Scan barcode
jollygreenreader's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
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? No
4.0
dxnatelli's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
embereve's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
faye373's review against another edition
4.0
3.75*
The beginning was rather slow so i was a bit bored but the second half i was invested. I haven't read a lot of horror books and generally get scared easily, so I did get scared a few times whole reading it. The fact that I was listening to the audiobook made it more scary I think. Luckily I read it in a bus full of people so that gave me some reassurance.
The beginning was rather slow so i was a bit bored but the second half i was invested. I haven't read a lot of horror books and generally get scared easily, so I did get scared a few times whole reading it. The fact that I was listening to the audiobook made it more scary I think. Luckily I read it in a bus full of people so that gave me some reassurance.
linnadhiel's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
grace_rangel's review against another edition
4.0
As with the last book I read from this author, my only complaint (aside from the language use) is that the book wraps up so quickly after the climax. There seems to be so much build up and so little reward. I wish this book was longer. Otherwise, this was a great afternoon read and kept me intrigued until the very end. It’s a haunting story, one that lingers like a ghost in your mind far after closing the book.
aliceinwonderland27's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
bookkaiju's review against another edition
5.0
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
T. Kingfisher’s newest book “What Moves the Dead” once again has her diving into Lovecraftian Horror. It walks the same path as “The Hollow Places” and “The Twisted Ones” by taking an older story and playing with it. This time she chose Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher,” and she twists Poe’s tale with great effect.
Now the main character is a soldier from the fictional country of Gallacia visiting childhood friends at their ancestral home. Added to the cast is an American Civil War doctor, a Scottish batman, and the fictional aunt of Beatrix Potter that is out collecting mushrooms. Oh yes, there’s also a horse that has a big enough personality to count as a lead.
While Kingfisher has added characters, she stays true to the original Poe story. If you just describe the story by the narrative beats, it matches the original “Usher.” It is as if someone who vaguely remembered the original story tried to recount what it is about. The familiarity brings a sense of comfort to the tale, as the situation in the Usher House gets more and more bizarre.
However, there are changes she brought to the story and they are fascinating. The first one is the main character. Alex Easton is an interesting character and gives Kingfisher a chance to discuss and explore the use of pronouns. Alex, a former military officer, is from a country that has multiple different pronouns. One set is for young children, one for men, one for women, one for rocks, one for God, and the one that Alex uses the one for soldiers. It’s an interesting look at what gender means and how language influences it. Moreover, it is not superfluous, but plays a part near the end.
The major change is the mystery at the heart of the House of Usher. I won’t spoil anything, but Kingfisher brings creepiness to the tale. It was a great twist on the tale, even though the setup is rather obvious.
Kingfisher’s usual wit once again pervades the book from the snappy dialogue to the thoughtful, yet humorous prose. It makes reading it a delight. The only “complaint” I have is that the story is so quick-paced that I struggled to put it down. I ended up reading the entire tale in one night. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves light Lovecraftian horror or a Poe pastiche.
T. Kingfisher’s newest book “What Moves the Dead” once again has her diving into Lovecraftian Horror. It walks the same path as “The Hollow Places” and “The Twisted Ones” by taking an older story and playing with it. This time she chose Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher,” and she twists Poe’s tale with great effect.
Now the main character is a soldier from the fictional country of Gallacia visiting childhood friends at their ancestral home. Added to the cast is an American Civil War doctor, a Scottish batman, and the fictional aunt of Beatrix Potter that is out collecting mushrooms. Oh yes, there’s also a horse that has a big enough personality to count as a lead.
While Kingfisher has added characters, she stays true to the original Poe story. If you just describe the story by the narrative beats, it matches the original “Usher.” It is as if someone who vaguely remembered the original story tried to recount what it is about. The familiarity brings a sense of comfort to the tale, as the situation in the Usher House gets more and more bizarre.
However, there are changes she brought to the story and they are fascinating. The first one is the main character. Alex Easton is an interesting character and gives Kingfisher a chance to discuss and explore the use of pronouns. Alex, a former military officer, is from a country that has multiple different pronouns. One set is for young children, one for men, one for women, one for rocks, one for God, and the one that Alex uses the one for soldiers. It’s an interesting look at what gender means and how language influences it. Moreover, it is not superfluous, but plays a part near the end.
The major change is the mystery at the heart of the House of Usher. I won’t spoil anything, but Kingfisher brings creepiness to the tale. It was a great twist on the tale, even though the setup is rather obvious.
Kingfisher’s usual wit once again pervades the book from the snappy dialogue to the thoughtful, yet humorous prose. It makes reading it a delight. The only “complaint” I have is that the story is so quick-paced that I struggled to put it down. I ended up reading the entire tale in one night. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves light Lovecraftian horror or a Poe pastiche.
itsame_amara's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Classic Poe in a modern and extremely entertaining narrative voice. Plus, killer mushrooms - what's not to love?
sardinita's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Love a new take on the fall of the house of Usher. I really liked the narrator. The most disturbing parts are painted in such a clear way that you’ll create a full picture that will stick with you for a while.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, War, and Blood
Moderate: War, Terminal illness, Gore, and Medical content
Minor: Suicide