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apagecastingwitch's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS ONE! It mixes horror with kind of a fantasy vibe. It has funny moments, sad moments, intense moments - it literally has everything you could want in a book! At 450 pages, it’s may seem intimidating to some horror readers who are used to a more novella size, but the whole book keeps you hooked and it’s impossible to put down!!
harrieteverend's review
3.0
Have you ever wondered if there’s more to life? If we are destined for something great, part of a divine plan rather than just subjects of random chaos? Mason Cole has wondered these things. And he has the answer…
I finally got around to this one and it was rather enjoyable. It was a bit slow for me, then it would be fast paced...it was a bit too much at times. But to be fair, that's just my thing...nothing to knock it for. The writing was done incredibly well, and the story itself was very original and unique. However, there were times I struggled to get through it and the religious aspects were a bit much for me (I had a feeling there would be a religious theme/feel based on the title and cover alone...). I did finish it and for a debut novel, it's decent. Consider giving it a read!
I finally got around to this one and it was rather enjoyable. It was a bit slow for me, then it would be fast paced...it was a bit too much at times. But to be fair, that's just my thing...nothing to knock it for. The writing was done incredibly well, and the story itself was very original and unique. However, there were times I struggled to get through it and the religious aspects were a bit much for me (I had a feeling there would be a religious theme/feel based on the title and cover alone...). I did finish it and for a debut novel, it's decent. Consider giving it a read!
andrgynz's review
3.0
The Miracle Sin by Marcus Hawke
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (out of 5)
I bought this book not really knowing much besides the synopsis and the general good reviews on GoodReads. Plus was looking to support up and coming horror fiction writer Marcus Hawke.
I thought the writing style was very good, something that suits my tastes and kept my interest. The overall story line was good. I’m just not sure this book was really meeting the expectations I was developing along the way. I am not a religious person at all. And while the religious tone had its function as a huge part of the story, it became a bit overwhelming to me. It dominated the story and caused the horror elements to be more like supporting characters rather than equal players.
I did like the development of the characters and how they interacted with each other, very believable and worked for the story. And the last hundred pages or so were so action packed I couldn’t put the book down.
Would have loved to have Novak the Vampire get as much story time as Mason Cole as his rival. I really enjoyed his character.
The ending was quite anti-climactic, I guess by design? Not sure if a sequel is in the works or if my vision of this huge battle ending was not appropriate. The build up throughout the novel convinced me that an epic battle between “good” and “evil” is the only way this ends. When that didn’t happen, I felt lost and like I was missing something.
Despite my feeling-on-the-fence about this book I would definitely read more of Marcus Hawke’s work.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (out of 5)
I bought this book not really knowing much besides the synopsis and the general good reviews on GoodReads. Plus was looking to support up and coming horror fiction writer Marcus Hawke.
I thought the writing style was very good, something that suits my tastes and kept my interest. The overall story line was good. I’m just not sure this book was really meeting the expectations I was developing along the way. I am not a religious person at all. And while the religious tone had its function as a huge part of the story, it became a bit overwhelming to me. It dominated the story and caused the horror elements to be more like supporting characters rather than equal players.
I did like the development of the characters and how they interacted with each other, very believable and worked for the story. And the last hundred pages or so were so action packed I couldn’t put the book down.
Would have loved to have Novak the Vampire get as much story time as Mason Cole as his rival. I really enjoyed his character.
The ending was quite anti-climactic, I guess by design? Not sure if a sequel is in the works or if my vision of this huge battle ending was not appropriate. The build up throughout the novel convinced me that an epic battle between “good” and “evil” is the only way this ends. When that didn’t happen, I felt lost and like I was missing something.
Despite my feeling-on-the-fence about this book I would definitely read more of Marcus Hawke’s work.
karlakayjenniges's review
5.0
"What a fickle thing time was. Ignore it and it speeds up. Pay attention and it lingers. When you
want more, there isn’t any, and when you want to be rid of it, there’s no escape. Like a flighty lover, time is both loving and cruel."
"While others have faces, shapes, and sounds we can try to block out, the unknown is the most insidious of fears, for it turns our imaginations against us.
"It was a blessing and a curse. A miracle and a sin.”
