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lourdes_chapters_we_love's review
4.0
Historical fiction set in 1920's Cassadaga, Florida. I enjoyed this story and I will definitely check out more of her other works.
blog -https://chapterswelove.com/2017/04/05/brimstone-by-cherie-priest/
blog -https://chapterswelove.com/2017/04/05/brimstone-by-cherie-priest/
dark_reader's review
3.0
Another pleasant but slightly ho-hum genre novel from Cherie Priest. I continue to read most everything she puts out, despite feeling "meh" part-way through almost all of her books. The genre interest sustains me somewhat, I guess. There is something in particular about the speech, especially internal dialogue, and reactions of her characters that I always find odd, and I never know quite how to express it. Her characters are usually meant to be oddballs for the most part, but even so I find their behavior and thought patterns jarring somehow. This is her unique style, so I guess if you like it, you like it. I personally remain on the fence.
The book is written in two character viewpoints in alternating chapters; Alice Dartle, a young medium arriving at a town of mediums/clairvoyants/what have you, who dreams of the dreams of the other main character, Tomas Cordero, a grieving, shell-shocked widower whose life is plagued by fire. It takes a little too long for them to converge and overall I found that the story dragged a bit. I much preferred the Tomas chapters; his mournful, gentle soul was much more pleasant to spend time in than Alice's slightly flighty awkward self. The climax was satisfying, if a little rushed.
Yes, despite my partial misgivings I will continue to read her novels (my town library appears to pick up all of her new releases) including The Family Plot (released a year before this one) and Indigo (released in June 2017; a =n urban super-hero novel by 10 authors which sounds like a great way to ruin a book, but we shall see).
The book is written in two character viewpoints in alternating chapters; Alice Dartle, a young medium arriving at a town of mediums/clairvoyants/what have you, who dreams of the dreams of the other main character, Tomas Cordero, a grieving, shell-shocked widower whose life is plagued by fire. It takes a little too long for them to converge and overall I found that the story dragged a bit. I much preferred the Tomas chapters; his mournful, gentle soul was much more pleasant to spend time in than Alice's slightly flighty awkward self. The climax was satisfying, if a little rushed.
Yes, despite my partial misgivings I will continue to read her novels (my town library appears to pick up all of her new releases) including The Family Plot (released a year before this one) and Indigo (released in June 2017; a =n urban super-hero novel by 10 authors which sounds like a great way to ruin a book, but we shall see).
abookishtype's review
3.0
Until very recently, there wasn’t any treatment for soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. There wasn’t even a good name for it either. But modern psychology and medicine would have a hard time treating what ails Cuban American World War I veteran Tomás Cordero in Cherie Priest’s Brimstone. Fortunately for him, novice medium and clairvoyant Alice Dartle does...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
coolcurrybooks's review
3.0
I’ve been following Cherie Priest’s work for years, so it was with not a little anticipation I picked up this newest outing from her. Unfortunately, I was expecting and desiring a historical fantasy story, but I found Brimstone to be more horror with a Southern Gothic twist.
Alice Dartle is descended from a long line of witches, but she has no idea how to use her clairvoyant abilities. The town of Cassadaga, Florida, a community of similarly gifted people seems to hold the answer. But as she draws closer to the town, she keeps having dreams of fire and trenches. She knows that these are not her own dreams, and she believes that she can help the dreamer.
Tomas Cordero came back from World War I to find his wife dead of influenza. He continues to operate his tailoring business, but he’s haunted by the memories of his wife. Since his return, inexplicable fires have hounded him. Could they be messages from the beyond?
For whatever reason, Brimstone left me cold. A few scenes did manage to effectively convey the skin crawling tension of horror novels, but most of the novel crawled by. By the last ten percent, I was rushing through it so I could start a different book instead.
Brimstone seemed competently executed, but none of its elements interested me. It didn’t have the brilliant world building or use of magic that I come to the fantasy genre for. I remained luke warm on both Alice and Tomas. And I never found myself getting invested in the plot.
I think Brimstone could have better developed both it’s lead and supporting characters. I found myself mixing up even the more important of the supporting characters. Tomas was probably the best of the entire cast. His desperation and grief shone through, and he had some of the best scenes. However, Alice felt like she lacked motivation. Outside of helping Tomas, she didn’t have her own goals, and it hurt her character.
