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fragrantpigeon's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
starlightorchestra's review
5.0
it was such an amazing, beautiful book. Genuinely really emotional about both the story and the fact that it's now finished. If you're ok reading about dark and difficult topics then I can't recommend this enough. Thank you so much Iona for writing such a beautiful book that really hits you in the feels as a trauma survivor and depicts mental illness in such an incredible way
ace_nova's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
bree_h_reads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, Mental illness, Rape, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Grief, Cursing, Violence, Body horror, and Death
Moderate: Alcohol, Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Blood, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Medical content, Abandonment, Homophobia, and Suicide
nixkelley's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Addiction, Blood, Death, Physical abuse, Drug abuse, Grief, Sexual assault, and Suicide
apthayer's review
5.0
Disclaimer: This is an eARC review.
Iona Wayland's novel has two massive strengths, in my eyes.
First, the memoire-esque recalling of Angela's brother's life, his struggle with addiction, how it affected her, and how it drives the whole story was gripping. It read so genuine and thoughtful. I found myself really connecting with that through-line throughout the novel. I'm not usually a fan of people recalling memories or past events, but the way they were woven in with the emotional impact of them made it very compelling.
Second, Iona Wayland is able to create a wonderful atmosphere throughout the book. Without the use of purple prose or drowning me in descriptions, I was able to emotionally immerse myself in the forest and enjoyed the feeling of "being there" throughout the story.
I was also very excited to be reading a piece by another Latinx author. I'm always hunting for more and relish the opportunity to do so. Especially if they are horror or horror-adjacent.
I will say, I would have liked the book to be a little longer. I think with some extra space, the pacing could have been a little smoother in the beginning, and then I could have enjoyed a slower build of tension.
Iona Wayland's novel has two massive strengths, in my eyes.
First, the memoire-esque recalling of Angela's brother's life, his struggle with addiction, how it affected her, and how it drives the whole story was gripping. It read so genuine and thoughtful. I found myself really connecting with that through-line throughout the novel. I'm not usually a fan of people recalling memories or past events, but the way they were woven in with the emotional impact of them made it very compelling.
Second, Iona Wayland is able to create a wonderful atmosphere throughout the book. Without the use of purple prose or drowning me in descriptions, I was able to emotionally immerse myself in the forest and enjoyed the feeling of "being there" throughout the story.
I was also very excited to be reading a piece by another Latinx author. I'm always hunting for more and relish the opportunity to do so. Especially if they are horror or horror-adjacent.
I will say, I would have liked the book to be a little longer. I think with some extra space, the pacing could have been a little smoother in the beginning, and then I could have enjoyed a slower build of tension.
flexolo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
books_and_tea33's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kazthebookdragon69's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Definitely an interesting story. I enjoyed it the whole time. If your looking for a story about grief and the process of it, amongst a few other things, I recommend it. Though you should know other then grief, there's talk of dr*g use, OD, s*exual abuse, death.
caitys_pages's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
Content warnings: drug use, addiction, overdose, suicide, assault, rape (including a graphic flashback), graphic violence, homophobia, consensual sexual situations, grief, attempted murder.
What a wonderful Debut novel by Iona Wayland!
This novel is both beautiful and horrific all at once. The author’s perspective as a mental health professional showed in how compassionately they depicted such difficult experiences, and ways in which the trauma from such experiences can present. You could feel how artfully it was crafted.
The realities of serious traumas are mixed with dark fantasy in a way which enhances rather than detracts from these issues. The author does not hide behind puff pieces, this story is disturbed because trauma is not sunshine and rainbows. As someone who suffers from mental health I throughly enjoyed the fact that she wrote this is a dark and twisted manner. It was far more relatable and rather comforting.
The worldbuilding is breathtakingly beautiful, as is the way the writer mixes the main character’s present timeline with flashbacks and memories to gradually build the reader’s understanding of what has happened to what is happening, though at times the lines blurred from past to present it was overall very easy and clean to follow. I could close my eyes and easily imagine being in Hollow Forest, seeing, smelling, Fearing what was lurking under every leaf and around ever bend. I would love to read more on the worldbuilding as it was so beautiful, and I am not one who enjoys lots of worldbuilding in my reads as I find them boring but not here. I want more!
The character development was very fascinating as you were already dealing with grown adults so it was refreshing not to read about such childish behaviors and misunderstandings that occur in most novels even adult novels. The author showcased a variety of unique characters with varying levels of traits, and personalities. There where layers skillfully woven in each person making them relatable and real.
The overall storyline had me devouring each chapter in a matter of hours. I couldn't put it down though I was listening to the audible I went to bed listening to the story only to wake up to listen more. I was hooked and what was supposed to be my driving book became my all the time book. I was devastated when it was over and highly recommend others to get this book because it was amazing! Not to mention the twist at the end of the story will have your mind exploding!
10/10 Highly Recommend!
What a wonderful Debut novel by Iona Wayland!
This novel is both beautiful and horrific all at once. The author’s perspective as a mental health professional showed in how compassionately they depicted such difficult experiences, and ways in which the trauma from such experiences can present. You could feel how artfully it was crafted.
The realities of serious traumas are mixed with dark fantasy in a way which enhances rather than detracts from these issues. The author does not hide behind puff pieces, this story is disturbed because trauma is not sunshine and rainbows. As someone who suffers from mental health I throughly enjoyed the fact that she wrote this is a dark and twisted manner. It was far more relatable and rather comforting.
The worldbuilding is breathtakingly beautiful, as is the way the writer mixes the main character’s present timeline with flashbacks and memories to gradually build the reader’s understanding of what has happened to what is happening, though at times the lines blurred from past to present it was overall very easy and clean to follow. I could close my eyes and easily imagine being in Hollow Forest, seeing, smelling, Fearing what was lurking under every leaf and around ever bend. I would love to read more on the worldbuilding as it was so beautiful, and I am not one who enjoys lots of worldbuilding in my reads as I find them boring but not here. I want more!
The character development was very fascinating as you were already dealing with grown adults so it was refreshing not to read about such childish behaviors and misunderstandings that occur in most novels even adult novels. The author showcased a variety of unique characters with varying levels of traits, and personalities. There where layers skillfully woven in each person making them relatable and real.
The overall storyline had me devouring each chapter in a matter of hours. I couldn't put it down though I was listening to the audible I went to bed listening to the story only to wake up to listen more. I was hooked and what was supposed to be my driving book became my all the time book. I was devastated when it was over and highly recommend others to get this book because it was amazing! Not to mention the twist at the end of the story will have your mind exploding!
10/10 Highly Recommend!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Drug abuse, Violence, Drug use, Sexual assault, and Suicide