Told in dual POVs Odd and True follows imperfect sister and their willingness to do anything for each other.
Personally I much prefer story driven plots, personally I need something to keep my interest and honestly, I am far to self-centered to heavily invest my emotions in another human being, be that fictional or not. In that way I differ massively from most readers and reviews that I know. So for the majority of readers this book should be fine, for me it was a struggle, and I do prefer books with a faster pace.
I enjoyed the character diversity and and how the main character was necessarily perfect.
I loved the strong family messages throughout the book and the time period of 1900s. The writing style fits perfectly, it was beautifully dark and eerie.
The two sisters Odette and Trudchen, were both really likeable, I enjoyed their vunerbility and the journey the characters went on.
This book would be great for readers who enjoy a heavily character driven plot, with a paranormal and historical vibe.

Odd & True had its creepy moments and supernatural dealings. It had me wanting more though, since the first few chapters promised so many more creatures and hauntings. Even with only a few spooky characters, it didn't take away from the chills that I felt when reading this novel. Like the story of "La Llorona" (The Weeping Woman) being told and having the wailing sounds fill the pages, or the spine-chilling entity that appears to crawl upward in one particular tea cup without stop.

Then we have the sisters, who really make this story what is and the kind of bond they have in the midst of it all. Odd is the best kind of sister to have, even if she confused Tru a little as she was growing up, she did it all to keep their minds from the truth and to protect her sister Tru from all the chaos that was soon to come. It's what makes this story even better and much more captivating than just having the mystical side of it involved.

It's all made even more mysterious when the rest of the family is introduced, when the backstories of how they came to be and what they've had to go through resurface. There really are things that go bump in the night, that follow once steps when walking the streets all alone, that crawl up windows to wreak havoc but get stopped by magical mirrors. If that wasn't enough for the sisters to have to deal with, there is a physical impediment that could possibly make things a lot worse for them.

This novel reminds me of different stories like those written by the Grimm brothers and the adventures that Sam and Dean have on Supernatural. I couldn't stop reading Odd & True! Even though there wasn't always a scary scene going on, everything else they went through, and what the were trying to accomplish on their journey, made it a great read. It's definitely a book I would recommend reading in October and will be adding a copy to my shelves.

***I received this copy from Amulet Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***

Have I told you lately how much I love Cat Winters? Cat Winters does no wrong. Every time I read a new book of hers, I don’t think she can impress me more, and yet she does. The ideas she comes up with always wow me. I was thrilled to see her new book Odd & True available and I couldn’t wait to let her take me on another adventure once again.  While her books are always bordering some level of supernatural, Odd & True sounded like it jumped full into the supernatural realm with two sisters who hunt monsters.

Odette and Teudchen grew up surrounded my supernatural folklore that ran in there bloodline, so naturally they were destined to be brave and courageous women. But what appears to be a fun monster hunt adventure is far more, as Winters often does with her work. This delves into the depths of family secrets and shame, an unwavering sisterly bond and certain loves that are stronger than could ever be imagined. 

Flipping between childhood and adulthood, we see the two sisters grow and come to terms with their lives while also battling that burden of becoming adults and losing touch with the mystical and magical realms of childhood. 

I quite enjoyed this, as I knew I would, reading it in nearly one sitting. I was able to pick out certain plot points ahead of their reveal, so I can’t say I was totally taken by surprise in the end when things were revealed, but nonetheless I really enjoyed where this book took me and Winters has a beautiful way of making the past so colourful and vibrant with a modern feel.  

As always, I recommend anything Winters writes, her novels are full of such interesting and strong characters that make a real impact. I can’t wait for the next one.

I'm unable to provide a review at this time. Unfortunately, I DNFed this book in the first 17%. It just didn't grab my attention. I apologize for any inconvenience.

