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reading_ali's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The characters were fine, but there was absolutely no diversity, and quite a lot of patriarchal ideas that were supposedly being challenged. But again, I came in thinking this would be a very different world, not an actually somewhat accurate depiction of 1800s americana life. So beware some misogyny
There were also aspects that frustrated me, simply because clues about the
Also still don't see how she knew that Lyra was the Queen’s name, because Whitaker never hinted that that was her name….just wish thr author wouldve dived in a bit deeper into that and developed the name bit so it wouldnt seem so out of nowhere
Overall I enjoyed having so many characters and things happening. Read the book in two sittings and it was creepy and wonderfully rural and atmospheric. Super fun.Just wish the romance was also developed a bit more, it also felt :/ flat and a tad too normal.
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Pregnancy and Body horror
Minor: Vomit
elderflower's review against another edition
- 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
3.25
Songs:
- Chelsea by Phoebe Bridgers- this one doesn’t fit very well, but I got the same vibes from this song and this book
- august by Taylor Swift- for Rebecca and Sam
- Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson- for Ellerie
Similar reads:
- The Monster in the Hollows by Andrew Peterson- if you want a younger, cleaner, and more christian version of this book then The Monster in the Hollows is the book for you!
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. R**ling (god I hate to write her name)- I was reminded of Ginny’s storyline while reading this book
Graphic: Animal death, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: Murder, Pregnancy, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Violence
Minor: Suicide, Ableism, Sexual content, Miscarriage, Misogyny, and Gun violence
more content warnings: ableist language, cheatinggrasonwood's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Gun violence, Murder, Pregnancy, and Violence
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Oh I wanted to like this more than I did. Review to come on Thursday!
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Misogyny, and Pregnancy
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Again, Erin A. Craig slays me with her immersive world-building and atmosphere-- homey and creepy by turn, veering steadily towards the latter as the story slinks onwards. As the bizarre, catastrophic events striking the town of Amity Falls multiply and worsen, hysteria creeps in, neighbor turning on neighbor, friend betraying friend. Everything is covered in a film of suspicion. There's that ominous teeling that you don't have all the puzzle pieces to understand the horrific events unfolding, and you're just as mystified and nervous as the characters. It's DARK on all kinds of fronts: psychological, gore, social critique. I found myself eating it up.
Our protagonist, Ellerie, is a stalwart guide through all the dark chaos. She's a dutiful, big-hearted, tough-as-nails heroine who cares for everyone around her, especially her family. She carries the weight of others' needs and wants on her back while holding their secrets safely locked away. Ellerie wants recognition from her father and her community, but she is in the awkward position of being a girl, leaving her with limited opportunity. On the flipside, I wasn't sure for most of the book if her twin brother was actually evil or just a terrible, obnoxious person, but he fueled my hate fire singlehandedly.
God, this book was good. It defies a single genre with historical homesteader elements, creepy thriller vibes, a dash of fairy tale inspiration, and lurking supernatural presence. It's a slow, consuming build and I highly recommend it.
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Blood, Death, Gore, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Misogyny and Pregnancy
nytephoenyx's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Vomit