As I sit here trying to write this review, I am finding myself to be at a loss for words. That is something that rarely happens. Part of the reason is because I do not want to write anything that will give away any spoilers. I really believe that this should be read going into it without knowing anything about it accept from the synopsis.
I found this to be absolutely wonderful in every way possible. The prose is stunning, the characters are well developed, and the themes are a medley, filled with some brutal moments, and yet there is a tenderness that is heartfelt. Religious undertones that makes the mind question, loss of human life, human suffering and questioning faith. New friendships, and some moments that gave me a chuckle. Then we are given the horrific Vampires, the chilling ghosts, and if I am not mistaken an evil demonic presence which truly chilled me.
I just love the depth of this and it has nestled itself into my soul.
So, thank you Mr. Hawke for sharing your beautiful words!
"I get my strength from books. Stories about people who don’t even exist . . . though, in a way, I guess they kind of do, as aspects of the people who write them. I’ve learned more lessons that way than any other because, to me, that’s real.
want more, there isn’t any, and when you want to be rid of it, there’s no escape. Like a flighty lover, time is both loving and cruel."
"While others have faces, shapes, and sounds we can try to block out, the unknown is the most insidious of fears, for it turns our imaginations against us.
"It was a blessing and a curse. A miracle and a sin.”
As I sit here trying to write this review, I am finding myself to be at a loss for words. That is something that rarely happens. Part of the reason is because I do not want to write anything that will give away any spoilers. I really believe that this should be read going into it without knowing anything about it accept from the synopsis.
I found this to be absolutely wonderful in every way possible. The prose is stunning, the characters are well developed, and the themes are a medley, filled with some brutal moments, and yet there is a tenderness that is heartfelt. Religious undertones that makes the mind question, loss of human life, human suffering and questioning faith. New friendships, and some moments that gave me a chuckle. Then we are given the horrific Vampires, the chilling ghosts, and if I am not mistaken an evil demonic presence which truly chilled me.
I just love the depth of this and it has nestled itself into my soul.
So, thank you Mr. Hawke for sharing your beautiful words!
"I get my strength from books. Stories about people who don’t even exist . . . though, in a way, I guess they kind of do, as aspects of the people who write them. I’ve learned more lessons that way than any other because, to me, that’s real.
readbyashleyd's review
3.0
I’m right in the middle with this one, I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it either. Some parts were incredibly interesting and at times I was thoroughly enjoying this novel and convinced it would be a five star read because there’s nothing I enjoy more than a good creepy novel! This one had some original and unique ideas that I really did enjoy but then certain elements got thrown in and it threw me off and suddenly made me unsure of what I was reading and how I felt about it. There’s some disturbing things that happen that I really enjoyed and made me excited for the story but then the religious overtones just got overwhelming and those parts just didn’t work for me and dialed down my enthusiasm for the story. I did enjoy the mercilessness of certain characters, there was lots of it and I thought it was brilliant! So you see what I mean, I’m just right in the middle with this one!
spillinggrace's review
4.0
“When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes into you.”
As someone that has only recently been reacquainted with the Horror genre, this was a well needed dive back into the deep end for me! Where to start with my thoughts on this book? I will share a quote from the book that I intentionally marked for myself to go back to and will go from there:
“These terrible wonders have existed as long as the world has, Mason. They go unseen because no one wants to see them. And when they do, it’s rounded off into something acceptable. And that’s the truth of it, really. We all know such things exist, but they don’t become real to us until they enter our lives. Then we are forever changed. That is the true horror of this world. Not that bad things exist, but the level of willful blindness we show them.”
For me, as someone who has had many crises of faith, specifically as a former practicing Episcopalian, I felt like I was on a journey with Mason Cole of coming to “a mind opened by belief.” I’m not saying this book made me want to go back to church. Just that it touched a very personal issue for me as a reader and I felt that Marcus Hawke handled the subject of questioning faith in a higher power in an exceptionally good way.
The book has quite the action in it with just the right amount of blood and guts. There we’re definitely a few scenes that had me clutching my pearls and going for my smelling salts. And that last scene! I need someone to discuss theories with!
“The Miracle Sin” is one of those books that you already know will turn into a series and should be followed up by a movie at some point. I really enjoyed this read and am so happy to have stumbled upon this author in the winter of 2020.
