Reviews

Very creepy book. Imagine having terrible thoughts running through your mind and then they actually happen. That’s definitely some scary stuff right there.

readwithkyladawngail's review

Go to review page

dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

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

3.0

This book reminded me of Crossroads by Laurel Hightower and Hollow by Mike Salt and grief horror has definitely become one of my favourite tropes.

You really feel the descent into grief, madness and fury that the main character goes through. While this was a bit too slow burn for me, I still really enjoyed it.

sarahflorence's review

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

steed17's review

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

screamquing's review

Go to review page

dark emotional sad medium-paced

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

5.0

Starting my 2024 reads of right!

*I received an eARC from DarkLit Press in exchange for an honest review.* I’ve never read any of this authors work, but they’ve definitely made a fan out of me with this novella. Any possible spoilers from this review come from the synopsis.

Synopsis: “What if every terrible thing imagined came true? Every fleeting, nightmarish thought a reality? For grief-stricken Karina, her newfound ability to turn her worst daydreams into palpable truths has sent her into a downward spiral of depression and guilt. Coupled with the appearance of an enigmatic shadow figure and visions of her dead family, she grapples to maintain her sanity while desperately attempting to harness her abilities and reunite with her loved ones.”

This story constantly had me asking the question, “is this real?” From the first chapter I was sucked into Karina’s world of navigating grief, depression, generational trauma, and intrusive thoughts. Anyone who has experienced any of this before can relate to how beautifully honest it was written. What I would have loved even more background on were some of Karina’s relationships. Even so, the layers of complex emotions and growing dread made it hard for me to put it down.

Can’t wait to read more from this author!
4.5:

dayofthetabi's review

Go to review page

dark emotional sad tense

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

3.0

This is an interesting dive into grief, Dre press ion and mental health. As a novella it is a quick read. I do think the topics are handled well but really would have benefited from a full length novel. The imagery was perfectly morbid and grotesque. As a horror novel it didn’t work for me as it seemed to rely on that gross factor rather than unease and ambiance.

The pain and grief the main character goes through though was outstanding. I think this works better as a general fiction exploration with horror elements rather than a true horror novel but I still enjoyed the read. It is a 3 due to the reliance on body horror and decay as its primary fear factor. It just wasn’t scary but it was dark.

If you’re a fan of body horror and dealing with the aftermath of a lost loved one, this is worth a read.

More...