Reviews

She Walks in Darkness by Evangeline Walton

chelsea_jack's review against another edition

4.0

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This Gothic tale is very well written. It's heavy on atmosphere, full of crazy family drama set against hidden treasure, murder and the lure of an ancient civilization.

The only real downside of this book is that it harkens back to an older style. It's a fantastic style, don't get me wrong - with a slow turning of the screws to ratchet up the tension. But it's definitely a different sort of read than your average paperback.

If you can enjoy and appreciate a Gothic tale for what it is, then you'll love this, but if you're looking for a fast-paced thriller, look elsewhere!

See my complete review at: To Each Their Own Reviws

hrjones's review against another edition

3.0

Lately I’ve been plucking books almost randomly off my to-be-read bookcase (which really needs to be organized so it’s not quite so random). I’d rather forgotten about picking up this one. A somewhat dated (with respect to gender politics) short gothic with mystery elements, set in an ancient villa and the Etruscan catacombs beneath it. Archaeology, ancient mysteries, terrible family secrets, lots of peril that might have been avoided if people talked to each other more about the odd things they knew about the villa and its former inhabitants. A great study in re-interpreting the protagonist’s understanding as new facts come to light (with a chance for the reader to be a step and a half ahead of her in figuring out what’s going on). The introduction by Paul di Filippo accurately describes it as a bit of a blend of Daphne du Maurier and Thomas Burnett Swann.

inametaphor's review

adventurous dark tense fast-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? It's complicated

3.0

Gothic horror has never really been my thing, but I like Walton and I had just been reading about the actual, historical Etruscans, so this seemed an interesting read. 

It starts slowly and it took me a bit to wrap my brain around the somewhat archaic language and structure, but by the time I was about 15% in, I was enthralled. It’s not something I can seem myself revisiting, but it was a quick, easy read.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Sexual violence

sebgoll's review against another edition

adventurous 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? No

3.75

laurablackwell's review against another edition

4.0

A quick, enjoyable read with a gorgeous setting. The plot isn't hard to figure out for the most part, but it's the dizzying atmosphere that makes this book fun to read.

aomdoa's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Okay read but it felt a little all over for myself.

bhalpin's review

adventurous dark 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? No

3.5

Fun gothic mystery. Some amazing set pieces, but overall, nothing special. I appreciated the fact that it was short.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Sexual violence

One character has the very clear intent to rape another but is prevented from doing so