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celine's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
this book is so weird omg
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, and Gore
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Blood, and Cannibalism
Minor: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
nat1577's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. Unfortunately this book just wasn't like how I thought it would be. As a lot of people have mentioned, the story really drags on for the first 200 pages or so, then reaches a climax that gets REALLY dark, and then goes back to being fairly uneventful for the last chapter or so. The supposed magic abilities of the main character aren't really explored until the end, and even then, everything is left so vague. This was possibly a stylistic choice by the author, but it just didn't work for me.
Some of the main issues I had:
- Catlin and Maddy's relationship is supposed to be a focal point of the novel, but I just wasn't buying that they had a good relationship in the first place. Catlin was just so insufferable. When it initially became apparent that something was off about Lon, I immediately thought he had put some sort of spell on her to make her act that way. But no, she really was just that terrible - seriously, some of the things she says, and the way she acts prior to Lon revealing his true nature is just horrible. Catlin after everything had gone down with Lon - now that was the character I'd been wanting to see for the majority of the story. Unfortunately, that characterisation came out of nowhere, and Catlin seemed almost too level headed for the amount of horrific trauma she had just undergone.
- The setting was seriously underutilised. Maddy now lives in a huge castle? Doesn't matter, because the castle doesn't factor into the story at all. Maddy is now apart of this strange little village? Once again, doesn't matter, because this setting isn't explored at all. The novel could have taken place anywhere else. The characters seem like nothing more than props, because they aren't fleshed out at all. Even Oona, Maddy's love interest, doesn't really seem like a fully fleshed out character.
- Speaking of the village, what was the point of introducing the idea of magic being an integral part of it, and then never actually exploring this idea? They even mention that the Collinses are shapeshifters, and yet, other than a very brief allusion to this, there is literally no point in this being here since it's never explored beyond this one line mention.
- What. Is going on. With Lon. Seriously, what IS he? Why is he killing people? How is he immortal? What's the point to any of this? Lon is supposed to be the big bad of the novel, and yet everything he does essentially happens off screen.
- The animal abuse is seriously off putting, especially because it's so unnecessary. The author wanted to show how devoted Maddy was to her sister? Then, have Mamo interrupt the sacrifice BEFORE she stabbed the cat. Seeing as the cat escaped and survived anyway, we really didn't need the graphic torture scene.
- The book just feels like an origin story that ended prematurely. Like, imagine Batman Begins, but it ends right after Bruce becomes Batman. This story just needed a lot more to it - otherwise, the magical elements could have easily been scrapped, and this could've just been a story about two twins growing apart, one exploring her sexuality and ability to forge a life and friendships on her own, her concern about her sibling potentially being in an abusive relationship and the ramifications of that - and it probably would've been a much better story.
That being said, a lot of people have clearly enjoyed this novel considering some of the ratings here, so while it didn't work for me, it did for others. And I do think that the author had a lovely writing style.
Some of the main issues I had:
- Catlin and Maddy's relationship is supposed to be a focal point of the novel, but I just wasn't buying that they had a good relationship in the first place. Catlin was just so insufferable. When it initially became apparent that something was off about Lon, I immediately thought he had put some sort of spell on her to make her act that way. But no, she really was just that terrible - seriously, some of the things she says, and the way she acts prior to Lon revealing his true nature is just horrible. Catlin after everything had gone down with Lon - now that was the character I'd been wanting to see for the majority of the story. Unfortunately, that characterisation came out of nowhere, and Catlin seemed almost too level headed for the amount of horrific trauma she had just undergone.
- The setting was seriously underutilised. Maddy now lives in a huge castle? Doesn't matter, because the castle doesn't factor into the story at all. Maddy is now apart of this strange little village? Once again, doesn't matter, because this setting isn't explored at all. The novel could have taken place anywhere else. The characters seem like nothing more than props, because they aren't fleshed out at all. Even Oona, Maddy's love interest, doesn't really seem like a fully fleshed out character.
- Speaking of the village, what was the point of introducing the idea of magic being an integral part of it, and then never actually exploring this idea? They even mention that the Collinses are shapeshifters, and yet, other than a very brief allusion to this, there is literally no point in this being here since it's never explored beyond this one line mention.
- What. Is going on. With Lon. Seriously, what IS he? Why is he killing people? How is he immortal? What's the point to any of this? Lon is supposed to be the big bad of the novel, and yet everything he does essentially happens off screen.
- The animal abuse is seriously off putting, especially because it's so unnecessary. The author wanted to show how devoted Maddy was to her sister? Then, have Mamo interrupt the sacrifice BEFORE she stabbed the cat. Seeing as the cat escaped and survived anyway, we really didn't need the graphic torture scene.
