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readingwithsierra's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
This was a bit difficult to get into at the start. This almost at times felt like I was reading two different books, and while both parts were entertaining to read, I’m not sure about how well they work together. As the story progressed, it shifted towards a more horror focused plot and it was really fun to read. I really enjoyed the multitude of characters and what type of horror they had to face, but it was at the start difficult to remember who was who.
Overall, I didn’t really think this one was for me. While I did enjoy both storylines, I kind of wished they were two separate novels. This book does have a lot of fun, scary scenes to read through, and I was getting a little freaked out while reading it, so proceed with caution. This is the third novel I had read from this author and I do really enjoy their writing and how they develop and portray stories; she really is a great storyteller.
Overall, I didn’t really think this one was for me. While I did enjoy both storylines, I kind of wished they were two separate novels. This book does have a lot of fun, scary scenes to read through, and I was getting a little freaked out while reading it, so proceed with caution. This is the third novel I had read from this author and I do really enjoy their writing and how they develop and portray stories; she really is a great storyteller.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Body horror, Abortion, Gore, Murder, Pregnancy, and Child death
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Self harm
Minor: Sexism and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
amieis's review
3.0
A slow start but intriguing enough to keep you reading. Would have liked more expansion on some of the details mentioned, such as the woman in the dark. LOTS of POVs confusing to start with but this makes sense later on when you realise that it's highlighting the impact of the events going on. It really picks up pace towards the heartbreaking end
aedoran08's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kindlemecozy's review
4.0
When the author tells you not to take the TW lightly, listen to them! Alisha's writing is unlike anything l've read before and while it took me some getting use to, l'm glad I continued reading. The book starts off slow and in some instances it's hard to know who is narrating but overall I enjoyed the book. The horror, the gore, the creepy occurrences. If gory horror is your thing, definitely pick this book up.
stephv99's review
5.0
I was excited to read yesterday’s empire when I heard about it. If you love horror thriller reads this is the perfect read. It’s had graphic gore which I loved getting to read. Alisha’s did amazing at writing this story. I was sold once I heard ghost and horror thriller in one sentence and has well developed characters. It had a slow start to it was hard to put down. I loved the crepey vibes and Alisha’s writing is beautiful and I did not expect the ending. Overall it was great read
booknerdqueen's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bee306's review
5.0
This book was great! It gave off Haunting of Hill House + Haunting of Bly Manor + Rose Red.
itskate's review
3.5
I received a free digital ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I just want to say that I think having to read this on my phone rather than having it physically in my hands really hindered the experience for me personally; I thought I could do it, but turns out, it is incredibly difficult for me to read at the same pace as I do with a physical book for some reason, so I think I would have enjoyed this a whole lot more. That being said, I still did enjoy this, and at times it did give me that creepy feeling that makes you question what that thud was you just heard coming from the other room. I had a hard time remembering who was who at times because there were quite a few characters that were being followed beyond the core family, and since I had a hard time reading this in longer stretches, I wouldn’t always remember who was who. (Again, I don’t fault the book for this, and had it been a physical copy, I probably wouldn’t have had the same problem following along since I would have read it in two or three days rather than two weeks.) Someday, I’ll pick up a real copy of this and revisit this story because I do think I’d enjoy it even more in my usual format.
I just want to say that I think having to read this on my phone rather than having it physically in my hands really hindered the experience for me personally; I thought I could do it, but turns out, it is incredibly difficult for me to read at the same pace as I do with a physical book for some reason, so I think I would have enjoyed this a whole lot more. That being said, I still did enjoy this, and at times it did give me that creepy feeling that makes you question what that thud was you just heard coming from the other room. I had a hard time remembering who was who at times because there were quite a few characters that were being followed beyond the core family, and since I had a hard time reading this in longer stretches, I wouldn’t always remember who was who. (Again, I don’t fault the book for this, and had it been a physical copy, I probably wouldn’t have had the same problem following along since I would have read it in two or three days rather than two weeks.) Someday, I’ll pick up a real copy of this and revisit this story because I do think I’d enjoy it even more in my usual format.
savxx's review
Nope, this book was actual horror which I personally can’t do because I want to sleep peacefully
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