Reviews

The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould

karleighreads's review

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2.0

Horrible, this book was not a good book. Again picked up because of the cover and because it was labeled *horror* but it was not good. The representation in this book of LGBTQIA+ is there but other than that this was incredibly confusing. There’s a dark being, and a person who has come back from the dead, a father who is incredibly distant to his daughter and missing teenagers. The ending was terrible and there the reasoning behind everything was weird and confusing. I’m over it.

itputsthebookupontheshelf's review

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4.0

This book was kind of like reading Fear Street mixed with The Diviners, and I loved it.

Taking place in the small town of Snakebite, life is not easy for Logan or her two fathers, who grew up there. Many years prior Logan's fathers left Snakebit abruptly for unknown reasons, but when they return kids start going missing. The town, who were not fond of the couple years ago, are convinced they are the reason for these missing kids, but Logan and her new "friend" Ashley (whose boyfriend went missing) want the truth.

Things are much more complicated, sad and darker than anyone ever knew. I loved the way things come together and and backstory. It was fun finding out bits and pieces from other people in the town who knew Logan's fathers a long time ago, each had insight and new information that was actually useful.

I really enjoyed the characters in this story, everyone was well fleshed out, believable and interesting. Logan was by far my favorite. I really felt for her and enjoyed watching here grow and come into her own throughout the story. Also her fathers had a really good backstory that added so much depth to the happenings in the book.

There were lots of learning experiences and real world prejudices which really brought you into the story. I think the author did a great job keeping you in that world while also adding the darker more paranormal elements. Things fit together well and didn't feel like they didn't belong together or too farfetched. Definitely an author the keep your eye on.

The Audiobook was also great. The narration was spot on for what this story needed and dragged you right into the action.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review

sabrods16's review

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5.0

i cried real tears. like actual tears. logan and her dads <3 logan and ashley <33

missloren_89's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

booksandbaking17's review

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

isabellleeee's review

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

leesamudio's review against another edition

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mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

tegan6231's review

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dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

precedent's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

magyklyxdelish's review

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5.0

Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve read a story that had me this invested. This book had all the drama and heartache you imagine when thinking of YA but peppered in with some spooks and a compelling mystery. There’s an element of who-dun-it but honestly I was more invested in figuring out the mysteries of the past.

I love love loved this one and would definitely read more from this author.