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precioussantiago's review
5.0
If you enjoy a slow burn horror oozing with dread and suspense, Sleeping Celeste is the book for you. I was blown away by the story, which eerily enough is inspired by creepy true events (outlined in the author's note). The story follows a grieving mother trying to come to terms with a tragedy involving her beloved daughter Celeste. Trying to come to terms with her grief, she journeys into a dark place to try and undo what has happened and through the process readers find out that the mother in this story harbors dark secrets.
The story is set during the late 1800's and the prose does reflect that time period. Usually I am hesitant to pick up a book set during this time period. But the author's prose is both lyrical and approachable, if you have any uncertainty about historical fiction, do not let that deter you from reading this book, I promise it is well written and very easy to read, you will fall into this story pretty quickly.
This was a gripping short story that had so many interesting twists and turns. I was very impressed with the authors ability to do that in 100 pages. This story gave me Pet Semetary and a little of Flowers in the attic vibes. The tone, the setting, and the journey this story takes blew me away. With that I give this my highest recommendation to readers looking for a fun quick read that still manages to produce a well plotted story.
The story is set during the late 1800's and the prose does reflect that time period. Usually I am hesitant to pick up a book set during this time period. But the author's prose is both lyrical and approachable, if you have any uncertainty about historical fiction, do not let that deter you from reading this book, I promise it is well written and very easy to read, you will fall into this story pretty quickly.
This was a gripping short story that had so many interesting twists and turns. I was very impressed with the authors ability to do that in 100 pages. This story gave me Pet Semetary and a little of Flowers in the attic vibes. The tone, the setting, and the journey this story takes blew me away. With that I give this my highest recommendation to readers looking for a fun quick read that still manages to produce a well plotted story.
mostlyreadinghorror's review
5.0
If you enjoy a slow burn horror oozing with dread and suspense, Sleeping Celeste is the book for you. I was blown away by the story, which eerily enough is inspired by creepy true events (outlined in the author's note). The story follows a grieving mother trying to come to terms with a tragedy involving her beloved daughter Celeste. Trying to come to terms with her grief, she journeys into a dark place to try and undo what has happened and through the process readers find out that the mother in this story harbors dark secrets.
The story is set during the late 1800's and the prose does reflect that time period. Usually I am hesitant to pick up a book set during this time period. But the author's prose is both lyrical and approachable, if you have any uncertainty about historical fiction, do not let that deter you from reading this book, I promise it is well written and very easy to read, you will fall into this story pretty quickly.
This was a gripping short story that had so many interesting twists and turns. I was very impressed with the authors ability to do that in 100 pages. This story gave me Pet Semetary and a little of Flowers in the attic vibes. The tone, the setting, and the journey this story takes blew me away. With that I give this my highest recommendation to readers looking for a fun quick read that still manages to produce a well plotted story.
The story is set during the late 1800's and the prose does reflect that time period. Usually I am hesitant to pick up a book set during this time period. But the author's prose is both lyrical and approachable, if you have any uncertainty about historical fiction, do not let that deter you from reading this book, I promise it is well written and very easy to read, you will fall into this story pretty quickly.
This was a gripping short story that had so many interesting twists and turns. I was very impressed with the authors ability to do that in 100 pages. This story gave me Pet Semetary and a little of Flowers in the attic vibes. The tone, the setting, and the journey this story takes blew me away. With that I give this my highest recommendation to readers looking for a fun quick read that still manages to produce a well plotted story.
drskspawn's review
5.0
"Sleeping Celeste" is a brisk gothic horror tale that’s firmly focused on blind obsession. Marie is absolutely devastated after the loss of her daughter, Celeste and is convinced that the girl has simply fallen into a deep sleep. Much of Marie’s refusal to accept Celeste’s obvious condition stems from a twisted, shocking guilt that turns the entire tale on its head. Marie is driven to near madness at the thought of Celeste being buried under the ground so her dutiful husband has the girl displayed in a special sarcophagus, one that contains a little window so Marie can gaze upon and touch her daughter’s face day after day.
In time, Marie’s obsession only grows. As she did when her daughter was alive, Marie watches Celeste like a hawk, waiting for the day when she will surely awaken. It’s during her nightly vigils that the resident groundskeeper tells her about his Aunt Tress, who may hold the key to awakening Celeste through her black magic. Marie is unperturbed by horrific stories of mewling, zombie-like cats since she’s certain Celeste will retain her true personality since she’s not really dead; all Marie needs is a suitable sacrifice, a morbid incantation, and the will to try and awaken her beloved daughter.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s like "Pet Sematary" (King, 1983) meets Edgar Allan Poe! The author does a fantastic job of making you sympathise with Marie and then begin to question her sanity, before turning her into a tragic figure who’s turned to deception and murder to reunite with her daughter. Marie’s fascination with Celeste speaks to the blinkered tragedy of losing a loved one; Marie will do anything, brave any danger, for a way to awaken her but cannot entertain the thought that her daughter is dead because to admit that would be to admit her culpability, and this is all wonderfully realised in the shocking and gory ending!
In time, Marie’s obsession only grows. As she did when her daughter was alive, Marie watches Celeste like a hawk, waiting for the day when she will surely awaken. It’s during her nightly vigils that the resident groundskeeper tells her about his Aunt Tress, who may hold the key to awakening Celeste through her black magic. Marie is unperturbed by horrific stories of mewling, zombie-like cats since she’s certain Celeste will retain her true personality since she’s not really dead; all Marie needs is a suitable sacrifice, a morbid incantation, and the will to try and awaken her beloved daughter.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s like "Pet Sematary" (King, 1983) meets Edgar Allan Poe! The author does a fantastic job of making you sympathise with Marie and then begin to question her sanity, before turning her into a tragic figure who’s turned to deception and murder to reunite with her daughter. Marie’s fascination with Celeste speaks to the blinkered tragedy of losing a loved one; Marie will do anything, brave any danger, for a way to awaken her but cannot entertain the thought that her daughter is dead because to admit that would be to admit her culpability, and this is all wonderfully realised in the shocking and gory ending!
magpie_666's review
4.0
What an opening line?!
Creepy, haunting and very absorbing.
I don't usually vocalise when I read but I did utter "Oh" and "Oh no" a few times.
Only a short story but it had a lot of depth and great twists and turns.
Highly recommended for reading who want a short, haunting tale about a mother's grief.
Creepy, haunting and very absorbing.
I don't usually vocalise when I read but I did utter "Oh" and "Oh no" a few times.
Only a short story but it had a lot of depth and great twists and turns.
Highly recommended for reading who want a short, haunting tale about a mother's grief.
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