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queenofgotham's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
theboldbookworm's review against another edition
3.0
This isn't a bad book, but from the synopsis, I was expecting a deranged killer or something along those lines and got a creature feature. I didn't connect to any of the characters as I feel they didn't have much back story. I would have loved more focus on the creepy kids, which freaked me out more than the actual creatures. Overall, this is a decent read for a snowy winter day. A lot of people liked it way more than I did, so read it and decide for yourself.
deadhighwaybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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? No
4.0
jsantucci's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- 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? No
3.0
zraitor's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
richardleis's review against another edition
4.0
I love an efficient setup and introduction of characters in novels. After a great prologue, Ronald Malfi introduces the main characters, setting, and first major obstacle (the weather) in the first two chapters. By chapter three, the main characters are on the road and they soon experience the first weird encounter of their dark fate. The rapid pace doesn’t get in the way of good details and atmosphere; I felt the cold, eeriness, and rising tension along the way. What they encounter is creepy as hell and led to heart-pounding horror and heartbreaking deaths.
While the plot may feel familiar, there’s enough here to make the novel its own. What bugs me are the moments that took me out of the story, particularly when characters I otherwise like express unexpected bigotry toward others, without consequence. An example from the first chapter, one of many: “Ha, Todd thought morosely. You have no idea, chubby.” I like Todd, but I expected a character arc that didn’t materialize where he would have to face the consequences for his bigotry. Later in chapter one there’s some cultural insensitivity and a conversation about being sick of political correctness. Body shaming and unexpected sexism keep reoccurring elsewhere in the book. The sexism is particularly aggravating because there are several complex and interesting female characters in the book. My favorite is Shawna. Kate, one of the main characters, is another awesome character and always has great suggestions, but condescending Todd always argues with her and tell her not to bring gender into it. I kept waiting for “Shit, she was right, and now I’m dead!” moments that never arrived.
Otherwise, Snow is rapid paced, entertaining creature horror with haunting descriptions and characters to root for (for the most part.)
While the plot may feel familiar, there’s enough here to make the novel its own. What bugs me are the moments that took me out of the story, particularly when characters I otherwise like express unexpected bigotry toward others, without consequence. An example from the first chapter, one of many: “Ha, Todd thought morosely. You have no idea, chubby.” I like Todd, but I expected a character arc that didn’t materialize where he would have to face the consequences for his bigotry. Later in chapter one there’s some cultural insensitivity and a conversation about being sick of political correctness. Body shaming and unexpected sexism keep reoccurring elsewhere in the book. The sexism is particularly aggravating because there are several complex and interesting female characters in the book. My favorite is Shawna. Kate, one of the main characters, is another awesome character and always has great suggestions, but condescending Todd always argues with her and tell her not to bring gender into it. I kept waiting for “Shit, she was right, and now I’m dead!” moments that never arrived.
Otherwise, Snow is rapid paced, entertaining creature horror with haunting descriptions and characters to root for (for the most part.)
holdmethrillme's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
4.0
This book was unnerving as it took my love of snow and threw some evil creatures into the mix. I’ve got to say, Ronald Malfi doesn’t hesitate to kill someone off, and in a dramatic fashion! This was my first book of his and I will absolutely be reading more!
spacemonkey25's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
3.0
kathythelibraryteacher's review against another edition
5.0
brrrr
I’m a creeped out freezing mess. This book did what Malfi does - it’s creepy, gory, and scary as hell. I cared about each character and my heart raced as their situation became more dire. The snow became an ever-threatening presence. This book is one that will stick with me.
I’m a creeped out freezing mess. This book did what Malfi does - it’s creepy, gory, and scary as hell. I cared about each character and my heart raced as their situation became more dire. The snow became an ever-threatening presence. This book is one that will stick with me.