Reviews

The Willows by Algernon Blackwood

slawler's review against another edition

5.0

A classic in the supernatural horror genre. This novella is an extremely atmospheric, beautifully written, psychological thriller. Beautiful use of sound to create atmosphere and tension. Very quick and engaging read.

crowyhead's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Racial slurs and Racism

redlynx's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

pecosedie's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Mysterious, with a touch of the supernatural a great setting and a quick and reflective read.

vanessagaertner's review against another edition

mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.0

luminous's review against another edition

3.0

Now I understand the underpinnings of The Hollow Places lol. Interesting how early in the story our narrator comments that his companion ("the Swede") isn't much for imagination or anything not concrete, yet later it is the Swede who quickly comprehends the cosmic horror nature of what is going on, that they're on the cusp of a transitory area between dimensions and an entity that doesn't give a shit about them, except maybe as food, is hunting them.

I like reading and accepting this story completely straight, but I wonder if there are popular interpretations of the story as something other than straightforward, like "they were isolated in a creepy area and shared a delusion" or something.

confusedwhale's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense slow-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? No

4.0

lfsalden's review against another edition

4.0

Oh, magnificent! Gentle horror - yes.

readerforever's review

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

If you’re looking for characters and character development, it’s not for you. This is more about plot, setting and mood and an exploration of cosmic horror. 

danpeachey's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.75