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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
[ in between 3 and 4 stars, might flip flop and change my mind ]
now i may be thinking too much into this but imagining this as an allegory for how childhood innocence is often beaten out of you (or your childhood self is “murdered”) by the adults that inhabit this world…your parents try to shield you as much as they can despite knowing the world they’re sending you into and when they see that death happen right in front of their face…it’s heartbreaking but they knew. they knew and didn’t prepare you…yeah okay bye
now i may be thinking too much into this but imagining this as an allegory for how childhood innocence is often beaten out of you (or your childhood self is “murdered”) by the adults that inhabit this world…your parents try to shield you as much as they can despite knowing the world they’re sending you into and when they see that death happen right in front of their face…it’s heartbreaking but they knew. they knew and didn’t prepare you…yeah okay bye
This novella has a fairly interesting plotline, though doesn't offer much in the way of explanation. However, the writing style is too colloquial for my taste.
challenging
dark
tense
fast-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:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The atmosphere and world building hooked me immediately and I was unsettled by this story’s descriptions and imagery but completely committed to its dark charm and mystery. Dark Harvest is also very reminiscent of The Lottery but its own take on humanity and the reach of tradition that it feels fresh, unique, and possible. It’s shorter, it’s fuller, and it’s scarier in the ways that make you remember anyone is capable of anything and they probably live next door.
fast-paced
2★
I had to pick this up for Halloween because of obvious reasons and also because I saw it on KU and a lot of people talked about it.
However, I did not like this very much. The ideas were there, and I liked them—the October Boy and how he came to be. But that was pretty much it. I didn't like the writing at all. It felt slow and kind of boring at times, and I had a hard time not falling asleep since I read it in the evening.
Overall, it's probably not for me. It was okay.
I had to pick this up for Halloween because of obvious reasons and also because I saw it on KU and a lot of people talked about it.
However, I did not like this very much. The ideas were there, and I liked them—the October Boy and how he came to be. But that was pretty much it. I didn't like the writing at all. It felt slow and kind of boring at times, and I had a hard time not falling asleep since I read it in the evening.
Overall, it's probably not for me. It was okay.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Violence, Car accident
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Gun violence, Suicide, Blood, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cancer, Child abuse, Confinement, Death of parent
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Plot 1
Characters .75
Promise .75
Engagement 1
Efficiency.75
Characters .75
Promise .75
Engagement 1
Efficiency.75
"A midwestern town. You know its name. You were born there."
"That's not the way it works around here. You remember."
"You already know about him."
No, I wasn't born there; I don't remember; I don't know about him.
I found this book to be confusing. I had a hard time retaining anything because of the lack of information. I'm sure plenty of people like this style, but it's not for me. Tons of classic novels are written like this, and I didn't like any of those. The plot is great. The writing isn't exactly bad. It just isn't my style.
"That's not the way it works around here. You remember."
"You already know about him."
No, I wasn't born there; I don't remember; I don't know about him.
I found this book to be confusing. I had a hard time retaining anything because of the lack of information. I'm sure plenty of people like this style, but it's not for me. Tons of classic novels are written like this, and I didn't like any of those. The plot is great. The writing isn't exactly bad. It just isn't my style.
3 stars to this fun Halloween themed horror with an unforgettable character-The October Boy.
I’ve been seeing this book mentioned a lot as a great Halloween read and I can totally understand why. The story of a town that has a very unique Halloween tradition that is hiding something much more sinister is perfect for this time of year!
It went in a direction I didn’t expect, but I really liked that and am happy it did. It may seem like a straight forward story at first, but it twists and turns and has you questioning who you’re rooting for.
I wasn’t a fan of the narrative style, as it really pulled me out of the story quite a few times, hence why it wasn’t quite a four star read for me.
If you’re looking for a good story to kick off your spooky season, or a short novel to read on Halloween, this would be a great pick!
I’ve been seeing this book mentioned a lot as a great Halloween read and I can totally understand why. The story of a town that has a very unique Halloween tradition that is hiding something much more sinister is perfect for this time of year!
It went in a direction I didn’t expect, but I really liked that and am happy it did. It may seem like a straight forward story at first, but it twists and turns and has you questioning who you’re rooting for.
I wasn’t a fan of the narrative style, as it really pulled me out of the story quite a few times, hence why it wasn’t quite a four star read for me.
If you’re looking for a good story to kick off your spooky season, or a short novel to read on Halloween, this would be a great pick!