Scan barcode
tentenlibrarian's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was beautifully written, and atmospheric. My biggest complaint is that I thought Charles was an irredeemable weeny, and I’m irritated by his redemption.
rachelunabridged's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Drug use, Infidelity, and Grief
Moderate: Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Minor: Sexual content
driedfrogpills's review against another edition
2.0
I think the greatest thing this book has going for it is that it's really two stories in a way - Charles and Erin's story and the story "written" by Caedmon Hollow. I thought using excerpts from the fictional children's book was a very meta way to introduce sections of the book, and I almost wish I could read that book because Bailey's writing seemed strongest in those sections. Unfortunately, most of the book focuses on Charles and Erin, and it felt like it dragged in sections. The book isn't very long but it still felt too long to maintain the eerie atmosphere it was going for.
hcm221's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tomwbrass's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 - this was a very readable book that's length seemed appropriate to the story it tells, but I feel that there are really two stories in this novel that don't really mesh together very well. One is about a family in the aftermath of grief, and the other is about dark dealings done with fae by that family's ancestors. The two could blend together well, but I don't think this book achieved that blending. As well, it is consistently hampered by trying to be clever in its references and knowing use of gothic/horror motifs and conventions. These were often repetitive and I found myself going "I get it already" when they recurred.
jcho's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
ghiblireads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kellysmaust's review against another edition
5.0
The issues people take with this book are definitely present - it can be a bit repetitive at times, there's not a lot of action, and the protagonist is an unredeemable jerk - but I absolutely loved reading this gorgeous Gothic masterpiece. Anything about ancient forests, old English (possibly haunted) houses, folklore like Herne the Hunter showing up in the modern world - that's my jam!
mferrante83's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful read that falls somewhere on the dark fantasy/horror spectrum. Bailey conjures up an oppressive atmosphere with both the environment of the story and the weight of memory placed upon his characters shoulders. Highly recommended.
zezee's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5