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andromeda_1998's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Summary
This book is about Lauren and the other residents of the little town named Smith’s Hollow. There town is a quite peaceful one. Nothing ever really happens is Smith’s Hallow accept for the murder of Lauren’s dad of course almost a year ago. While her family is still healing from his death, strange things are starting to happen. Two broken bodies of out of town teens are found in the backyard of a villager and now it’s up to Lauren to find out the truth about the murders.
Characters
This is a though one. These characters are very well done but the aren’t written to please. They symbolize all different kind of people from Bigots to friendly mothers. There are characters with toxic ideals and there are characters that you will want to root for. Christina Henry doesn’t shy away from racism as well. If your looking for a book with lovable characters then this isn’t it. Are you looking for realistic characters? This might be the book for you.
Worldbuilding
The ghost tree is set in a world like ours so there isn’t a lot of world building but it has some twists that are well done. The only thing I miss is clear rules for the “magic/supernatural ” parts of this book.
Plot
The book started really strong but in the middle of the book it lost its flow for a bit. I feel like that has something to do with the repetition of the storyline. Towards the ending the book finds its way back on track. Just hand in there!
Writing style
Christina Henry had a way with writing that makes all the story’s she writes read like a fairytale. It’s a really compelling way of writing that I don’t get enough of.
Overal thoughts
This book is a good read for readers that are looking for a start in the horror genre. It’s fast, witty, a bit creepy but not to scary. I would recommend it to ages 14-18 but 14 years old is on the younger side of things.
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Child death, Death, Gore, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Eating disorder, Vomit, and Alcohol
bearregretsthis's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A great novel for anyone searching for a horror and dark fantasy. Although Lauren is the protagonist each chapter switches perspective and involves a diverse cast, each with a unique plotline. I found many of the characters loveable and others I loved to hate. For someone who struggles to read larger texts the book kept me hooked until the very end.
I have previously read The Lost Boy by Henry and I hope to read more of her works however I found this story slightly less enjoyable than the work I had previously read; however the book is nonetheless a great read.
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, and Murder
Moderate: Body shaming, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexism, and Death of parent
Minor: Fatphobia, Gun violence, and Police brutality
grace_collinson's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Child death, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, and Sexual content
amarieb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Racial slurs, and Sexual content
leahrosereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I could've done without the racial slurs and slut shaming. I get that this was set in the 80s, but it was a bit much at times.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Body shaming, Child death, Death, Fatphobia, Gore, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
mooska93's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Death, Gore, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Blood, and Grief
sizzlingsaturn's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Racism, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, and Vomit