- The book just feels like an origin story that ended prematurely. Like, imagine Batman Begins, but it ends right after Bruce becomes Batman. This story just needed a lot more to it - otherwise, the magical elements could have easily been scrapped, and this could've just been a story about two twins growing apart, one exploring her sexuality and ability to forge a life and friendships on her own, her concern about her sibling potentially being in an abusive relationship and the ramifications of that - and it probably would've been a much better story.
That being said, a lot of people have clearly enjoyed this novel considering some of the ratings here, so while it didn't work for me, it did for others. And I do think that the author had a lovely writing style.
manolitagafotas's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
alexiasophii's review against another edition
1.0
DAFUQ DID I READ?!?!
This book is the perfect example of why books SHOULD have trigger warnings. If I knew I would be reading about animal sacrifice, graphic description of animal abuse, graphic description of cannibalism, and others I WOULD NOT HAVE READ THIS.
Honestly, it's get one star for the cover only. The rest of book was slow, filled with monologues (not gonna lie, skipped some of them), parents who have zero attention to their fucking kids, teachers who are absent to the concept of an ADULT GROOMING CHILDREN, among other things. And lets not talk about the second half of the book that is filled with gore description, stuff that just comes out of NOWHERE and horrible descriptions of animal abuse and mutilation. Just NO!!
This book is the perfect example of why books SHOULD have trigger warnings. If I knew I would be reading about animal sacrifice, graphic description of animal abuse, graphic description of cannibalism, and others I WOULD NOT HAVE READ THIS.
Honestly, it's get one star for the cover only. The rest of book was slow, filled with monologues (not gonna lie, skipped some of them), parents who have zero attention to their fucking kids, teachers who are absent to the concept of an ADULT GROOMING CHILDREN, among other things. And lets not talk about the second half of the book that is filled with gore description, stuff that just comes out of NOWHERE and horrible descriptions of animal abuse and mutilation. Just NO!!
quoth_chloe's review
3.0
My Review-
I really liked the main character Madeline, she was a strong character who made some difficult decisions throughout this book. She had a lot of conflict going on with her personal, romantic life as well as her relationships with her family. It was interesting to see her cope with the things that were thrown at her and how she dealt with all the strange information she learned.
Catlin, her twin sister, was a completely different story. I could not stand her, she was so toxic. Even right at the beginning of the book she was so catty. She clearly cares for her sister and throughout the book she does worry for her and support her, there are just a few comments and things she does that hurt Madelin and Catlin could not see that. She was also very overly sexual in the beginning of the book, it came on a bit strong. I am all about expressing sexuality but I don't know, it was a lot for the beginning of the book. Throughout the book it was completely fine and it didn't bother me, it was just the first couple of chapters.
Their family is interesting, their mum tries to be supportive of the girls and wants to do what's best for them but she doesn't. She doesn't understand Madelin and the things she does and instead of trying to help her and talk to her about it, just gets angry and tells her to stop. I feel like this is something a lot of people will be able to relate to, many people have parents or family members that don't understand their mental health struggles and its represented well in this book. Their new stepfather is another interesting character the entire way through the book you don't know how to feel about him, he is a really nice person who is so in love with their mum but there is obviously something going on. His father wasn't a nice person and you slowly learn more about this throughout the story.
Mamo was one of my favourite characters, you genuinely have no idea what she is doing most of the time and she's scary. You have no idea if you can trust her or not or if she is a good person or is up to no good. I really liked the mystery surrounding her and I liked her more and more throughout the book. I just wish there were a few more answers surrounding certain things she may or may not do, you never find out what's going on so hopefully there is a sequel.
The other characters throughout this, the people from the town were also strange. They were distant and closed off, which was to be expected of such a small town. I just feel that there wasn't enough information about them. you heard all of these rumours about this notorious family and then never actually interacted with them properly? I don't think the town was as fleshed out as I would have hoped.
I really liked the setting, the castle where the girls lived was amazing and the town and the scenery was really well detailed. It felt like I was there, there were parts in this book where I felt cold, it was really immersive in some parts which I really enjoyed. The writing style was really lyrical, I really enjoyed it, it was perfect for this book.
I loved the natural aspect of this book, I loved the facts about plants and being a plant lover myself, I really enjoyed reading about them.
There were a couple of things I disliked about this book, the main problem I had was that I knew almost nothing about the girls who had previously been murdered in the town and I felt like I couldn't really feel anything about it as there wasn't enough information. The entire time the characters are talking about how they are reading about them and researching them and they really grow a connection to them and as a reader I felt I missed out on that. I just wish there was a little more information about the girls and who they really were. I do also understand that the town keeps it pretty quiet but if Madelin or Catlin are reading about I don't understand why the reader couldn't have learnt something. I don't care about learning more about the deaths, I just wanted to be able to care about the girls.
