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dana_scully's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Eleanor deserved better
ceena's review against another edition
5.0
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
4.5 stars
My first thoughts upon finishing this book: Wow! But... what did I just read?
This book is creepy, atmospheric, and amazing. I loved every minute of it and have serious plans to re-read it.
This novella focuses on a man who no one seems to remember and can't die. He does bad deeds to survive and have fun. Then he "introduces himself" to another and gets involved in a complicated plot revolving around their desolate, dying town.
The whole time I sat there trying to figure out their connection, the magic behind what was going on, and what exactly they would do. And yes, I read this novella in one sitting. While the length is perfect, I totally could have used so, so much more.
Now, I will admit that I usually don't like short stories, I need more -- and while I felt that here, it was in a different way. I wanted more because I wasn't -- didn't want to be done with the story. There is so much mystery here, so much story told between the lines. I cannot wait to read this again and see what new tidbits I glean from it.
Let me spare a few lines for the two characters -- our monsters. They are creepy and gritty in different ways with backgrounds and motives that shape what they do. I adored them and their gory ways. The thing is, I wasn't sold on there being a romance. Do they have a relationship? Sometimes I thought yes, other times I felt like Johann was just pushing limits, as he does.
I completely enjoyed reading this book, but I'm saying 4.5 stars because there were totally parts I didn't understand or may not have understood correctly. But the vibes, the writing style... beautiful. While this is the first book I've read by this author, it will not be the last.
4.5 stars
My first thoughts upon finishing this book: Wow! But... what did I just read?
This book is creepy, atmospheric, and amazing. I loved every minute of it and have serious plans to re-read it.
This novella focuses on a man who no one seems to remember and can't die. He does bad deeds to survive and have fun. Then he "introduces himself" to another and gets involved in a complicated plot revolving around their desolate, dying town.
The whole time I sat there trying to figure out their connection, the magic behind what was going on, and what exactly they would do. And yes, I read this novella in one sitting. While the length is perfect, I totally could have used so, so much more.
Now, I will admit that I usually don't like short stories, I need more -- and while I felt that here, it was in a different way. I wanted more because I wasn't -- didn't want to be done with the story. There is so much mystery here, so much story told between the lines. I cannot wait to read this again and see what new tidbits I glean from it.
Let me spare a few lines for the two characters -- our monsters. They are creepy and gritty in different ways with backgrounds and motives that shape what they do. I adored them and their gory ways. The thing is, I wasn't sold on there being a romance. Do they have a relationship? Sometimes I thought yes, other times I felt like Johann was just pushing limits, as he does.
I completely enjoyed reading this book, but I'm saying 4.5 stars because there were totally parts I didn't understand or may not have understood correctly. But the vibes, the writing style... beautiful. While this is the first book I've read by this author, it will not be the last.
sasinshort's review
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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
selenajournal's review against another edition
2.0
Thin ice isn't a problem for the sea; it's a problem for the blind idiot who steps out on it. The fool who breaks it gets sucked under; the ice, it mends. -pg 116
Annihilation is a fire that cleanses what it burns. For a corrupted world, apocalypse is the only hope for redemption. -pg 126
stefans_bookshelf's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
fitzsfool's review against another edition
5.0
I know johann and florian were like horrible people or whatever but they were also my parents
molly_pocket's review against another edition
2.0
I had a hard time with this book. It started out so intriguing, and it has some stellar reviews, but I couldn't follow what was going on for most of it. I felt confused, and I wasn't able to enjoy the main characters - and I wanted to. It wasn't for me, but it was a fast read and had potential!
timgrubbs's review against another edition
4.0
An undead killer and a sorcerer team up to seek the secret of undeath…and also revenge on the cruel world that created them
The Monster of Elendhaven by Jennifer Giesbrecht is a debut horror novella by a Canadian writer.
Johann is a petty thief and killer who can’t die.
Florian is a poor noble sorcerer anxious to seek redresss for the grievances he has suffered…
Together these two madman reside in the grim town of Elendhaven…where the industry is declining, the Black Moon overhead beckons monsters, and murder is in large supply…
Follow their odd adventures terrorizing the town for their own purposes…
A very odd novella but still somewhat entertaining in its efforts…
The Monster of Elendhaven by Jennifer Giesbrecht is a debut horror novella by a Canadian writer.
Johann is a petty thief and killer who can’t die.
Florian is a poor noble sorcerer anxious to seek redresss for the grievances he has suffered…
Together these two madman reside in the grim town of Elendhaven…where the industry is declining, the Black Moon overhead beckons monsters, and murder is in large supply…
Follow their odd adventures terrorizing the town for their own purposes…
A very odd novella but still somewhat entertaining in its efforts…