Overall, Brimstone was both disappointing and forgettable. It’s a stand alone, but if it wasn’t, I would not be picking up the sequel. This one is not recommended, although I hope other readers can find more enjoyment in it than I did.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
I received an ARC of Brimstone from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
Alice Dartle is descended from a long line of witches, but she has no idea how to use her clairvoyant abilities. The town of Cassadaga, Florida, a community of similarly gifted people seems to hold the answer. But as she draws closer to the town, she keeps having dreams of fire and trenches. She knows that these are not her own dreams, and she believes that she can help the dreamer.
Tomas Cordero came back from World War I to find his wife dead of influenza. He continues to operate his tailoring business, but he’s haunted by the memories of his wife. Since his return, inexplicable fires have hounded him. Could they be messages from the beyond?
For whatever reason, Brimstone left me cold. A few scenes did manage to effectively convey the skin crawling tension of horror novels, but most of the novel crawled by. By the last ten percent, I was rushing through it so I could start a different book instead.
Brimstone seemed competently executed, but none of its elements interested me. It didn’t have the brilliant world building or use of magic that I come to the fantasy genre for. I remained luke warm on both Alice and Tomas. And I never found myself getting invested in the plot.
I think Brimstone could have better developed both it’s lead and supporting characters. I found myself mixing up even the more important of the supporting characters. Tomas was probably the best of the entire cast. His desperation and grief shone through, and he had some of the best scenes. However, Alice felt like she lacked motivation. Outside of helping Tomas, she didn’t have her own goals, and it hurt her character.
Overall, Brimstone was both disappointing and forgettable. It’s a stand alone, but if it wasn’t, I would not be picking up the sequel. This one is not recommended, although I hope other readers can find more enjoyment in it than I did.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
I received an ARC of Brimstone from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
slizzo's review
4.0
The pacing was way too slow. The ending was predictable and not worth the slow build up. I wish the ending was fleshed out a bit more instead of leaving you to fill in the blanks. Loved Felipe.
cactuswren's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
solarpunkwitch's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sarrie's review
4.0
3.75 *s
TL;DR : A fun spooky story set in a real place in Florida. Some thin plot issues, but still worth a read if you like the time period (1920's), the idea of the characters (a clairvoyent in a Spiritualist camp, and a Cuban-American, WWI war vet) or just Mrs. Priest's stories.
Brimstone is what is looking to be a pattern for Mrs. Priest. Put simply it is a great female lead, some paranormal twists in/with some historical elements, all in a standalone novel. I have to say I'm certainly NOT complaining about this. In fact I'm pretty on board with this train. Strap me in, I've bought my ticket. Like with The Family Plot, which I read and reviewed last year, this is a hell of a fun ride.
Brimstone follows a young woman named Alice who is moving to a town in Florida called Cassadaga. It is a reknown Spiritualist camp/town and it's there she's looking to find help and teaching about her own 'witchy' abilities. Meanwhile, not too far way from Cassadaga Tomas Cordero is struggling with his own issues. Fires keep springing up around him, in his house and outside. They start small but things are quickly getting out of control. This is set in the 1920's, after the Great War in England and Priest does good work bringing our characters together.
Before I dive into characters I would like to point out Cassadaga, Florida. This is a real place and the Spiritualist Camp is still there. Mrs. Priest has been there, talked to those who live there now, and researched it to set her novel here. In my very basic research I found names repeated, and locations described in the novel that were from the place! I love this touch of realism added here, and I really liked learning about Cassadaga on my own time since the Spiritualist movement is something that fascinates me. So hats off for that!
