretty flat)

Review (minus the stars) will be posted on https://threeheads.works/category/blog/ya-books/ on April 8.

Six of Sorrow was one of my most anticipated 2024 reads so when I got approved for the eARC I immediately had to download and start it.

This book was so freaking good! I was hooked from the very beginning and I couldn’t put it down. I had to keep reading to figure out what was happening to the girls.

I loved the story of friendship and how they all came together and had each others back.

Also, don’t let the pink fool you, this book is quite dark and there’s lots of elements of body horror. But I loved every second of it.

Another fun YA horror from Amanda Linsmeier! I love the creepy gothic atmosphere in her books and how easy they are to read. The mystery in this one was great - six ex-best friends all born on the same day come together again after one of them goes missing. There are witches, spells, and demons, but also friendships, mother daughter relationships, and a bit of romance. I would recommend this if you’re looking for a spooky and fast paced yet heartwarming read!

Thank you to Random House for the ARC!

Amanda Linsmeier’s sophomore novel, “Six of Sorrow” takes place in the small town of Sorrow, Louisiana, following six teenage girls born on May 3rd. Some strange things start to happen to the girls after their 16th birthdays and together they are determined to solve the mysteries that unfold henceforth.

This fast-paced supernatural young adult thriller is perfect for those who enjoyed “Pretty Little Liars.” When I saw this recommended to fans of “Yellowjackets” I was all in - especially after enjoying the author’s debut novel “Starlings.” While I think the “Yellowjackets” comparison is a stretch - this modern day story has a charm of its own that will keep the reader engaged trying to predict what’s going on.

Thank you so much to NetGalley & Delacorte Press for sending me a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I enjoy Amanda Linsmeier’s writing and I was itching to find out what was out to get these ladies.

3.5 stars !

It's a bit silly, but I kept getting stuck on the name Reuel as used for a teenage girl in this book. To me, Reuel says "bearded patriarch." Other than that, the book was engaging but not particularly original. There's been a glut of witchy grrrl power books lately, and I'm not sure how much this one will stand out from the others. The cover gives it a head start, though.

A wonderful and spooky young adult read. The premise of the book was intriguing, and the characters were all entertaining.

This is a book about how lost friendship can be found again with a magical twist.
Six girls who are best friends all share the same birthday.
A blood oath is the beginning of the end.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Amanda Linsmeier’s sophomore novel does not disappoint! Six of Sorrow is full of creepy atmosphere, a little gruesome horror, and lots of love and friendship. I loved the magic of the same birthday, the deep bonds between the girls, and the folklore surrounding Sorrow. I only wish Sorrow (the witch) played a more active role in the story. This book is perfect for anyone who loves The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but make it supernatural.

Thank you to Netgalley, Delacorte Press, and Random House for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first novel by this author and it did not disappoint! I loved it and was all in from the beginning! It had a creepy atmosphere and wonderful characters that just sucked you right in. I highly recommend this one! Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!