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protoman21's review against another edition
4.0
Evie is a fun character with a lot of spunk and although she can be a bit annoyingly self centered at times, she is still entertaining to read about and definitely guaranteed to cause mischief. Her supporting cast is made up of a nice collection of unique individuals who each have their moments to shine. Theta is a personal favorite, especially in the audio book where the voice actor does a brilliant job with the accent. Some of the parts with Memphis and his storyline separate of the main plot weren't my favorites, but I'm assuming they will be more important in further books. The Jericho twist was unexpected and pretty out of the blue. I'm going to have to wait and see on that one as well. Overall a nice beginning to a series.
sleebyy's review against another edition
4.0
this book was a really fun read and definitely added the spooky vibes i was going for in reading this month! it was a little slow at times and i ended up skimming a few chapters, but overall i’m glad i got to read it. the characters are super interesting, even the ones who didn’t get as much development, and the last few chapters really left me wanting to know what else could be happening.
i’m excited to read the next book and learn more about everything that was left open
i’m excited to read the next book and learn more about everything that was left open
maida's review against another edition
i’ve tried to start this book like three times already but since the last book in the series is coming out next year i’m thinking i’m gonna binge read the whole thing in 2020. it’s happening.
_rachellock's review against another edition
5.0
I can’t believe I only just picked up this series!!! What is wrong with me?! Why didn’t I read this amazing book when I bought it?! Why did I let it sit on my bookcase for years?!
haemelle's review against another edition
5.0
A bit of horror to keep to you thinking and awake (if you read this at night like I did), trying to piece things together and hoping the characters would too. I liked that this novel alternated between characters and what was on going or retelling their past. The connection between all of them, later blending in with one another despite their backgrounds leaves you wanting more.
All things fun: historical fiction set in the 1920s, supernatural, partying with jazz influences, developing romances, and murder. Give it a whirl - it’s the bee’s knees.
All things fun: historical fiction set in the 1920s, supernatural, partying with jazz influences, developing romances, and murder. Give it a whirl - it’s the bee’s knees.
megancmahon's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
Spoilers!
They just don't make them like this anymore, folks.
I didn't finish this series as a teen, and I'm kind of glad I'm coming back to it as an adult, because I can appreciate the underlying themes a lot more. This is simultaneously a deep and emotional ode to the hauntings that mark American history, and a masterclass in storytelling. She really dives into the landscape of America and the lies of the American dream, and details the many ghosts (both literal and figurative) that haunt the country's history. It's like a fictional take on hauntology, one of my favourite academic disciplines to study - looking back, it's possible my love for it came from here. It reminds me a lot of Thistlefoot in that they both speak about the way that stories mark the land and its people, and I can't think of a finer comparison to make on either end.
The characters are AWESOME. I love Evie, even if I don't always like her (the mark of a great character, tbh). Will was great, Theta was incredible, Memphis was so cool, Jericho, Sam, Mabel (meh on her)...all of it. Just wonderfully written and interesting with actual dialogue.
My favourite part of this is how SPOOKY it is. It literally kept me up late a few nights. I have read SO MANY NOVELS this past year that have called themselves "Gothic horror" that have absolutely no claim to anything resembling a good scare. THIS one is genuinely terrifying in spots. I think that's a strength of Bray's. There's no screwing around when it comes to scaring her readers. Naughty John was a truly horrifying villain.
The atmosphere, the historical details, the juxtaposition of a country's ghosts beside its swift reach to higher and higher levels of progress...incredible. Can't wait to read the sequel. Can't wait to read the series. I really, really needed this.
They just don't make them like this anymore, folks.
I didn't finish this series as a teen, and I'm kind of glad I'm coming back to it as an adult, because I can appreciate the underlying themes a lot more. This is simultaneously a deep and emotional ode to the hauntings that mark American history, and a masterclass in storytelling. She really dives into the landscape of America and the lies of the American dream, and details the many ghosts (both literal and figurative) that haunt the country's history. It's like a fictional take on hauntology, one of my favourite academic disciplines to study - looking back, it's possible my love for it came from here. It reminds me a lot of Thistlefoot in that they both speak about the way that stories mark the land and its people, and I can't think of a finer comparison to make on either end.
The characters are AWESOME. I love Evie, even if I don't always like her (the mark of a great character, tbh). Will was great, Theta was incredible, Memphis was so cool, Jericho, Sam, Mabel (meh on her)...all of it. Just wonderfully written and interesting with actual dialogue.
My favourite part of this is how SPOOKY it is. It literally kept me up late a few nights. I have read SO MANY NOVELS this past year that have called themselves "Gothic horror" that have absolutely no claim to anything resembling a good scare. THIS one is genuinely terrifying in spots. I think that's a strength of Bray's. There's no screwing around when it comes to scaring her readers. Naughty John was a truly horrifying villain.
The atmosphere, the historical details, the juxtaposition of a country's ghosts beside its swift reach to higher and higher levels of progress...incredible. Can't wait to read the sequel. Can't wait to read the series. I really, really needed this.
jules3795's review
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
joana_stormblessed's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this!! I was scared of it for so long but I am so happy I read it