This was a really good book.  It's one that as you read you may start out thinking that for sure it is going to be about monsters. But then as you get going, there are things that happen that make you start to wonder if the book is really going to have monsters, or if they are all the product of some wild imaginations and used to help put more normal, human "monsters" in an easier place to deal with in their minds.  But really, it doesn't matter which part of the story it is, which type of chapter, it kept you reading.  While I really love all things monster and supernatural, and that is what drew me to the story in the first place, there was actually parts of the book where we were getting a look at what really happened, real world stuff, and I was upset when that part would leave off in order to go back to the part of the story that was in the supernatural world, or at least you thought it was.

I'm not going to tell you for sure whether it actually was a supernatural monster or monsters in the story, you need to read and find out for yourself. But the hunt to get there to find out is definitely worth your time.  And I wasn't disappointed in the way it all ended in any way really.  The book did a great job at looking how not all monsters are supernatural, and how you don't have to be a big strong man or have a gun or other fancy tools in order to defeat the monster.  It makes you see how there are chances for redemption, and there really are reasons to keep your family close and stay with those who are there for you and have been there for you.  The reasons why people do things may not always be what you expect.  And everyone deserves a chance.

I also like how at the end of the book you get a really great epilogue, as well as a little section from the author with a list of resources in case you want to know more about any of the aspects in the book, both supernatural as well as scientific or historical.  This is my first book by the author, although I've had her other books on my TBR, and now will have to make sure to go back and read them soon!

I'm rounding up to 4 stars from 3.5. I think Cat Winters has a wonderful writing style. It's immersive, creepy and fits the 1900's time period perfectly. For this reason alone I will read more of her books (Odd & True was my first of hers). I also commend Winters for putting a disabled main character in an old setting where being disabled makes you expendable. Tru is a character that I think a lot of people will relate to and desperately want to be like. Which is only a good thing. 

This book is really a study in setting mood and developing characters. If you want plot you've come to the wrong place. Almost nothing happens in this book until the last 20%. I found this disappointing as the blurb certainly made it sound far more interesting and exciting. The blurb should probably have said something about how the monsters might be physical or emotional and Tru needs to be prepared for secrets to come to the forefront. Because a lot of this book is just revealing family baggage that isn't necessarily monster hunting related at all. 

Now 3.5 stars might feel like a high rating for a book with no plot. But honestly I can say the mood of the book was truly wonderful. I'm kind of hoping Winters has a sequel planned and I'll be one of the first in line to read it. The ending is a pretty good payoff but I think a lot of people may DNF long before they get there as the substance is really missing for most of the story. So if you can stick it out to the end you'll likely walk away somewhat satisfied; but I wouldn't judge anyone who chooses to give up on this one.

I loved the atmosphere in this book. I loved the sisters. And, I loved that there was always that bit of mystery going on as to what was real and what wasn't. 
The story switches POV back and forth between the two sisters, Odette and Trudchen, and, not only did that work to keep me on the edge of my seat, but it also kept the story barreling forward. The pace was super quick and the story was compelling. 
I really enjoyed this and definitely recommend it.

I thought this was a very interesting concept, and I did enjoy it quite a bit. It simply wasn't... enough? I thought I would get more from it than I did, and that was disappointing. I wanted to like it a lot more than I did.

I wanted to love this so badly, I heard so many good things about Cat Winters and this was the first book of hers that I read. Unfortunately Odd & True didn’t live up to my expectations, it wasn’t horrible, there were definitely some aspects that I enjoyed. However, I felt the story as a whole was pretty mediocre.

Cat Winter’s writing was pleasant, the way in which she described some things I found to be quite enjoyable. The novel is told in alternating perspectives from two sisters Odette and Trudchen Grey. Odette, the eldest sister recounts her memories from the past, living with her mother and baby sister in a remote house, and being visited occasionally by her father and uncle Magnus. She also describes her time living away from her sister Tru, and the hardships she encountered along the way. Tru tells the story of the present day, and we slowly learn how incredibly sheltered Tru’s upbringing was, as she beings to learn the truths of her family. Although I found Oddette’s chapters to be far more sorrowful, I enjoyed her perspective over Tru’s, it was brutal, honest and the things she went through is definitely something a young girl should never have to endure.