As someone that has only recently been reacquainted with the Horror genre, this was a well needed dive back into the deep end for me! Where to start with my thoughts on this book? I will share a quote from the book that I intentionally marked for myself to go back to and will go from there:
“These terrible wonders have existed as long as the world has, Mason. They go unseen because no one wants to see them. And when they do, it’s rounded off into something acceptable. And that’s the truth of it, really. We all know such things exist, but they don’t become real to us until they enter our lives. Then we are forever changed. That is the true horror of this world. Not that bad things exist, but the level of willful blindness we show them.”
For me, as someone who has had many crises of faith, specifically as a former practicing Episcopalian, I felt like I was on a journey with Mason Cole of coming to “a mind opened by belief.” I’m not saying this book made me want to go back to church. Just that it touched a very personal issue for me as a reader and I felt that Marcus Hawke handled the subject of questioning faith in a higher power in an exceptionally good way.
The book has quite the action in it with just the right amount of blood and guts. There we’re definitely a few scenes that had me clutching my pearls and going for my smelling salts. And that last scene! I need someone to discuss theories with!
“The Miracle Sin” is one of those books that you already know will turn into a series and should be followed up by a movie at some point. I really enjoyed this read and am so happy to have stumbled upon this author in the winter of 2020.
sabrinav625's review
4.0
This book does not hold back, it does not shy away from the nitty-gritty, and certainly keeps you coming back for more.
Following Mason Cole and company, readers are quickly drawn to the characters presented in this book. From the perfection of how they are all introduced, woven into the story in such a way, it makes them truly pop off the page. Each character had their own pattern of speech, their own quirky ways that made them stand out from one another. It was done so well, that one would not guess this is a debut.
The first act, I was absolutely submerged in the story. The way the tale is told is superbly done, there is not denying that. I enjoyed how really, anything could happen in this book, and there was no way to predict what was going to come next - but nothing felt left field or out of place.
The growth of Mason is tremendous, and absolutely believable. Not just his growth, but everything about Mason. He was relatable on various levels, making him a character you root for, because you can see yourself in him. On the flip side, you can also see yourself in the villain. A villain with charisma, a villain with just enough good peppered in so readers can understand and sympathize - that's the perfect villain.
I got a little bit lost here and there, but nothing major that deterred my enjoyment of the book. There was just the right amount of tongue-in-cheek humour, as well as laugh-out-loud humour. I find laughability a staple in a good book. Overall, I really enjoyed "The Miracle Sin", and am looking forward to more by the author.
Following Mason Cole and company, readers are quickly drawn to the characters presented in this book. From the perfection of how they are all introduced, woven into the story in such a way, it makes them truly pop off the page. Each character had their own pattern of speech, their own quirky ways that made them stand out from one another. It was done so well, that one would not guess this is a debut.
The first act, I was absolutely submerged in the story. The way the tale is told is superbly done, there is not denying that. I enjoyed how really, anything could happen in this book, and there was no way to predict what was going to come next - but nothing felt left field or out of place.
The growth of Mason is tremendous, and absolutely believable. Not just his growth, but everything about Mason. He was relatable on various levels, making him a character you root for, because you can see yourself in him. On the flip side, you can also see yourself in the villain. A villain with charisma, a villain with just enough good peppered in so readers can understand and sympathize - that's the perfect villain.
I got a little bit lost here and there, but nothing major that deterred my enjoyment of the book. There was just the right amount of tongue-in-cheek humour, as well as laugh-out-loud humour. I find laughability a staple in a good book. Overall, I really enjoyed "The Miracle Sin", and am looking forward to more by the author.
wanderingwindy's review
4.0
Religious Horror typically isn’t my jam but after the first insane chapter of The Miracle Sin, I found myself completely absorbed in this fantastic read.
Not only do we get wicked vampires, we get witches and ghosts too. And I fell hard for our main dude, Mason. His tragic back story and heartbreaking loss makes for a sympathic character yet he’s witty AF
Not only do we get wicked vampires, we get witches and ghosts too. And I fell hard for our main dude, Mason. His tragic back story and heartbreaking loss makes for a sympathic character yet he’s witty AF
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