The other huge problem I had was the amount of animal abuse and dead animals there were throughout this book. There was something that Madelin does near the end that nearly made me DNF this whole book. I know that animal death happens and the natural ones that happen in this book, whilst uncomfortable, I could deal with. But I could not handle the abused and tortured animals. Especially what Madelin does at the end, I felt it was an unnecessary thing to have in the book, it left an animal mutilated and I DO NOT want to read about that, especially in that much detail.
Overall, this book was an incredibly descriptive and unique read and I feel that a lot of people are going to absolutely love this. If you love dark, atmospheric books then this is for you.
My rating- 3/5 stars
UK Release Date- May 30th 2019
I really liked the main character Madeline, she was a strong character who made some difficult decisions throughout this book. She had a lot of conflict going on with her personal, romantic life as well as her relationships with her family. It was interesting to see her cope with the things that were thrown at her and how she dealt with all the strange information she learned.
Catlin, her twin sister, was a completely different story. I could not stand her, she was so toxic. Even right at the beginning of the book she was so catty. She clearly cares for her sister and throughout the book she does worry for her and support her, there are just a few comments and things she does that hurt Madelin and Catlin could not see that. She was also very overly sexual in the beginning of the book, it came on a bit strong. I am all about expressing sexuality but I don't know, it was a lot for the beginning of the book. Throughout the book it was completely fine and it didn't bother me, it was just the first couple of chapters.
Their family is interesting, their mum tries to be supportive of the girls and wants to do what's best for them but she doesn't. She doesn't understand Madelin and the things she does and instead of trying to help her and talk to her about it, just gets angry and tells her to stop. I feel like this is something a lot of people will be able to relate to, many people have parents or family members that don't understand their mental health struggles and its represented well in this book. Their new stepfather is another interesting character the entire way through the book you don't know how to feel about him, he is a really nice person who is so in love with their mum but there is obviously something going on. His father wasn't a nice person and you slowly learn more about this throughout the story.
Mamo was one of my favourite characters, you genuinely have no idea what she is doing most of the time and she's scary. You have no idea if you can trust her or not or if she is a good person or is up to no good. I really liked the mystery surrounding her and I liked her more and more throughout the book. I just wish there were a few more answers surrounding certain things she may or may not do, you never find out what's going on so hopefully there is a sequel.
The other characters throughout this, the people from the town were also strange. They were distant and closed off, which was to be expected of such a small town. I just feel that there wasn't enough information about them. you heard all of these rumours about this notorious family and then never actually interacted with them properly? I don't think the town was as fleshed out as I would have hoped.
I really liked the setting, the castle where the girls lived was amazing and the town and the scenery was really well detailed. It felt like I was there, there were parts in this book where I felt cold, it was really immersive in some parts which I really enjoyed. The writing style was really lyrical, I really enjoyed it, it was perfect for this book.
I loved the natural aspect of this book, I loved the facts about plants and being a plant lover myself, I really enjoyed reading about them.
There were a couple of things I disliked about this book, the main problem I had was that I knew almost nothing about the girls who had previously been murdered in the town and I felt like I couldn't really feel anything about it as there wasn't enough information. The entire time the characters are talking about how they are reading about them and researching them and they really grow a connection to them and as a reader I felt I missed out on that. I just wish there was a little more information about the girls and who they really were. I do also understand that the town keeps it pretty quiet but if Madelin or Catlin are reading about I don't understand why the reader couldn't have learnt something. I don't care about learning more about the deaths, I just wanted to be able to care about the girls.
The other huge problem I had was the amount of animal abuse and dead animals there were throughout this book. There was something that Madelin does near the end that nearly made me DNF this whole book. I know that animal death happens and the natural ones that happen in this book, whilst uncomfortable, I could deal with. But I could not handle the abused and tortured animals. Especially what Madelin does at the end, I felt it was an unnecessary thing to have in the book, it left an animal mutilated and I DO NOT want to read about that, especially in that much detail.
Overall, this book was an incredibly descriptive and unique read and I feel that a lot of people are going to absolutely love this. If you love dark, atmospheric books then this is for you.
My rating- 3/5 stars
UK Release Date- May 30th 2019
goldenslug's review
dark
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Gore, Cannibalism, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent
hellonora's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
shauniesbookshelves's review against another edition
2.0
4 or 5 out of 10. I did not enjoy this one. Sorry