The characters is where I felt like Odd & True lacked the most. Odette and Trudchen weren’t horrible characters by any means but I felt like they lacked dimension and they read younger than their ages. This may be due to their sheltered upbringing, but I just couldn’t quite get myself to look past it. I didn’t quite understand the reasons behind their motives, and I wasn’t connected to them in the slightest. But I must say I greatly admired Od’s strength and Tru’s growth and strength, despite her disability she didn’t let anything hold her back. Also thumbs-up for diversity with a disabled main character!

As Odd & True was a mainly character driven story, not a tremendous lot happened plot-wise. Up until around half-way through the novel, we hadn’t progressed much, however, half the story is told in the past so the present day plot may suffer from that. I found there to be a lot of telling and explaining but not a lot of showing, so I tended to get a bit disinterested sometimes and wished the plot would hurry itself up a bit.

Overall, I am quite disappointed in Odd & True. Although it wasn’t a terrible novel, it definitely did lack in the character and plot departments. But suffice to say, just because I didn’t enjoy it doesn’t mean other people won’t love it!

Raised on stories about their mother and uncle’s monster hunting past, Trudchen Grey is still not inclined to believe her sister’s letters, telling of Odette’s adventures in the circus or even wilder escapades. But when Odette returns to their aunt’s house to whisk her little sister into an even bigger adventure, Tru has to make a choice to believe – or not. Either will have repercussions.

In alternating chapters, the narrator switches from Tru to Odette, who fills in some of the mysteries of the family’s past. Soon, the reader is left trying to figure out which half of the story – either side of the fin de siecle – is the bigger mystery.

You might be able to tell from my rating: I loved this book! I went in not knowing too much about it, but I suppose with expectations of a ‘Hansel and Gretel Witchhunters’ ya adventure – which would have been fine. But this is absolutely not that book. It is so much more!

I’m left not really wanting to spoil it all too much for any would-be readers, rather allowing you to make those discoveries for yourself. Suffice to say, this is a heart-pulling drama, a lovely historical slice, and sure – a l’il bit about monster hunting. It’s also a perfect book about the power of stories, and the bonds of family.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the review copy of the book, and the chance to discover Cat Winters.

Cat Winters’s novels are some of the best, but underappreciated historical fiction I’ve ever read. Od and Tru grew up with stories about their mother and her siblings’ bravery. They grew up believing in the paranormal, that monsters exist and it was their family’s responsibility to protect the world from them. But life has taken many things from both Od and Tru. Their father disappeared when they were young and their mother hasn’t been in their life. Even their beloved Uncle Magnus hasn’t been seen for years. After being sent away, Od shows up at her sister’s window, begging her to come away with her and to accept their family’s legacy. But Tru no longer believes in monsters. Still, her love for his sister Odette will take them far from the safe haven of their aunt’s house and into a dangerous, unknown world. Using dual perspectives and shifting timelines, Cat Winters crafts a tale of two sisters whose lives are full of loss, but also perseverance.

At the heart of this story are two sisters who hold very different views of the world. As the oldest, Odette has always felt that she needed to protect her younger sister. Her stories of monsters and the heroes that slay them have been the only way in which she has been able to help shield her sister from the realities of life. What goes unsaid is that Odette is also in need of these stories. Being older has exposed her to the flaws of the adults in her life and it’s been easier to embrace a story about these people than to accept who they really are. Unlike her sister, Tru no longer holds fast to these myths. Ever since her sister was forced to leave her aunt’s home, Tru has grown up to resent these tall tales and the letters from her sister that speak of harrowing travels. While life with her Aunt Viktoria has been stifling, Tru isn’t sure she’s brave enough to step outside into the great unknown. Though she’s suspended any belief in the paranormal, she’s taken to reading tea leaves in secret because a part of her still wants to believe in her sister’s stories.

Odd & True takes its time separating fact from fiction as the girls embark on a hunt for Leeds Devil which has been terrorizing the people of New Jersey. From the cover and synopsis, I expected an action-packed novel about monster hunting, but instead was treated to a slow-paced narrative about a flawed family, two sisters who survive despite injustices done to them, and the power of a story to weave magic if only one takes a leap of faith and believes.

