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shreyapandey13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
itsjustgrumpy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Great, spooky read for those winter months. Learned a lot about life in arctic conditions, and was pleasantly surprised by the queer representation.
Only thing that let it down was the pacing being incredibly slow until the last 30 pages, but I feel this was intentional to reflect how the main character was experiencing the perpetual twilight of months without sun.
Only thing that let it down was the pacing being incredibly slow until the last 30 pages, but I feel this was intentional to reflect how the main character was experiencing the perpetual twilight of months without sun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, Death, Torture, and Violence
tapertuva's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
noirverse's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very straightforward ghost story that felt a little lacking in plot, but the narrator voice was what made it an enjoyable read for me.
beth_zovko's review against another edition
2.0
I've read better, but I've read a lot worse, too. Paver paints a vivid portrait of a stark but beautiful Arctic Norway. The story centers around a group of amateur explorers who encounter misfortune after misfortune on their expedition until only one, Jack Miller, remains. He has been seeing a silent, dark figure prowling around the group's cabin and gradually becomes aware that is it neither human, nor friendly.
Once alone, Jack's sense of isolation from other humans, his tedious battle to keep warm and dry, and his fear of the inevitable return of his unwanted visitor grow until the reader feels just as trapped and anxious as Jack. Paver's storytelling here was excellent: the oppressive closeness of the cabin was just as strong as the feeling of dread every time Jack steps outside to check his equipment.
I've gave it only 2 stars because the story got so self-referential at points that I felt like I was reading Cliff's Notes ("I was offered three chances to leave this place," or "Algie's indifference to the seal's agony was indicative of nature's indifference to us.") Also, the end felt rushed and anti-climactic. There were also several highly detailed instances of animals being hurt, beaten, or killed. These were meant to heighten the tension of the story, but they left a 'bad taste' in my head.
Once alone, Jack's sense of isolation from other humans, his tedious battle to keep warm and dry, and his fear of the inevitable return of his unwanted visitor grow until the reader feels just as trapped and anxious as Jack. Paver's storytelling here was excellent: the oppressive closeness of the cabin was just as strong as the feeling of dread every time Jack steps outside to check his equipment.
I've gave it only 2 stars because the story got so self-referential at points that I felt like I was reading Cliff's Notes ("I was offered three chances to leave this place," or "Algie's indifference to the seal's agony was indicative of nature's indifference to us.") Also, the end felt rushed and anti-climactic. There were also several highly detailed instances of animals being hurt, beaten, or killed. These were meant to heighten the tension of the story, but they left a 'bad taste' in my head.
bookyanna's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A creepy ghost story. A group of twenty-something men attempt an arctic expedition, only to realise there's something unsettling lurking in the 24/7 darkness. Claustrophic and well-paced, definitely worth a read for lovers of paranormal horror.
goldenpumpkin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0