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sare1125's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Sexual violence, Child death, Body horror, Death, Gore, and Murder
bookish_satty's review
dark
mysterious
tense
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? No
DNF @50%
Sorry to the author but I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm putting my entire lengthy rant in spoilers tag so if you want to hear me spew venom then check it out at your own risk.
Nothing is happening in the story rather the gory or creepy parts including Lucy's possession and her behavior was just glossed over and told through dialogues between Will, Tor and Jimmy which was so frustrating. I don't want to be told rather I want to see the action. Both Will and Tor are insufferable characters with whom I just couldn't connect at all. I respected Jimmy's skepticism at first but later on it just grated my nerve when he will go to lengths to dismiss the possession theory. Jimmy and Tammy's relationship just got sprung on us readers. It just came out of nowhere and they were just back to easy flirting and love declarations after being completely separated from each other for years which was so insta lovey that I hated that on sight.
This story has no redeeming quality at all for me. I was comparing Asylum by Ambrose Ibsen with this story where I hated the over enthusiastic and totally immature student who is a horror fan but my annoyance and frustration was shared by the protagonist whose POV we were following so in a way it turned out okay but here I just hated Jimmy and his constant inner monologue trying to discredit anything the parents are saying. I had the same problem with this that I had with Moving In by Ron Ripley where the ghosts were portrayed as just cliché psychopaths but they were missing the otherworldly/supernatural feel and the ghost just kept giving villain monologue and the protagonists just hid in their house all the time because their yard is haunted, I mean how will you get the groceries?
Most importantly I'm a plot driven reader and there was no action at all. I would have at least finished it if the characters were relatable and likable but they were so obnoxious and overly dramatic. The mom just keeps on cooking, the possessed daughter just evil laughs all the times and lounges on the bed with her hand fastened to the headboard and the father just keeps going on and on about how much he hates his wife and screaming MY DAUGHTER IS POSSESSED!!! Lol!
This is my favorite sub genre of horror to read but man this just made me so angry. I don't DNF often but I've reached my limit because finishing this will definitely push me into a reading slump.
Sorry to the author but I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm putting my entire lengthy rant in spoilers tag so if you want to hear me spew venom then check it out at your own risk.
This story has no redeeming quality at all for me. I was comparing Asylum by Ambrose Ibsen with this story where I hated the over enthusiastic and totally immature student who is a horror fan but my annoyance and frustration was shared by the protagonist whose POV we were following so in a way it turned out okay but here I just hated Jimmy and his constant inner monologue trying to discredit anything the parents are saying. I had the same problem with this that I had with Moving In by Ron Ripley where the ghosts were portrayed as just cliché psychopaths but they were missing the otherworldly/supernatural feel and the ghost just kept giving villain monologue and the protagonists just hid in their house all the time because their yard is haunted, I mean how will you get the groceries?
Most importantly I'm a plot driven reader and there was no action at all. I would have at least finished it if the characters were relatable and likable but they were so obnoxious and overly dramatic. The mom just keeps on cooking, the possessed daughter just evil laughs all the times and lounges on the bed with her hand fastened to the headboard and the father just keeps going on and on about how much he hates his wife and screaming MY DAUGHTER IS POSSESSED!!! Lol!
This is my favorite sub genre of horror to read but man this just made me so angry. I don't DNF often but I've reached my limit because finishing this will definitely push me into a reading slump.
drakaina16's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
5.0
I love a good exorcism story, and this one is really, really good. I cared about the characters quite a bit and I'm eager to read more of Jimmy Holiday's adventures.
mzzmia's review
3.0
It's okay, but.
I liked it. The writing could use work. I wanted there to be more background on the house and it's history. I also didn't care for the way Holliday went back and forth with his assessment of Tor. However, I liked that it wasn't unnecessarily drawn out.
I liked it. The writing could use work. I wanted there to be more background on the house and it's history. I also didn't care for the way Holliday went back and forth with his assessment of Tor. However, I liked that it wasn't unnecessarily drawn out.
authorheatherw's review
5.0
Sorrow’s Point was probably one of the most terrifying books I’ve ever read. For me, there’s something so horrifying about innocent little kids being taken over by something dark and evil. It’s one of the reasons I consider Children of the Corn and The Exorcist the scariest movies I’ve ever seen and I was definitely reminded of the latter while reading Sorrow’s Point.
Sorrow’s Point is a book that I could easy see brought to life on screen. It just had such a movie feel to it as the tension gradually builds after the startling first chapter flashback. I liked the setup of a young girl being possessed and an ex-priest being approached to help cure her.
