Review: steeped in suspense and cleverly constructed characters
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 9, 2013
I fell in love with Zeiner's writing when I read her first book, Section 123.  So, I knew I was in for a treat when I picked up Birthdays of a Princess.The story opens with Tiara 'Tia' stabbing a random woman in a coffee shop and her mom seeing it on the news.  What would bring such a young woman to do such a violent and volatile act?As the investigation begins, the reader is given a glimpse into Tia and her mom's past, along with Tia's Aunt Gracie.  Tia was pushed into the beauty pageant scene at a very young age and stayed in it until she was too old to compete.  The change in her psych is dramatic at that point when she is expected to return to a normal childhood.Her mother can't seem to associate the rebellious and extremely troubled teen with her sweet little girl.  She takes no responsibility for her daughter's actions and feel that what she did for Tia was to her benefit.  The psychologist in charge of Tia's case urges her to journal her life up to that point and Tia uses her birthdays as pivotal times in her life. But there are deeper and darker secrets yet to be revealed that will hold you captive.Page-turning, steeped in suspense and cleverly constructed characters that will grab you from the first page and not let go until the shocking end.  This book kept me riveted and I read it in two sittings, so abhorrent to putting it down.  It really brought forth a myriad of emotions, from humor, horror, shock, anger and more.  If you enjoy a well written thriller, I'd highly recommend Birthdays of a Princess.