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bree_h_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
This is definitely a book with a lot of potential, I just think it needed some more polishing to be really good.
To start, out of the three main characters only two felt compelling and like they were properly attached to the plot. Taylor and Jamie were easily the strongest characters with the best connection to the main plot. Taylor as a witch who’s connecting with her supernatural abilities despite her father’s disapproval and feels a call to the house, and Jamie as the person trapped in the house with a ghost trying to uncover its secrets to escape. Theo…was there. He did stuff relating to the plot, but I didn’t find him compelling or interesting as a character. It very much felt like he was just there to be the love interest. Which is fine! It just didn’t feel like we needed his POV and his discoveries could have been done by Taylor or Jamie. Taylor and Jamie also had the strongest character dynamic. I felt like they played off each other and I bought into their friendship in a way I couldn’t buy into Taylor and Theo’s friendship and Jamie and Theo’s romance.
I think my issues buying into Theo’s relationship with the other characters is the early book having an issue with trying to speed run the development of character relationships and telling the reader things instead of showing them. It skips over all the establishment of friendship and romance and tries to explain it was by being obsessed with each other one at first sight. I felt so lost and just couldn’t buy into the being friends, despite the book TELLING me about how they were close friends now and developed a close bond. I never SAW that happening on page because it was skipped over. This also made the pacing feel really off, there were several instances I thought the pacing felt weird and the most common reason was it felt like the book was rushing itself.
I think those compounded into a book I just didn’t care about and had minimal interest in. I think it has potential, again, it just needed some more work. If you check it out I hope you enjoy!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Confinement, Death, Abandonment, and Cursing
Moderate: Blood, Misogyny, Death, Death of parent, Racism, Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Sexism, Grief, Medical content, and Physical abuse
Minor: Child abuse
aurora4847's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I wasn't quite sure if I was going to like this book at first. It was slow to grab me, but once it did I was hooked. Lovely story about witchcraft, hauntings, and the ways in which we hold ourselves back from things we really want.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Abandonment, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
Moderate: Animal death, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Grief
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Car accident, Racism, and Hate crime
A main character is in the foster system. There is blood and non-descriptive animal death for ritual purposes. A main character is grieving the loss of their parent, which has strained their relationship with their other parent. A main character is confined to a house with an individual trying (sometimes violently) to keep them there.chris_reads's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria, Abandonment, and Confinement
Moderate: Blood, Medical content, and Child abuse
Minor: Racism, Cursing, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
bellebookcorner's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
This book definitely give The Cemetery Boys x Haunting of Bly Manor vibes with the eerie atmosphere from an abandoned empty house in a middle of creepy woods with witchcraft and spells as well!
This book follows three different main characters – Jaime, Taylor and Theo.
They form a friendship after Theo accidentally met Jamie who was trapped in an abandoned house deep in the woods. Figuring out there’s something supernatural involved, Theo asked for Taylor’s help who happened to come from a long line of witches.
I really enjoy the mystery element as the three main characters set out to find the answer to what’s keeping Jaime from leaving the house. And the answer at the end of the book really surprised me!
Not just covering the mystery, the romance blooming between Theo and Jaime is also delightful. It’s sweet and cute, it progresses slowly as they keep spending enough time together.
Each character is unique and has their own problem to solve and through this mysterious event each of them ended up discover something for themselves.
Although, sometimes at the middle of a chapter I can forget which POV I’m reading so I need to go back to the beginning of the chapter to remind myself.
Overall, for a debut novel this is a really good heart-warming story which comes with a satisfying ending!
It’s enjoyable, entertaining and perfectly suitable for teens who wanted to read a book for the spooky season!
Definitely will keep an eye out for the next book from this author in the future!
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Blood
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and Animal death
Minor: Racism, Homophobia, and Murder
avidreaderandgeekgirl's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? No
3.5
This book felt rushed. I almost thought the audiobook was abridged because it seemed to skip too much time, but it wasn't. It was a good book overall, but it just felt like it was missing things that would have helped with character development, and that would have made me care more about the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Medical content, Grief, Blood, Confinement, and Abandonment
Moderate: Death of parent
rorikae's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
'Saint Juniper's Folly' by Alex Crespo is a haunting Young Adult novel about three teens brought together when one gets trapped in an abandoned house in the town of Saint Juniper.
Jaime is coming back to town after many years away being shuffled from foster family to foster family. Returning home isn't welcoming as it might be for others and it becomes even more fraught when he finds himself trapped in an abandoned house in the woods.
Theo feels like he's spinning his wheels in Saint Juniper and he isn't quite sure what to do. Senior year is coming up but he's afraid to push himself out of his comfort zone.
Taylor is still coming to terms with her mother's death especially when her father has banned her from practicing magic, one of the connections she shares with her mom.
When Theo discovers Jaime in the abandoned house, stuck and unable to leave, he enlists Taylor's help to find a solution. As the clock ticks down to the house's demolition, the three strike up a friendship and for Theo and Jaime, potentially something more.
Saint Juniper's Folly is an endearing story about three teens connecting with one another over a shared goal while also coming to terms with their own individual issues. Each of the characters are unique and stand out well in the story. Crespo does an excellent job with characterization and makes it easy to care for and root for the three protagonists. There were a few story pieces that I wish were more fleshed out like Jaime's childhood and the story of the house itself. I also felt that it wasn't as haunting as I would have hoped for. Even so, I think the character work and heart of the story are what make it shine.
Jaime is coming back to town after many years away being shuffled from foster family to foster family. Returning home isn't welcoming as it might be for others and it becomes even more fraught when he finds himself trapped in an abandoned house in the woods.