Characterizations were phenomenal and I had no problem picturing Jimmy and Lucy and her family in my mind. I liked how the author tied the characters together in interesting ways. I also enjoyed the switches between past and present and how the author gave subtle hints along the way about the mysteries surrounding Sorrow’s Point and the Black family.
The book is a page-turner, but definitely not for the faint of heart. There were a few chilling scenes that will leave me with nightmares for weeks. The author is one to watch and I’m going to check out her other novels available.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Sorrow’s Point is a book that I could easy see brought to life on screen. It just had such a movie feel to it as the tension gradually builds after the startling first chapter flashback. I liked the setup of a young girl being possessed and an ex-priest being approached to help cure her.
Characterizations were phenomenal and I had no problem picturing Jimmy and Lucy and her family in my mind. I liked how the author tied the characters together in interesting ways. I also enjoyed the switches between past and present and how the author gave subtle hints along the way about the mysteries surrounding Sorrow’s Point and the Black family.
The book is a page-turner, but definitely not for the faint of heart. There were a few chilling scenes that will leave me with nightmares for weeks. The author is one to watch and I’m going to check out her other novels available.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
ciannareider's review
5.0
Fantastic! This book was an impressive first read from a New-To-Me author! I am blown away. This book grabbed me from the very beginning and kept hold of me. I had it in my mind when I wasn't reading because I wanted to peel back the layers to this story. I have been in a horror novel lately, and this one was perfect. Jimmy Holiday, the main character, is a priest who left the service because he fell in love with a woman, but they didn't work out. Maybe it was because she was a witch. But this story is centered around Blackmoor Hall, an old house in a quiet town. This house has a history surrounding it, and it's dark. Jimmy is called there at the request of an old childhood friend who believes his daughter is possessed, and this story only gets more interesting from there.
I'm usually very picky about writing and have a hard time finding books that I don't guess the endings. This book was one of them. DeVor had me on the edge of my seat from page one because I had to know what was going to happen. Her writing is elegant and flowing, and lush with detail. This book had all the right factors to lead into the creepiness, and the author did a fantastic job tying in flashes from the past with the current story. I love Jimmy's internal struggle, and how he had to embrace that not everything is black and white, and open his mind to the spiritual side of things to accomplish a feat that he was destined to do. The book ended wonderfully, and I saw that the author has a second book out, and I cannot wait to read that! I think her books are only going to get better from here. Fantastic writing, the writer knows her craft; this story is impressively written. She develops this cast of characters and keeps you guessing on what is motivating who, and who is really in control. I love every, terrifying, fantastic moment of this book. This kept me on edge and still has me thinking about it. Very well done!
*I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own 100%. This review was done in conjunction with NerdGirl Official blog. For more information, please visit them on Facebook.
I'm usually very picky about writing and have a hard time finding books that I don't guess the endings. This book was one of them. DeVor had me on the edge of my seat from page one because I had to know what was going to happen. Her writing is elegant and flowing, and lush with detail. This book had all the right factors to lead into the creepiness, and the author did a fantastic job tying in flashes from the past with the current story. I love Jimmy's internal struggle, and how he had to embrace that not everything is black and white, and open his mind to the spiritual side of things to accomplish a feat that he was destined to do. The book ended wonderfully, and I saw that the author has a second book out, and I cannot wait to read that! I think her books are only going to get better from here. Fantastic writing, the writer knows her craft; this story is impressively written. She develops this cast of characters and keeps you guessing on what is motivating who, and who is really in control. I love every, terrifying, fantastic moment of this book. This kept me on edge and still has me thinking about it. Very well done!
*I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own 100%. This review was done in conjunction with NerdGirl Official blog. For more information, please visit them on Facebook.
missjackieoh's review
4.0
phew...spooky. It's 11:40 pm and I don't want to sleep. Really good book! Review to come soon.
-Review-
Oh man! Exorcisms, soul suckers, possession, black magic, cannibalism, an ex-priest and a witch. This novel was just so spooky and intense. I was for the most part consistently on the edge of my seat. The story progressed really fast but managed still keep you following along and interested.
The story is of a family who moves into a house that has been the forefront of some really dark black magic. The family is bombarded with strange occurrences and then their six year old daughter (that’s right, SIX!; and the language that comes out of that little girl :-/) changes. After many, many visits with doctors and priests, the family is desperate for help. The father, Will, goes to an old friend for help. Jimmy Holiday, used to be a priest. Along with the help of an old witchy flame, Jimmy will attempt to save the life of the little girl.
I really only have one complaint, it was too short. There were so MANY things Ms. DeVor could have expanded on. The Black family for one; you get little snippets into the 1950s before the Black family tragedy that started this all. It explains things fairly well, but she mentions some things that, I know were merely to show you the evilness of Mr. Black, but it seemed like a very interesting avenue to explore. I don’t know if that makes me sick…I hope not. I just won’t think about it!