I'm a huge fan of Cat Winters. I know that when I pick up one of her novels there will be a delicious mix of historical detail and paranormal twists. The cover of this novel was what first caught my eye, but I was also excited to learn that it would largely focus on two sisters - Odette aka Od and Trudchen aka Tru. I love novels that have strong sister relationships.

Od and Tru haven't had the easiest lives. They learn from an early age that reality can be distorted and sometimes losing yourself in stories is the best way to handle reality. The girls navigate a complicated family structure and periods of neglect before finding themselves living in rural Oregon with an aunt and uncle. Their contact with their father ends and their mother only contacts the house sporadically. The girls largely are raised by their aunt and uncle, but come to rely on one another deeply. The bond between Od and Tru is strong and special. The pair would do anything for one another, but when Od is sent away, Tru can't fathom what would keep her sister at bay for so long. Letters arrive from Od detailing her adventures chasing monsters and working for the circus, but the undercurrent of her words leaves Tru on edge as she can't quite believe everything in her sister's words.

On the night of Tru's fifteenth birthday, Od shows up again, seemingly coming from the very mist that surrounds the farmhouse. Od wants nothing more than to lead Tru away on an adventure to find monsters, but Tru realizes that Oregon may be the best place for her. Tru is disabled after a bout with polio when she two and as such she requires rest and assistance; Tru can't walk without her brace, special shoe, and cane. Od insists that Tru is capable of so much more than Oregon can offer her - in spite of her debilitating injury. After much thought, Tru decides to leave with her sister. She doesn't believe in monsters, but she does want answers about their family's secrets. Tru was sheltered from the early chaos that tore the family apart, but she knows the events still haunt Od.

The girls head for Philadelphia when it seems that fate is pointing in the direction. Once they arrive they learn the story of the fearsome New Jersey Devil (NJD) that stalks the Pine Barrens. This is a legend that I am familiar with and heard most recently about on one of my favorite podcasts, Lore. There are variations in the origin of the NJD, but the consistent theme is that the creature terrorized the people, causing fear and hysteria to run rampant. The NJD sounds frightening to me, but somehow Od and Tru decide that they must vanquish him and save the people of New Jersey and Pennsylvania from further injury at the NJD's claws.

Before heading out to search for the NJD, the girls will have to confront some of their human demons. Secrets that Od has tried to keep buried will bubble to the surface while Tru will desperately wish to reconnect with their long lost mother. 

One major thing I am walking away from after reading this is that stories are truly an escape for so many people in desperate circumstances. Stories have a way of soothing what aches and providing a sense of comfort. Living in a character's shoes can often shine a mirror into the reader's life and help them see things more clearly. Secondly, I can't help pondering the notion of monsters after finishing this one. So often we are caught up by the monsters that plague us in our day to day lives that these elements such as stress and loss can take on characteristics that feel like we are battling werewolves and dragons. Monsters come in many shapes and sizes, but they all leave bruises on our hearts and minds.

If you're looking for a novel that seamlessly blends historical detail with complicated issues and paranormal elements, then I'd suggest picking up Odd & True. While this novel takes place in the early 1900's, I still found Od and Tru to be relatable characters. My heart broke for them at times, but other moments caused me to cheer at their triumphs. These sisters could give the Winchester brothers a run for their money.

One Last Gripe: I liked the epilogue, but I would have liked to see things develop for Tru and Od rather than just getting a brief snapshot.

Favorite Thing About This Book: The relationship between Od & Tru 

First Sentence: "Tell me the story again," I urged my sister in the nighttime blackness of our attic bedroom.

Favorite Character: Tru

Least Favorite Character: Cy

I am always drawn to supernatural fiction, especially historical supernatural fiction, so I was very eager to read this book.  This is the first book that I've read by Cat Winters and it certainly won't be the last.  I thought this was an intriguing story with compelling characters.  

