Reviews with content warning for Body horror - Below

Reviews tagging 'Body horror'

Below by Laurel Hightower

11 reviews

petite_madeline's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

3.5 Stars

Deep in the mountains of West Virginia, Addy finds herself in a dark and horrifying reality.

This novella is not at all what I expected. I went into this book looking for a spooky story steeped in Mothman lore and horror. What I got was a spiraling dark and confusing trip through subterranean terror. I enjoyed it, but it's just not what I expected.
Initially, I was annoyed that all of Addy's internal dialog and advice was coming from the various men in her life. I kept thinking, "Why does she need these men to guide her? Why can't her character be strong on her own." But, without going into to much spoiling detail, by the end I realized that was the point of this story.
We love horror that has a deeper message!

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nika_nix's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This one started off so strong but started falling apart towards the middle and it dragged a bit, as if an author didn't know where she was going with the story. I also really didn't like the ending at all. I also feel like the "feminism topics" were a bit too much on the nose. Still a thrilling and creepy horror with good gore imagery and a lot of dark and wintery vibes.

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dogearedbooks's review against another edition

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dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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elishasbookreview's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Only giving this an extra half star for the cryptid feature.

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the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

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mermaidsherbet's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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killing_u95's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Perfect! Short read at just over 100 pages, but was written to feel like a full novel. Immediately you're drawn in to the characters and feel sympathetic for them, rooting everyone on. Lot of twists and mind breaking events. Can't recommend enough.

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twinkle_flavored's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I went in with the misunderstanding this was a creature feature of sorts, centered around the mothman. While the mothman is around periodically, I feel the rich lore that could have been pulled from was largely left untapped. So if you’re a mothman fan kid- this novella may not be for you.

It was an atmospheric, and fast paced read. Though I certainly don’t need my stories polished, neatly wrapped up, and presented with a bow… I found several (what seemed, fairly important) loose ends were left hanging. The ending was an odd direction to go, which I think was a stab at showing the MC growth. It just didn’t land for me.

While I was not the target audience for this novella, there certainly is one. If you are looking for a quick read, enjoy well written body horror, a fever dream like winter atmosphere, cryptid critters, all with a feminist slant- check this out. It may just be a new favorite!

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gssll_lpz's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-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

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theliteraryhooker's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is a great quick read that never lets up on the tension or the creepiness. I love when a book can make me react out loud and I had several moments of just icky reactions to this book. Hightower does atmosphere so well, I couldn't help feeling claustrophobic while following Addy's story. Plus, who doesn't love a cryptid moment? Definitely recommend!

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