Scan barcode
nocturnalbookworm's review
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
4.0
My first impressions and speculation on how this would all play out were somehow both met and wonderfully thrown out the window. I struggle to list all the things I like without giving away spoilers. Loneliness, trauma, and what it means to be human are all wrapped up in this gory psychological thriller. There were a few times that I had to reread because I got a bit confused but overall this was a gripping read.
Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The book is set almost completely in Mattias Goff’s artic home in the winter. The first bit of the book has our MCs traveling to this location. There wasn’t much set up in the outside world and but the isolated Crystal Falls is well described and at some point, the location plays a role in the plot.
World-Building/Setting ⭐⭐⭐
The book cycles between the POV of Goff’s 5 guests. They are Chris, Jenny, Sarah, Patrick, and Cassian. First impressions I thought that Chris would be my favorite and that Cassian would be my least. As the book progressed I turned out to be half right. Sarah ended up being my fav and I hated Cassian. Each POV felt unique to the character, they were all distinct with their own views and ways of thinking that really come out well-executed.
Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The writing was well done overall, at the end I had trouble navigating the technical jargon. Be prepared to look up a few of the words as you read, but hey learning something new is rarely a bad thing. The unsettling feeling crept up a slow pace which I love. Things get pretty crazy but it ramps up so gradually that it was easy to suspend disbelief.
Writing Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Personal Enjoyment ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Rating 4/5
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, This did not affect my review in any way and all of the above are my honest thoughts and feeling.
Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The book is set almost completely in Mattias Goff’s artic home in the winter. The first bit of the book has our MCs traveling to this location. There wasn’t much set up in the outside world and but the isolated Crystal Falls is well described and at some point, the location plays a role in the plot.
World-Building/Setting ⭐⭐⭐
The book cycles between the POV of Goff’s 5 guests. They are Chris, Jenny, Sarah, Patrick, and Cassian. First impressions I thought that Chris would be my favorite and that Cassian would be my least. As the book progressed I turned out to be half right. Sarah ended up being my fav and I hated Cassian. Each POV felt unique to the character, they were all distinct with their own views and ways of thinking that really come out well-executed.
Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The writing was well done overall, at the end I had trouble navigating the technical jargon. Be prepared to look up a few of the words as you read, but hey learning something new is rarely a bad thing. The unsettling feeling crept up a slow pace which I love. Things get pretty crazy but it ramps up so gradually that it was easy to suspend disbelief.
Writing Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Personal Enjoyment ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Rating 4/5
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, This did not affect my review in any way and all of the above are my honest thoughts and feeling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Sexual assault
More...