Theo feels like he's spinning his wheels in Saint Juniper and he isn't quite sure what to do. Senior year is coming up but he's afraid to push himself out of his comfort zone.
Taylor is still coming to terms with her mother's death especially when her father has banned her from practicing magic, one of the connections she shares with her mom.
When Theo discovers Jaime in the abandoned house, stuck and unable to leave, he enlists Taylor's help to find a solution. As the clock ticks down to the house's demolition, the three strike up a friendship and for Theo and Jaime, potentially something more.
Saint Juniper's Folly is an endearing story about three teens connecting with one another over a shared goal while also coming to terms with their own individual issues. Each of the characters are unique and stand out well in the story. Crespo does an excellent job with characterization and makes it easy to care for and root for the three protagonists. There were a few story pieces that I wish were more fleshed out like Jaime's childhood and the story of the house itself. I also felt that it wasn't as haunting as I would have hoped for. Even so, I think the character work and heart of the story are what make it shine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Grief, and Blood
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Death and Murder
fromthefoxhole's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
ugh I just finished this book and I feel like some entity is literally squeezing my heart, I'm EMOTIONAL.
Saint Juniper is a quaint little town, a little paradise on the right side of the tracks where nothing goes wrong. Wolf's Head is a little grungier, the people slightly more worse for wear. In between them gapes Saint Juniper's Folly, a deep, foresty valley filled with secrets
For Theo, Jamie, and Taylor, it's the source of fear, mystery, and answers.
This book is a cozy little mystery, a tender hearted romance, a generational healing, and a coming of age story all rolled into one treat of a novel. We have 3 narrators - Taylor, a teen witch still grieving the loss of her mother. Theo, the boy next door who's starting to buckle beneath the pressure. And Jaime, the neglected foster kid who's new to the area. The amalgamation we find therein does occasionally suffer from the weight of its premise. The pacing falters a touch and the characterizations lose some of the details that we need. I think any debut novel has a chance of that, though, the author needing to kind of hit their stride. For as vast of a concept as Saint Juniper's Folly is, it is largely successful.
All 3 characters are integrally woven to the plot, each plot point is tied up neatly by the end. I felt satisfied as a reader with the way things ended, and with new spots carved in my heart for all 3 of the leads. ALSO - we love an Achillean romance.
Saint Juniper is a quaint little town, a little paradise on the right side of the tracks where nothing goes wrong. Wolf's Head is a little grungier, the people slightly more worse for wear. In between them gapes Saint Juniper's Folly, a deep, foresty valley filled with secrets
For Theo, Jamie, and Taylor, it's the source of fear, mystery, and answers.
This book is a cozy little mystery, a tender hearted romance, a generational healing, and a coming of age story all rolled into one treat of a novel. We have 3 narrators - Taylor, a teen witch still grieving the loss of her mother. Theo, the boy next door who's starting to buckle beneath the pressure. And Jaime, the neglected foster kid who's new to the area. The amalgamation we find therein does occasionally suffer from the weight of its premise. The pacing falters a touch and the characterizations lose some of the details that we need. I think any debut novel has a chance of that, though, the author needing to kind of hit their stride. For as vast of a concept as Saint Juniper's Folly is, it is largely successful.
All 3 characters are integrally woven to the plot, each plot point is tied up neatly by the end. I felt satisfied as a reader with the way things ended, and with new spots carved in my heart for all 3 of the leads. ALSO - we love an Achillean romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Abandonment, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, Confinement, Death, Grief, Death of parent, and Child abuse
Minor: Racism, Gaslighting, Outing, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Murder
betweentheshelves's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child abuse, Animal death, and Confinement
Minor: Racism and Homophobia
trippyotter's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.0
A haunted house in the woods? Yes, please!
Jaime has felt lost his entire life, and the day he comes across the dilapidated house in the woods is no different. To his absolute shock, he finds himself trapped in the house and not able to leave. For the first time, Jamie finds himself having to depend upon someone to help him escape. But will they be able to save him before it's too late?
While our trio is uncovering the past, they'll forge a friendship rich in self-discovery, acceptance, and love. Their path won't be easy, but they'll have each other to lean on, something Jaime had never allowed himself before.
The second half of the story is truly what grabbed me. In many ways, I find myself connecting with each character. Don't get me wrong, I was wrapped up in the story from the first chapter, but their individual struggles and willingness to accept each other are what really captured me.
We've all struggled with something in our lives, and having someone there for you, even someone you just meet - without judgment - is everything.
I really can't go into the "struggles" without giving the plot away, so I'll just say, read the book! You won't be sorry. It's an amazing blend of personal and social struggles that will give you all the feels.
Jaime has felt lost his entire life, and the day he comes across the dilapidated house in the woods is no different. To his absolute shock, he finds himself trapped in the house and not able to leave. For the first time, Jamie finds himself having to depend upon someone to help him escape. But will they be able to save him before it's too late?
While our trio is uncovering the past, they'll forge a friendship rich in self-discovery, acceptance, and love. Their path won't be easy, but they'll have each other to lean on, something Jaime had never allowed himself before.
The second half of the story is truly what grabbed me. In many ways, I find myself connecting with each character. Don't get me wrong, I was wrapped up in the story from the first chapter, but their individual struggles and willingness to accept each other are what really captured me.
We've all struggled with something in our lives, and having someone there for you, even someone you just meet - without judgment - is everything.
I really can't go into the "struggles" without giving the plot away, so I'll just say, read the book! You won't be sorry. It's an amazing blend of personal and social struggles that will give you all the feels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, Confinement, Animal death, Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content and Confinement
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