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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
So far, this is my favorite of Ania Ahlborn! This was an excellent blend of horror and crime fiction that keeps you engaged all the way through. I loved Lucas and Jeanie and their relationship was pretty realistic, given the situation. An absolute blast to read.
A little supernatural tossed in with a cult? Sold. You can kind of see where it’s going, but there’s still surprises.
I really wanted to like this book but it was so slow and the main character is so whiney.
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:
Complicated
So I thought this was going to be a ghost story. And it kind of is. But it’s also a cult story. And a murder story. And a horror story. When I was in it, it was a page turner. But I also kind of dislike all of the characters.
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
‘Within These Walls’ by Ania Ahlborn ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Finished on January 27, 2019
$12.99 on Kindle | $26.95 in Audiobook | $8.80 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Writer Lucas Graham’s life is a mess. His marriage has fallen apart, and he hasn’t written anything successful in years. When he’s contacted by death row inmate, Jeffrey Halcomb, to write his story, Lucas thinks it might be his second chance.
Halcomb is a notorious cult leader and mass murderer. He’s been quiet about his crimes for thirty years. With nothing left to lose, Lucas takes Halcomb up on his offer.
With nothing left to lose, Lucas leaves New York to live and work from the scene of the crime: a split-level farmhouse on a gray-sanded beach in Washington State whose foundation is steeped in the blood of Halcomb’s diviners—runaways who were drawn to his message of family, unity, and unconditional love. There, Lucas sets out to capture the real story of the departed faithful. Except that he’s not alone. For Jeffrey Halcomb promised his devout eternal life…and within these walls, they’re far from dead.
MY REVIEW:
I listened to this book through Audible.
‘Within These Walls’ mixes Helter Skelter with a ghost story. Jeffrey Halcomb and his followers are reminiscent of the Manson Family, and it’s an interesting concept to weave that in with the supernatural.
I have been a fan of Ahlborn’s work since I read ‘The Bird Eater’ a few years ago. None of her other works have lived up to that book for me, unfortunately. Still, I enjoy her writing style. She writes simply yet still beautifully. Sometimes, her phrases are almost poetic without reading as overly pompous or preachy. She also has a compelling imagination.
This novel did not scare me, but it was certainly gripping. I think I might have found it more spooky had I read it rather than listened to it, if that makes sense.
There were a couple of parts that felt irrational or unrealistic (not relating to the supernatural element, obviously), but Ahlborn’s lovely prose made it easy to overlook them.
I will continue to read Ahlborn’s work in appreciation of her style. She has become rather renowned for a reason.
‘Within These Walls’ by Ania Ahlborn ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Finished on January 27, 2019
$12.99 on Kindle | $26.95 in Audiobook | $8.80 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Writer Lucas Graham’s life is a mess. His marriage has fallen apart, and he hasn’t written anything successful in years. When he’s contacted by death row inmate, Jeffrey Halcomb, to write his story, Lucas thinks it might be his second chance.
Halcomb is a notorious cult leader and mass murderer. He’s been quiet about his crimes for thirty years. With nothing left to lose, Lucas takes Halcomb up on his offer.
With nothing left to lose, Lucas leaves New York to live and work from the scene of the crime: a split-level farmhouse on a gray-sanded beach in Washington State whose foundation is steeped in the blood of Halcomb’s diviners—runaways who were drawn to his message of family, unity, and unconditional love. There, Lucas sets out to capture the real story of the departed faithful. Except that he’s not alone. For Jeffrey Halcomb promised his devout eternal life…and within these walls, they’re far from dead.
MY REVIEW:
I listened to this book through Audible.
‘Within These Walls’ mixes Helter Skelter with a ghost story. Jeffrey Halcomb and his followers are reminiscent of the Manson Family, and it’s an interesting concept to weave that in with the supernatural.
I have been a fan of Ahlborn’s work since I read ‘The Bird Eater’ a few years ago. None of her other works have lived up to that book for me, unfortunately. Still, I enjoy her writing style. She writes simply yet still beautifully. Sometimes, her phrases are almost poetic without reading as overly pompous or preachy. She also has a compelling imagination.
This novel did not scare me, but it was certainly gripping. I think I might have found it more spooky had I read it rather than listened to it, if that makes sense.
There were a couple of parts that felt irrational or unrealistic (not relating to the supernatural element, obviously), but Ahlborn’s lovely prose made it easy to overlook them.
I will continue to read Ahlborn’s work in appreciation of her style. She has become rather renowned for a reason.
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I couldn't ever decide if it was scary or it was cheesy, but I loved it all the same.
That Ending Though?
Another great piece of fiction by Ania Ahlborn. Excellent build up, and the ending floored me. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys horror.
Another great piece of fiction by Ania Ahlborn. Excellent build up, and the ending floored me. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys horror.