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lauramparis's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, and Grief
Moderate: Alcohol, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Pedophilia, Addiction, Child abuse, Abandonment, Colonisation, and Drug abuse
magneto's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a tough one to rate. There were elements of this story I really enjoyed which made for a quick, engrossing read however there were other aspects that were so frustrating to sit through. The constant complaining denial of the supernatural, mentions of Metallica and David Mustaine, her cousin's controlling husband - these happened so often it was tedious to read, you could start taking shots when they're mentioned and pass out drunk before finishing the book. However, the story itself was interesting and made me keep reading in the span of a couple sittings to find out the key to the mystery. Unfortunately, this wrapped up rather quickly and the epilogue put a neat bow on everything in a rushed manner. I'll never begrudge a character a happy ending but the pacing made it feel off. This also barely felt like a horror novel, more a dark supernatural mystery centering a theme of grief and discovery.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Drug use, Grief, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Pedophilia, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Gun violence and Sexual content
bookdragon217's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
"Some things, Kari,...are gone forever. You do things, or people before you do things—even if they're forced to, and a line is drawn. A border, a boundary that cannot be crossed."
Thanks to @flatiron_books foe the gifted copy. White Horse by Erika T. Wurth was the perfect way to kick off my November TBR. The genre be ding of this one captivated my attention the whole time. Wurth did an amazing job of toggling between thriller, horror, and supernatural elements without it ever feeling disjointed. Wurth is a natural storyteller and I was hanging on every word.
I loved how Wurth used the concept of haunting as a metaphor for multiple different themes:
● unresolved trauma
● disconnected identity
● grief and survivor's guilt
● generational curses
● addiction
I loved how Wurth told this story ripe with Indigenous history and tradition. Wurth uses the magic bracelet as a symbol to show that the spirit of our ancestors are in everything and how important it is to remember and honor our history and deal with the ghosts from our past. Wurth really highlighted the layered and complex family ties and the bonds that hold Indigenous communities together.
I appreciated how vibrant and atmospheric Wurth's writing was. She brought the sights and sounds of Denver to life. I loved the ode to bookworms, horror fans and 80s references throughout the story which made this story unique. I feel like The White Horse bar will forever be a memorable place. I've never read a horror story quite like this one. Wurth is a refreshing voice that I am excited to read more from. I will be screaming this one's praises for a long time. Consider reading this one for @nativeladybookwarrior Skoden Readathon Challenge. I highly recommend this one if you're looking for a new kind of horror book.
Thanks to @flatiron_books foe the gifted copy. White Horse by Erika T. Wurth was the perfect way to kick off my November TBR. The genre be ding of this one captivated my attention the whole time. Wurth did an amazing job of toggling between thriller, horror, and supernatural elements without it ever feeling disjointed. Wurth is a natural storyteller and I was hanging on every word.
I loved how Wurth used the concept of haunting as a metaphor for multiple different themes:
● unresolved trauma
● disconnected identity
● grief and survivor's guilt
● generational curses
● addiction
I loved how Wurth told this story ripe with Indigenous history and tradition. Wurth uses the magic bracelet as a symbol to show that the spirit of our ancestors are in everything and how important it is to remember and honor our history and deal with the ghosts from our past. Wurth really highlighted the layered and complex family ties and the bonds that hold Indigenous communities together.
I appreciated how vibrant and atmospheric Wurth's writing was. She brought the sights and sounds of Denver to life. I loved the ode to bookworms, horror fans and 80s references throughout the story which made this story unique. I feel like The White Horse bar will forever be a memorable place. I've never read a horror story quite like this one. Wurth is a refreshing voice that I am excited to read more from. I will be screaming this one's praises for a long time. Consider reading this one for @nativeladybookwarrior Skoden Readathon Challenge. I highly recommend this one if you're looking for a new kind of horror book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism and Grief
Minor: Pedophilia, Suicide attempt, and Emotional abuse
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