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onceuponthesewords's review against another edition
3.0
I picked this book up on a whim because I was intrigued by the cute cover. But it definitely was not a cute book at all… I was so surprised to see it was a horror book! But I am really glad I have the cute cover vs. the creepy cover LOL, I feel like that one would’ve given me nightmares.
I’ve been trying to get more into horror, so once I found out this was a horror book, I was super excited. It was definitely creepy and atmospheric at times, and the characters were easy to like… but overall, I just didn’t find it too scary, and I’m not sure I was ever fully immersed in the story. Nothing really stood out to me other than the poetic writing (which was wonderful)… but I will definitely be reading the sequel!
I’ve been trying to get more into horror, so once I found out this was a horror book, I was super excited. It was definitely creepy and atmospheric at times, and the characters were easy to like… but overall, I just didn’t find it too scary, and I’m not sure I was ever fully immersed in the story. Nothing really stood out to me other than the poetic writing (which was wonderful)… but I will definitely be reading the sequel!
lpjapican's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I was interested for the Japanese folklore being 1/4 Japanese and was hoping this would also be really spooky. I plan on looking more into the folklore, I really enjoyed this aspect. Definitely not spooky, at least to me, and more mysterious. I liked the main POV being the spirit and her narrating others thoughts/feelings. For a YA horror, I was surprised at some of the descriptions, but still wasn’t scary.
megshelton's review against another edition
I was bored and couldn't concentrate on the story.
shakirae's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
alexandrabree's review against another edition
2.0
DNF
I am just going to give up and put this one down, I am just about done with chapter 10.
I liked the beginning, started out decently reminded me a lot of Cassandra Khaws 'Nothing But Blackened Teeth' the prose was very similar and the style was not identical but close.
Biggest issue is if your writing in that way, you have to be conscience and short. The flowery writing coupled with a long plot makes it very hard to get into the story.
Particularly as the characters in this book were flat as a pancake, I think the goal was to build suspense and a creepy atmosphere but the attempt was unsuccessful. I would say this is a book that someone is going to absolutely love or absolutely hate and I fell into the later category. After having expectations of Ringu and The Ring mixed in with The Grudge... I was hoping for scary creepy dark gorey
I am just going to give up and put this one down, I am just about done with chapter 10.
I liked the beginning, started out decently reminded me a lot of Cassandra Khaws 'Nothing But Blackened Teeth' the prose was very similar and the style was not identical but close.
Biggest issue is if your writing in that way, you have to be conscience and short. The flowery writing coupled with a long plot makes it very hard to get into the story.
Particularly as the characters in this book were flat as a pancake, I think the goal was to build suspense and a creepy atmosphere but the attempt was unsuccessful. I would say this is a book that someone is going to absolutely love or absolutely hate and I fell into the later category. After having expectations of Ringu and The Ring mixed in with The Grudge... I was hoping for scary creepy dark gorey
books_kpop_and_concerts's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.5
thestoryowl's review against another edition
3.0
This was SO SPOOKY at the beginning, I got sucked in immediately. Sadly, as the story went on and more things were explained to me, I kind of felt blah about the whole thing. The plot got a little muddy towards the end but I was okay with the ending.
tspice24's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, Child death, Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, and Death
indigo_chase's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
se_wigget's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
At page 129, I realized that I love this book. That’s the point at which Cassie is on a plane and another girl tells her about Japanese ghosts.
I collect antique Japanese dolls. I hope none of them contain malevolent spirits. Strangely, this book inspired me to purchase some more antique Japanese dolls on Etsy!