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lookitslil's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
thebriary's review against another edition
3.0
I’m not sure this book succeeded in its purpose. Or rather, its purpose was confused so I am not sure how to even take it. The story was interesting and the settings were gorgeous but the atmosphere? Eh. I never felt tension or fear or horrified fascination. It didn’t make me feel much of anything, really.
It was, in a word, anticlimactic. And I think I know why.
We get the entire narrative from the wrong perspective. It’s a unique perspective, to be sure, but it sucks all the emotion out of the story. Okiku has nothing to lose and (really) nothing to gain – she is involved with but removed from the action and since we are getting the story from her voice there is no investment for us, either. It lacks… well, pathos. Okiku doesn’t rationalize her choices or indicate any sort of emotion that would explain them. She’s blank. Retell the story from the cousin’s perspective and I bet it would be a hell of a lot scarier.
It was, in a word, anticlimactic. And I think I know why.
We get the entire narrative from the wrong perspective. It’s a unique perspective, to be sure, but it sucks all the emotion out of the story. Okiku has nothing to lose and (really) nothing to gain – she is involved with but removed from the action and since we are getting the story from her voice there is no investment for us, either. It lacks… well, pathos. Okiku doesn’t rationalize her choices or indicate any sort of emotion that would explain them. She’s blank. Retell the story from the cousin’s perspective and I bet it would be a hell of a lot scarier.
muireebrown's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
There was more horror in this story than I was expecting, but it wasn’t unwelcome. That being said, the rest of the story was pretty straightforward. I would have appreciated if it went a little deeper into the psychological side of how the characters are feeling. It felt a little surface level in places.
I am interested in learning more about Japanese legends after reading this, though, which I think is a good sign. If you are looking for a simple, low key ghost story then this is the book for you.
I am interested in learning more about Japanese legends after reading this, though, which I think is a good sign. If you are looking for a simple, low key ghost story then this is the book for you.
solangelicag's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
hollyberry_books's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
babytaytayx's review against another edition
5.0
Love this book sooooo much!!!! Ghost POV. Ghost kills child murders. Helps children.
lopstrosity's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
As much as I enjoyed it as an adult, I wish I had the opportunity to read this when I was a teenager. The story is still good, but in my teen years I would have devoured the story & all the Japanese lore & superstition.
I respect Chupeco for not shying away from things and treating YA readers as actual adults. I see too many authors of the genre writing a story clearly meant for teens but in a style that’s basically Goosebumps.
I respect Chupeco for not shying away from things and treating YA readers as actual adults. I see too many authors of the genre writing a story clearly meant for teens but in a style that’s basically Goosebumps.
menachris87's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
5.0
jaid5394's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
purplepickle's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0