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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
I really struggled with this book. There are so many things to love...the atmosphere and setting are superbly rendered. The story idea was amazing. I heard good things about Darcy Coates, and even had a bookstore manager recommend it as a potential comp read for the novel I am currently writing. I was excited. What's not to love about a huge old haunted house/property full of legends and creepy stories?
And yet, I couldn't get past so many little things that kept pulling me out of the story so I couldn't enjoy it. The MC is a bit slow and dimwitted. A nice person, but too nice. He makes horrible choices and decisions over and over and over that no one would do. His arc moves forward one step, and slides back two. He never reaches a satisfying moment where, as a reader, you say "FINALLY, you GET it...." never happens. Then there is the house itself, full of dire warnings...and when said rules are broken...nothing major happens. Such a letdown.
There are a lot of inconsistencies, contradictions, and not enough plot details in some sections. I wanted to love this book. It grabbed my attention early on but rapidly waned. I could not, in good graces, recommend this book. I am not sure if I will pick up another Darcy Coates novel again, either. Big ole bummer that threw me into a small reading slump.
And yet, I couldn't get past so many little things that kept pulling me out of the story so I couldn't enjoy it. The MC is a bit slow and dimwitted. A nice person, but too nice. He makes horrible choices and decisions over and over and over that no one would do. His arc moves forward one step, and slides back two. He never reaches a satisfying moment where, as a reader, you say "FINALLY, you GET it...." never happens. Then there is the house itself, full of dire warnings...and when said rules are broken...nothing major happens. Such a letdown.
There are a lot of inconsistencies, contradictions, and not enough plot details in some sections. I wanted to love this book. It grabbed my attention early on but rapidly waned. I could not, in good graces, recommend this book. I am not sure if I will pick up another Darcy Coates novel again, either. Big ole bummer that threw me into a small reading slump.
dark
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I really struggled with this book. There are so many things to love...the atmosphere and setting are superbly rendered. The story idea was amazing. I heard good things about Darcy Coates, and even had a bookstore manager recommend it as a potential comp read for the novel I am currently writing. I was excited. What's not to love about a huge old haunted house/property full of legends and creepy stories?
And yet, I couldn't get past so many little things that kept pulling me out of the story so I couldn't enjoy it. The MC is a bit slow and dimwitted. A nice person, but too nice. He makes horrible choices and decisions over and over and over that no one would do. His arc moves forward one step, and slides back two. He never reaches a satisfying moment where, as a reader, you say "FINALLY, you GET it...." never happens. Then there is the house itself, full of dire warnings...and when said rules are broken...nothing major happens. Such a letdown.
There are a lot of inconsistencies, contradictions, and not enough plot details in some sections. I wanted to love this book. It grabbed my attention early on but rapidly waned. I could not, in good graces, recommend this book. I am not sure if I will pick up another Darcy Coates novel again, either. Big ole bummer that threw me into a small reading slump.
And yet, I couldn't get past so many little things that kept pulling me out of the story so I couldn't enjoy it. The MC is a bit slow and dimwitted. A nice person, but too nice. He makes horrible choices and decisions over and over and over that no one would do. His arc moves forward one step, and slides back two. He never reaches a satisfying moment where, as a reader, you say "FINALLY, you GET it...." never happens. Then there is the house itself, full of dire warnings...and when said rules are broken...nothing major happens. Such a letdown.
There are a lot of inconsistencies, contradictions, and not enough plot details in some sections. I wanted to love this book. It grabbed my attention early on but rapidly waned. I could not, in good graces, recommend this book. I am not sure if I will pick up another Darcy Coates novel again, either. Big ole bummer that threw me into a small reading slump.
I think out of all the Darcy Coates book. This one is my least favorite but doesn’t mean it wasn’t good.
I liked the storyline but it felt rushed through out the book and I didn’t like Eliza. I did like the ending of the book it did tie up the story pretty well.
I liked the storyline but it felt rushed through out the book and I didn’t like Eliza. I did like the ending of the book it did tie up the story pretty well.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It took me awhile to get into it, but it was pretty good. Not my favorite of hers though.
Perfect for spooky season! Solid ghost/haunted house story!
This was pretty good, I feel like it would be amazing as a movie, the twist isn't too shocking and I didn't feel like the end was that suspenseful. Still love haunted house books though.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Murder
Minor: Fire/Fire injury