The characters were well thought out. Oh well, I guess I have two complaints. Sometimes the interactions between Tabby and Jimmy felt forced, and not really believable. I didn’t really like Tabby’s character so much, I felt she was unnecessarily mean to Jimmy, always being condescending and acting like he was dumb…but hey, he was only saving the day, no biggie! I did enjoy the turnaround of a man of god, being open-minded about witchy things. You don’t see that very often…now if only the witch could have been more open-minded about the godly things.
The idea that Jimmy is of part some secret circle of Maker's, was only mentioned during a short portion at the end. It was more of a teaser as to whats to come in book two I guess. My interest is piqued, but I am also at the same time weary that it is slightly silly. You'll see what I mean when you read it.
The ending. Oh My God, the ending. I won't spoil it, but I will say I both loved it and hated it, but not because it was bad necessarily. I hated it because it was not all what I wanted or was expecting.
Very good story, I will definitely be picking up book two and anything else by this author.
I received this EARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
-Review-
Oh man! Exorcisms, soul suckers, possession, black magic, cannibalism, an ex-priest and a witch. This novel was just so spooky and intense. I was for the most part consistently on the edge of my seat. The story progressed really fast but managed still keep you following along and interested.
The story is of a family who moves into a house that has been the forefront of some really dark black magic. The family is bombarded with strange occurrences and then their six year old daughter (that’s right, SIX!; and the language that comes out of that little girl :-/) changes. After many, many visits with doctors and priests, the family is desperate for help. The father, Will, goes to an old friend for help. Jimmy Holiday, used to be a priest. Along with the help of an old witchy flame, Jimmy will attempt to save the life of the little girl.
I really only have one complaint, it was too short. There were so MANY things Ms. DeVor could have expanded on. The Black family for one; you get little snippets into the 1950s before the Black family tragedy that started this all. It explains things fairly well, but she mentions some things that, I know were merely to show you the evilness of Mr. Black, but it seemed like a very interesting avenue to explore. I don’t know if that makes me sick…I hope not. I just won’t think about it!
The characters were well thought out. Oh well, I guess I have two complaints. Sometimes the interactions between Tabby and Jimmy felt forced, and not really believable. I didn’t really like Tabby’s character so much, I felt she was unnecessarily mean to Jimmy, always being condescending and acting like he was dumb…but hey, he was only saving the day, no biggie! I did enjoy the turnaround of a man of god, being open-minded about witchy things. You don’t see that very often…now if only the witch could have been more open-minded about the godly things.
The idea that Jimmy is of part some secret circle of Maker's, was only mentioned during a short portion at the end. It was more of a teaser as to whats to come in book two I guess. My interest is piqued, but I am also at the same time weary that it is slightly silly. You'll see what I mean when you read it.
The ending. Oh My God, the ending. I won't spoil it, but I will say I both loved it and hated it, but not because it was bad necessarily. I hated it because it was not all what I wanted or was expecting.
Very good story, I will definitely be picking up book two and anything else by this author.
I received this EARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
lilyn_g's review
4.0
Okay, so I read this book at 11 p.m. the night before Halloween. Given how much of a colossal wimp I am, this was a horrible idea. Just sayin'.
In Sorrow's Point, Danielle DeVor delivers a terrifying story of demonic possession and the valiant fight to save the child that will have you turning on all the lights in your house and jumping at the slightest sound. The reader is unceremoniously thrown into the deep end of this tale of terror that starts with a phone call at 3 a.m. and a worried father begging for help to save his daughter's life, and its not until the very last pages that they're thrown a preserver to keep them from never coming back up.
Overall, I completely enjoyed reading this book, laughing at myself at times as I was reading it because I was so spooked. I am definitely adding this author to my list of "Read-More-From". As for the comparisons to King? She's as good, if not better in some ways. This is definitely a woman in horror that you need to read.
For a full review , please click here.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In Sorrow's Point, Danielle DeVor delivers a terrifying story of demonic possession and the valiant fight to save the child that will have you turning on all the lights in your house and jumping at the slightest sound. The reader is unceremoniously thrown into the deep end of this tale of terror that starts with a phone call at 3 a.m. and a worried father begging for help to save his daughter's life, and its not until the very last pages that they're thrown a preserver to keep them from never coming back up.
Overall, I completely enjoyed reading this book, laughing at myself at times as I was reading it because I was so spooked. I am definitely adding this author to my list of "Read-More-From". As for the comparisons to King? She's as good, if not better in some ways. This is definitely a woman in horror that you need to read.
For a full review , please click here.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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