The story takes place in America, in 1909, and revolves around sisters, Trudchen and Odette, as they seek to find their mother, who left the family back when the sisters were young.  Along the way, the sisters discover more about their family history, while finding the courage to face their mother and the notorious Leeds Devil. The story is told in multiple perspectives, each chapter alternating between Tru and Od's points of view.  

Odd & True is a story that centers on family dynamics and family secrets, with some supernatural elements thrown in, so don't expect an "in your face, monster-slaying adventure" on every page.  There are some supernatural moments (that are scary), but I feel that the story focuses more on the bond between the sisters and their family history.  I found that I really loved reading about the sisters' experience, and I enjoyed the mystery of whether their family members really were monster-slayers.  Was everything they were told a lie, or do the monsters really exist?

I felt that Tru and Od were well-developed characters and I loved their courageous spirit and the strong bond between them.  They have endured a lot, especially since their mother left, but they became determined to find their mother and face their demons.  I fell in love with Cat Winter's beautiful writing, and the way she described the eerie settings gave the novel a gothic vibe that fit well with the story. 

If you're looking for an intriguing, historical fiction read (with paranormal elements), then you should definitely pick up this book. I can't wait to read more from Cat Winters!

4.5/5 Stars

Cat Winter's Odd & True is a step away from the author's previous works like In the Shadows of Blackbirds, The Cure for Dreaming, and The Uninvited. Odd & True is the story of Odette Grey and Trudchen Grey. Two sisters whose family is anything but normal. In fact, I dare say that they are as discombobulated as they come. Odd is a strange character. I would say that she's a storyteller's dream. She bloviates about stories that she thinks will entertain her younger sister Tru. She lives in an alternate reality where monsters actually do exist, and her mother was a hero who protected the family from said monsters. 

Tru is definitely my favorite and that's because she has the ultimate handicap. She was struck by polio as a young girl, and has had to struggle to get from place to place without assistance. But, when Odd returns home 2 years after being banished by their Aunt, she agrees to go on an adventure of a lifetime with her sister. From Oregon to Chicago. From Chicago to Philadelphia. From Philadelphia to New Jersey where they hunt for the elusive Leed's Devil. Tru also had a curious aspect of tea leaf reading which leads you to wonder if she did have magical abilities after all.

Let's call this Odd & Tru's Tall Tales, shall we? Odd & True's story takes place in actual historical locations. The author uses real events, places, & incidents to weave her story. Odd is the most curious sort. She spent her early years weaving stories for Tru. These stories were filled with fairy tales, legends, fables, myths, ghost stories, magic & monsters. Heck, they even grew up reading Grimm's Fairy Tales. Odd's choices are to be scrutinized, but I won't deny there was a bit of sadness on my part as well. 

Especially when the author finally reveals some really heart breaking twists. Imagine being told that you will go on grand adventures and become a hero in her own right. Just like her Uncle Magnus, and her own Mother. Then life hits you squarely in the face. Would you rather live in a fantasy world, or the real world? Never doubt the love between these sisters. Never doubt that either of them would bend over backwards to help the other. Odd & True is a story that alternatives between the sisters, but also between the present and the past. Recommended.

* I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review*

Odd & True by Cat Winters is an intriguing book about family, monsters and truth. Her whole life Trudchen has been told wonderous tales about monsters from her sister Odette. Od tells Tru all about how they come from a long line of monster hunters, and that their mother is one too.

The story starts off in the year 1909, when Od returns home to get her sister and take her on a journey. Tru, who has been living with their aunt and suffers from difficulties from childhood polio, is reluctant to go with Od at first. Once Od starts filling her head with stories again, it doesn’t take long to convince Tru to come along.

Odd & True alternates chapters between Tru and Od, with Tru’s chapters being set in the present and Od’s chapters set in the past. Tru starts to wonder if the wild tales that she has heard her whole life are true or if Od is simply good at spinning stories. When reading Od’s chapters you get to find out what is real and what isn’t, although it is still sometimes hard to tell.

