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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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
Short Review: The only good thing about this book is the last pages
Long Review:
Long Review:
This book came with all the right ingredients for a spine-tingling horror-thriller: a creepy castle, eerie children, a mysterious mother… yet somehow, it managed to turn all that into one giant snooze-fest. I’m new to horror, and even I can tell you—this book is anything but scary. The rare “scary” moments didn’t deliver any real chills, and the thrill was non-existent. Honestly, the story just dragged along, and it’s hard to justify the patience it takes to get through to the ending, which felt like a last-minute patch job.
The main character (whose name I can barely remember) is shallow, and her “anxiety” feels like it was tossed in whenever the plot needed a little spice, only to be forgotten in the next chapter. Speaking from experience, her anxiety wasn’t portrayed realistically. The supporting characters had potential—Evie, the kids, the maid—but they’re all left hanging in the background, which is a shame. The one redeeming aspect? A glimpse of chemistry between the lead and Evie, though it only scratched the surface.
Overall, the writing was okay—not terrible, not great. If you’re looking for chills or thrills, this one might disappoint.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
This is the best book I have read this year and in a long time! Highly recommend
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Maybe memory was a kind of haunting”
I think this book could have been so much more. I love a gothic tale, and while a slow start in horror can have an amazing pay off - this one started a little too slow.
The action, intrigue, and mystery really didn’t start up until the halfway point. Once the plot got to the meat of the story, I enjoyed it. It just really took too long to get there.
But if you are interested in a sapphic gothic tale with the vibes of a YA Haunting of Bly Manor and some decent anxiety representation - and you don’t mind a slow burn build up, this might be the book for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Death of parent
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, Stalking
Minor: Child death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
slow-paced
4.5 stars
I’m in shock. I’ve never read a horror book before and oml. There were some really REALLY creepy things. I’m so thankful this wasn’t a movie cause if I saw the things I read about, I’d be screaming non-stop. Oml I can’t even use the skull emoji it’s making me think of way too much
I’m surprised I grew to like the dysfunctional family. The characters are surprisingly lovable and super real (including their dumb decisions cause WTH) and I really liked all their backstories. Also, the plot twists WERE MAD I was so shocked I and the final part of the book has so much suspense like there’s a reason why I’m up at 1.30am writing this review. All the little clues spread throughout the book were addressed in the end and everything was so well-thought out.
Oh and who knew u could get such good romance in a horror book? I LOVED IT. it relieved a lot of tension and linked so well with the plot (can’t say how cause spoiler) but yeah I didn’t feel like it was a horror book with random romance in the side, cause obvs if it was that then that’s annoying. And tbf there were lots of scenes w the two of them that were absolutely brimming w tension like esp the ending
The only reason why I’m not rating it 5 stars is cause I don’t think I’m ever gonna read this again it’s too unsettling
I’m in shock. I’ve never read a horror book before and oml. There were some really REALLY creepy things. I’m so thankful this wasn’t a movie cause if I saw the things I read about, I’d be screaming non-stop. Oml I can’t even use the skull emoji it’s making me think of way too much
I’m surprised I grew to like the dysfunctional family. The characters are surprisingly lovable and super real (including their dumb decisions cause WTH) and I really liked all their backstories. Also, the plot twists WERE MAD I was so shocked I and the final part of the book has so much suspense like there’s a reason why I’m up at 1.30am writing this review. All the little clues spread throughout the book were addressed in the end and everything was so well-thought out.
Oh and who knew u could get such good romance in a horror book? I LOVED IT. it relieved a lot of tension and linked so well with the plot (can’t say how cause spoiler) but yeah I didn’t feel like it was a horror book with random romance in the side, cause obvs if it was that then that’s annoying. And tbf there were lots of scenes w the two of them that were absolutely brimming w tension like esp the ending
The only reason why I’m not rating it 5 stars is cause I don’t think I’m ever gonna read this again it’s too unsettling
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A slow burn fantasy book.
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated