Scan barcode
daria_nedelcu19's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
book_fanatic_27's review
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
books_from_the_shed's review
4.0
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources and @sydmooreauthor for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love anthologies as I like to dip in and out when reading time is scared
I love anthologies as I like to dip in and out when reading time is scared
stephbookshine's review
4.0
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, Point Blank Crime and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Technically there is a story in here for each of the twelve days of Christmas – and a spare poem for luck (though which kind of luck I couldn’t say) – but I have to confess, I wolfed all thirteen down in a single sitting and had absolutely no regrets… unlike that time when I got to my advent calendar a little early.
There is a mixture of stories in here: some crime or mysteries, some verging on the horror side of things, some clever retellings of classic fairytales. The common thread is that each story has a touch of the paranormal or unusual, macabre or strange, about it. Dark woodland rituals can be found here – very appropriate for those longer, wintry nights – and festive merriment is twisted into something a little scarier and a lot less jolly.
My personal favourite has to be the triptych of ‘Magus’ stories, which begins with Maggie visiting her friends in an isolated rural community, delves into some creepy local history, and eventually comes full circle as we return to Maggie’s perspective and can finally piece together the mystery of Iders End, Lady’s Day and Modranicht. That one is definitely going to stay with me for the foreseeable future!
That said, there wasn’t a single one of the thirteen that I didn’t enjoy, different as they all were in both style and content. If you’re looking for a read that perfectly combines the spooky and festive seasons, in short story format, then grab this collection, draw the curtains (to keep out bats and flying reindeer) and get cosy with a steaming mug of pumpkin spice egg nog (other beverages are available, thank goodness!).
The nights may be getting longer and darker, but the stories are short, spooky and semi-festive, and… well, yes, still dark!
'You were probably expecting a journal. I, myself, was intending to write such a thing but, as has been pointed out, a diary suggests more permanence than a letter. The reader may be reticent to destroy a book, imagining it may have some worth to offer later generations, some gems to bestow.
This does, of course.
Nevertheless, it must be destroyed after you have read it.'
– Syd Moore, from ‘II Second Magus: The Wise Man’ in The Twelve Even Stranger Days of Christmas
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2021/10/28/blog-tour-the-twelve-even-stranger-days-of-christmas-syd-moore/
Technically there is a story in here for each of the twelve days of Christmas – and a spare poem for luck (though which kind of luck I couldn’t say) – but I have to confess, I wolfed all thirteen down in a single sitting and had absolutely no regrets… unlike that time when I got to my advent calendar a little early.
There is a mixture of stories in here: some crime or mysteries, some verging on the horror side of things, some clever retellings of classic fairytales. The common thread is that each story has a touch of the paranormal or unusual, macabre or strange, about it. Dark woodland rituals can be found here – very appropriate for those longer, wintry nights – and festive merriment is twisted into something a little scarier and a lot less jolly.
My personal favourite has to be the triptych of ‘Magus’ stories, which begins with Maggie visiting her friends in an isolated rural community, delves into some creepy local history, and eventually comes full circle as we return to Maggie’s perspective and can finally piece together the mystery of Iders End, Lady’s Day and Modranicht. That one is definitely going to stay with me for the foreseeable future!
That said, there wasn’t a single one of the thirteen that I didn’t enjoy, different as they all were in both style and content. If you’re looking for a read that perfectly combines the spooky and festive seasons, in short story format, then grab this collection, draw the curtains (to keep out bats and flying reindeer) and get cosy with a steaming mug of pumpkin spice egg nog (other beverages are available, thank goodness!).
The nights may be getting longer and darker, but the stories are short, spooky and semi-festive, and… well, yes, still dark!
'You were probably expecting a journal. I, myself, was intending to write such a thing but, as has been pointed out, a diary suggests more permanence than a letter. The reader may be reticent to destroy a book, imagining it may have some worth to offer later generations, some gems to bestow.
This does, of course.
Nevertheless, it must be destroyed after you have read it.'
– Syd Moore, from ‘II Second Magus: The Wise Man’ in The Twelve Even Stranger Days of Christmas
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2021/10/28/blog-tour-the-twelve-even-stranger-days-of-christmas-syd-moore/
rosiev425's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
hannahrox23's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
bodiesinbooks's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Blood and Murder
lilis_land's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.5
This definitely lives up to its description as a collection of 13 odd tales for the festive period.
What at first is a bit of a false start, unfolds into a grotesque array of horrors centred around the Christmas period.
An enjoyable read for those that enjoy the ominous sensations of a dark Winter’s day.
What at first is a bit of a false start, unfolds into a grotesque array of horrors centred around the Christmas period.
An enjoyable read for those that enjoy the ominous sensations of a dark Winter’s day.
More...