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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
medium-paced
I read this all in one sitting in the dark..... I’m quite spooked my friends.
A great creepy short-story in the style of Lovecraft. Two friends are taking a European canoe trip and make camp on a secluded island where they start to realize they aren't alone.
This story was first published 99 years ago, and it's definitely held up. I'm actually very surprised how old this story is since some of the concepts that they talk about seem pretty modern. This would be a great read in October when you want something creepy and eerie without being violent or bloody.
This story was first published 99 years ago, and it's definitely held up. I'm actually very surprised how old this story is since some of the concepts that they talk about seem pretty modern. This would be a great read in October when you want something creepy and eerie without being violent or bloody.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.25/5
After reading What Moves the Dead, I've been looking for more atmospheric, creepy horror books and was recommended this. We follow two unnamed individuals canoeing down the Danube. They set up camp for the night in a flooded area on a small island, despite warnings from locals. Soon enough they find out the warnings were based on truth.
- I loved how the book was vague about the characters as their details didn't really matter in way that added to the creepiness of the book. That vagueness also worked well for when things got more tense. There the prevailing debate of "was that real or am I imagining this" which made the experiences of the characters much more intense.
- The tension was built up slowly and well but ultimately I don't think it paid off. The ending left me wanting.
A decent creepy story. If you want a short horror read that's not overly terrifying, give The Willows a go.
After reading What Moves the Dead, I've been looking for more atmospheric, creepy horror books and was recommended this. We follow two unnamed individuals canoeing down the Danube. They set up camp for the night in a flooded area on a small island, despite warnings from locals. Soon enough they find out the warnings were based on truth.
- I loved how the book was vague about the characters as their details didn't really matter in way that added to the creepiness of the book. That vagueness also worked well for when things got more tense. There the prevailing debate of "was that real or am I imagining this" which made the experiences of the characters much more intense.
- The tension was built up slowly and well but ultimately I don't think it paid off. The ending left me wanting.
A decent creepy story. If you want a short horror read that's not overly terrifying, give The Willows a go.
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
I'm always surprised when I actually get anxious reading a classic horror story, because it seldom happens nowadays. Most of us are so desensitized by modern horror movies that 19th century literature is often too subdued and tame to truly scare us.
But this one, oh my. It's so atmospheric and subtle that it got under my skin without me realizing it. The narrator and I both tried to rationalize what was happening to us, but the otherwordly sensory experience of just standing there on the island is too much to handle. After a while I just wanted them to get off the island, not because I wanted the story to end, but because the atmosphere was making me anxious.
tl;dr It got my heartbeat racing. 100% recommended.
But this one, oh my. It's so atmospheric and subtle that it got under my skin without me realizing it. The narrator and I both tried to rationalize what was happening to us, but the otherwordly sensory experience of just standing there on the island is too much to handle. After a while I just wanted them to get off the island, not because I wanted the story to end, but because the atmosphere was making me anxious.
tl;dr It got my heartbeat racing. 100% recommended.
The bushes right outside my bedroom window took on an eerie new aura as I read this book at night, in bed. Creepy.