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2.97 AVERAGE
2.97 AVERAGE
I actually wasn't really liking this book until the end. I think I just got annoyed that each character had like one trait that drove everything they did, and they each brought up their "thing" and grumbled about it to themselves/to the reader over and over and over. That definitely got old. But although the characters were pretty flat, and the writing was mediocre, I liked the way it ended. It had a small twist that I wasn't expecting, and I'm glad I finished it. I wouldn't read it again, and I don't think I would recommend it, but I do think it would make a decent movie if someone wanted to try.
Some books you read very quickly because you want to know what happens. Others you just want to hurry up and get it over with. This was the second. The plot was not very original, the characters weren't very interesting, and the present tense writing style was very distracting.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
The Story
In the times of plantation and slavery, there were many secrets, especially with the owners. From relationships, affairs, whippings, money problems and more. One plantation holds more secrets than any of the others.
It's always been depicted as a lovely place, with images of Spring House showing sun, life, laughter and joy. These pictures represent the surface, where many tourists come to visit one of the largest and most wealthy plantations, which has been newly renovated.
However, the true secrets start to surface, after the owner attempts to take her own life - upon discovering her husband has his own little secret. She doesn't expect was happens next, as she sits alone in her garden gazebo, shrouded in darkness, blood dripping to the floor. After uncovering the true dark, brutal secret that lies under Spring House, her husband is soon taken from her - karma to pay for his lies and secret. Will she embrace the darkness or will it come back to haunt her?
My Thoughts on the Book:
I loved this book. If you are a fan of Stephen King or Joe Hill, you will be hooked on this book! I loved it so much I will need to go and get all of his other books, just to see if they are as gripping as this.
I found one of the best aspects of this book to be the time and place in which it takes place. It was great that Rice took the book back to his someplace, as you could tell by the level of depth and character he gave the surroundings in the book. Every details about the streets, roads, houses and people were done superbly to fit the area. I also liked that the thriller aspect was completely intertwined with the dark history of the south. It is a different take on this historical part of the States and I believe that this was done to perfection. The historical aspect gives you a time and real events to be able to latch the story to, making you feel as though it really did happen. You almost find yourself starting to check for the vines under your bed, just in case the darkness has let them spread to your place.
The characters in the book were excellent. They had depth and true characteristics to match them to the deep south personas they should have, based on their style and station in life. I liked that a lot of the characters were also so much more than you thought they were. They had a lot of detail and emotion that boiled to the surface, some of which you never would have expected.
Finally, the thriller aspect of the story was one of the best I've read in a very long time. It is true when it is said that Rice's writing rivals that of King. I definitely found myself so engrossed in the tale that I couldn't put the book down. Every minor detailed was planned and written like an art piece. They flowed together so well, and created a true thriller masterpiece. Be ready for a good scare.
OVERALL: A great book. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of King, Hill and the likes. It is more of an adult story, as the thriller theme may be a bit much and gory for younger audiences, but I believe it is appropriate for 15+.
In the times of plantation and slavery, there were many secrets, especially with the owners. From relationships, affairs, whippings, money problems and more. One plantation holds more secrets than any of the others.
It's always been depicted as a lovely place, with images of Spring House showing sun, life, laughter and joy. These pictures represent the surface, where many tourists come to visit one of the largest and most wealthy plantations, which has been newly renovated.
However, the true secrets start to surface, after the owner attempts to take her own life - upon discovering her husband has his own little secret. She doesn't expect was happens next, as she sits alone in her garden gazebo, shrouded in darkness, blood dripping to the floor. After uncovering the true dark, brutal secret that lies under Spring House, her husband is soon taken from her - karma to pay for his lies and secret. Will she embrace the darkness or will it come back to haunt her?
My Thoughts on the Book:
I loved this book. If you are a fan of Stephen King or Joe Hill, you will be hooked on this book! I loved it so much I will need to go and get all of his other books, just to see if they are as gripping as this.
I found one of the best aspects of this book to be the time and place in which it takes place. It was great that Rice took the book back to his someplace, as you could tell by the level of depth and character he gave the surroundings in the book. Every details about the streets, roads, houses and people were done superbly to fit the area. I also liked that the thriller aspect was completely intertwined with the dark history of the south. It is a different take on this historical part of the States and I believe that this was done to perfection. The historical aspect gives you a time and real events to be able to latch the story to, making you feel as though it really did happen. You almost find yourself starting to check for the vines under your bed, just in case the darkness has let them spread to your place.
The characters in the book were excellent. They had depth and true characteristics to match them to the deep south personas they should have, based on their style and station in life. I liked that a lot of the characters were also so much more than you thought they were. They had a lot of detail and emotion that boiled to the surface, some of which you never would have expected.
Finally, the thriller aspect of the story was one of the best I've read in a very long time. It is true when it is said that Rice's writing rivals that of King. I definitely found myself so engrossed in the tale that I couldn't put the book down. Every minor detailed was planned and written like an art piece. They flowed together so well, and created a true thriller masterpiece. Be ready for a good scare.
OVERALL: A great book. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of King, Hill and the likes. It is more of an adult story, as the thriller theme may be a bit much and gory for younger audiences, but I believe it is appropriate for 15+.
While the writing was excellent and the premise was interesting I felt like I was missing something the entire time I was reading this book. I had a hard time figuring out what was going on and why it was happening.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A creepy and wonderful story. When I read the premise I was worried that out would be too much like Little Shop of Horrors. I am happy to report that it wasn't at all. I had all the twists and turns I expect from Christopher Rice which made it a wonderful read.
Great writing, as always, but it wasn't as thrilling, scary, or coherent as I expected and wanted. The story is good, but predictable, and this is a rare case where I think the book should have been longer - I wanted to read more, and know more, than the author was wiling or able to give in this case.