I love how this book keeps you guessing until the end. Just when you think you have it figured out, you realize you don’t. While this book was not what I thought it would be like, I really enjoyed it. The ending leaves it open for future installments, which would be welcomed in my opinion.

Overall this book is worth a read, especially if you like mysteries, historical settings and the possibilities for monsters.

Odd & True by Cat Winters is available wherever books are sold on September 12th 2017.

Odd & True was a good historical fiction novel. It had an engaging historical setting, plenty of mystery and fantasy to create a great atmosphere, and complex and likable characters. I really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed and think it is a good fall read for people who aren't necessarily fans of horror. Although I think it's far from Cat's most complex work. If you are looking for a YA historical fantasy check this one out.

DNF at 23%.

I have loved Cat Winters previous books but this is a slight departure from her other novels and it just isn't working for me. I don't care for either sister and the plot is non-existent. I read another review that said things pick up around 70% but, I don't like these characters enough to stick with them that long.

Odd & True is a historical fiction book that takes place between the late 1800s and the early 1900s. The book is told in rotating point of view. Odette's point of view takes place in the past and Trudchen's point of view takes place in the present. I quite enjoyed this format, as it was easy to follow along with and it was essential to the story that Od's point of view told the story of the past. 

The present story line is told through the younger sister's eyes, Tru. Tru was disabled at a young age due to polio. Because of this, she is sheltered and thought of as delicate. Tru an Od were separated for a few years due to Od being sent away. During this time, Od goes through some horrors that she has trouble coping with.

In Od's point of view, we see what happened in the past. Od, being the older sister had been through some life-changing situations when she was younger. Trying to be the protective older sister, Od never tells Tru the truth of their past and hides it by telling tall tales. She tells tales of how their mother and her siblings are monster-hunters and that monster-hunting and magic runs in their blood. One day, after Od's long absence, she shows up and takes Tru away to hunt for monsters across the country.

This tale is truly one of sisterhood. I loved how even though the sisters were torn apart for a few years, their bond always stayed strong. Everything Od did was to protect her sister, even if that meant telling lies. 

Going into this book, I expected the typical paranormal fantasy book about monsters. That is not all that I got. While there are paranormal aspects to this book, there are a lot of hard hitting topics as well. Od had been through some traumas that she had to work through over the course of the book. Even though it wasn't the story I was expecting, I truly enjoyed this book immensely. I thought Cat Winters did a great job of writing about these hard topics and how the characters reacted to the horrors.

All in all, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. Publication date is September 12, 2017.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and Cat Winters for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Winters, Cat Odd and True, 368 pages.  Amulet Books, 2017.  $18.  Language: PG-13 (28 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (unwed pregnancy); Violence: PG-13 (deaths by vicious animal)

Trudchen (True) has been living alone with her Aunt Viktoria since her older sister Odette (Odd) was sent to work in the city and then ran away.  Now, on the night if her fifteenth birthday, Odd is back and determined to take True with her to hunt the Leeds Devil, a vicious animal killing people along the East Coast.  Odd has raised True on a  steady of diet of magical stories, from True’s own miraculous birth to their other’s exploits as a monster hunter.  While True has limited use of one legs from a bout of polio, she is eager to embrace her family destiny as a monster hunter and learn all about Odd’s adventures with the circus these last two years.  What she doesn’t realize and that many people have been hiding very deep secrets from her her entire life.

Watching the story unfold through a mix of True and Odd’s points of view revealed a bit at a time, like slowly unwrapping a present.  As the reader, I had more information than True, which created a nice tension for the reader as True approaches the truth to her family story.  The epilogue is a sweet final flourish.

HS - ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Odd and True by Cat Winters 

[Tags: book review, cat winters, odd & true, young adult fantasy, historical fiction, paranormal, fourstars, 2017 publications, arc review, diverse reads,]

This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This review edition is an ARC and may differ from the final edition.

[insert book banner]

I have given Odd and True by Cat Winters a ☆☆☆☆ rating. It belongs to the Young Adult Fantasy genre with some Historical Fiction and Paranormal. Amulet Books/ABRAMS Kids publishes it. It will be published September 12th, 2017. 

The blurb reads:

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.

Add to Goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28078791]

Verdict:

Think Buffy but instead with two monster fighting sisters, a very twisted and dark past and a lot of emotional depth. Odd & True is a refreshing gem in a sea of almost cookie cutter young adult books. It’s definitely very different but extremely compelling. You’ll be drawn straight into the sisters’ story. I found it very clever and very plot-y to have Odd driving the events of the past when recounted through her POV and True, driving the future events. I did feel that Odd & True featured a rather weak plot (it merely consisted of them telling their backgrounds and stories, travelling across the country and then battling a monster). This is the kind of book where the characters matter. It’s also a rather weird and strange concoction (for that is what it is) and I praise Cat Winters’ creativity in designing (for it seems to have been pieced together very carefully) the book. 

I would almost call this magical realism because it really is unclear to both the reader and the characters whether they actually have magic or not. 

To break it down,

[may contain spoilers]

The Good:

1. Tru is a differently abled character. Unfortunately, this is a double edged sword which I will address in the next section. Odd does not at all consider Tru to be incapable or an invalid. She doesn’t want to confine her to her bed or her wheelchair and believes that she can accomplish anything. Bascially, Odd treats her like a real person. This is opposed to other people in Tru’s life, specifically her aunt who is determined to keep her from experiencing life to the fullest. 

2. As opposed to plot, Odd & Tru is more character focused and there is a lot of character development, specifically in the sisters. We see Tru grow from a scared and hesitant to fully embracing her supposed destiny in life in being a monster hunter. When she gets out of her wheelchair and finally “stands up for herself” is absolutely chilling. Odd, I would say, is a lot more passive than Tru but her story starts when she is a little girl, told in flashbacks and is no less compelling. Without giving anything away, Odd goes from a naïve little girl to a world weary woman but her strength is constant and it’s just beautiful to read. 

3. Being the eldest sister, the relationship between Odd and Tru is one that I hold dear. Let me tell you that sisters hate each other the most but when it comes down to it, we stick by each other. And that’s exactly what happens with Odd and Tru. Odd sticks by Tru, protecting her and helping her every step of the way. It’s nice to see that the relationship does get strained, but in the end, family is the strongest bond you have. 

3.1 I also loved that Odd’s family was explored from her mother to her father and her uncle. We learn about all these people that has shaped the sisters’ lives and how they’ve grown and learnt from them, the lessons that they took away. 

4. Odd & Tru is told from two different point of views and by the genius that is Cat Winters, there is absolutely no confusion. I knew at all times who was speaking. Of course, it’s easy to tell apart because one is talking about events of the past. It’s so clever to have Odd be the one to recount the past, not only because she was older but also because her motivations in the future were driven by past events. And, Tru describes the present because she is driven by being in the present because she is unaware of the past and everything that Odd has hidden from her. 

5. I considered classifying this as a negative because I’m unsure how others would react to this thing but Odd & Tru definitely do not speak in a YA voice. Their tone is much more mature and so is their subject material. Without spoiling too much, Odd & Tru is also a lesson in feminism and women’s rights, the situation and consequences that Odd found herself in and faced were far too contemporary and relevant. And this was set in the past!

The Bad:

1. I won’t say it’s bad but it can be a negative as it’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. It’s a little strange book that really made my head spin (in a good way) but it also made me want to put it down more than once.

2. The setting is confusing. It seems to be set in history, like real places, but there is too much of a fantasy element that makes it seem as though it weren’t set in our world. 

Conclusion:
Odd & Tru is a clever piece of work and a genius of crafting. Unlike the young adult books of the current age and time, Odd & True barely features a romantic relationship and instead, surrounds the story of these two badass sisters. The plot is little but the characters are vibrant, present and real, making up for the lack of plot. I would definitely say that Odd & Tru isn’t for everyone but if you love this sort of read, then this one is definitely for you.