On to the characters! Alice is a 'curvaceous' (to use the words of herself and others) girl who is escaping what she sees as a tense environment at home. As you can expect of a girl in the 1920's she is a bit concerned with her abilities and the history of her family - two aunts burned at the stake for being witches. Still she keeps a sense of innocence and excitement about her and I really enjoyed her once I got used to it. She reminded me, honestly, of my own sister. There was an energy there that might make you think she's silly and maybe a little on the flighty side but she also had a sharp mind behind there. Tomas Codero is an excellent mirror to Alice. A war vet, he's haunted by these fires, the war, and most of all by the wife that died before he could return. Add on to that his own ethnicity always having him to defend himself (many assume he's, if I recall correctly, a Cuban immigrant but he grew up in America and fought for America) and he made for a great read. Though I loved Alice I found myself wanting more of Tomas! Both do a lot of growing, Tomas a bit more than Alice, and being in their minds for me was very enjoyable. The rest of the cast, side notes as anyone becomes in a diary or letter format, were intriguing. I wonder if Hazel from The Family Plot was at or around this place during this time since she fits the time period? Did I miss her? I hope not! Also the dog was the best, but who can't love a dog?
The story is a simple one, but it's written in a diary format. Alternating between Tomas and Alice's records or thoughts which makes it a fast and well paced read. Though at times I got frustrated with the delay between the meeting of the two characters (it almost felt there were a few chunks where Tomas was purposefully kept away from Cassadaga so 'plot' could happen) I really liked this format. It did feel a bit thin in places but I feel like this was just due to some editing and the length. I will say I didn't see the cause for the haunting and particular attention it paid to Cassadaga and I think that was due to some 'just because'. I wanted a little more of the 'villain', a little more explanation there. I liked it, but I wanted more of it.
As usual Cherie Priest does a wonderful job building the world around the two characters, I love her settings and the little touches of sounds referenced and imagery is always a welcome addition. She does, out of a lot of urban fantasy writers, some of my favorite imagery and environment writing. The book is a great and fast read. This is one that I recommend for other Priest fans, and for anyone looking for 1920's stories with a touch of the spooky.
Review copy provided by Ace Books on NetGalley - Thank you!
TL;DR : A fun spooky story set in a real place in Florida. Some thin plot issues, but still worth a read if you like the time period (1920's), the idea of the characters (a clairvoyent in a Spiritualist camp, and a Cuban-American, WWI war vet) or just Mrs. Priest's stories.
Brimstone is what is looking to be a pattern for Mrs. Priest. Put simply it is a great female lead, some paranormal twists in/with some historical elements, all in a standalone novel. I have to say I'm certainly NOT complaining about this. In fact I'm pretty on board with this train. Strap me in, I've bought my ticket. Like with The Family Plot, which I read and reviewed last year, this is a hell of a fun ride.
Brimstone follows a young woman named Alice who is moving to a town in Florida called Cassadaga. It is a reknown Spiritualist camp/town and it's there she's looking to find help and teaching about her own 'witchy' abilities. Meanwhile, not too far way from Cassadaga Tomas Cordero is struggling with his own issues. Fires keep springing up around him, in his house and outside. They start small but things are quickly getting out of control. This is set in the 1920's, after the Great War in England and Priest does good work bringing our characters together.
Before I dive into characters I would like to point out Cassadaga, Florida. This is a real place and the Spiritualist Camp is still there. Mrs. Priest has been there, talked to those who live there now, and researched it to set her novel here. In my very basic research I found names repeated, and locations described in the novel that were from the place! I love this touch of realism added here, and I really liked learning about Cassadaga on my own time since the Spiritualist movement is something that fascinates me. So hats off for that!
On to the characters! Alice is a 'curvaceous' (to use the words of herself and others) girl who is escaping what she sees as a tense environment at home. As you can expect of a girl in the 1920's she is a bit concerned with her abilities and the history of her family - two aunts burned at the stake for being witches. Still she keeps a sense of innocence and excitement about her and I really enjoyed her once I got used to it. She reminded me, honestly, of my own sister. There was an energy there that might make you think she's silly and maybe a little on the flighty side but she also had a sharp mind behind there. Tomas Codero is an excellent mirror to Alice. A war vet, he's haunted by these fires, the war, and most of all by the wife that died before he could return. Add on to that his own ethnicity always having him to defend himself (many assume he's, if I recall correctly, a Cuban immigrant but he grew up in America and fought for America) and he made for a great read. Though I loved Alice I found myself wanting more of Tomas! Both do a lot of growing, Tomas a bit more than Alice, and being in their minds for me was very enjoyable. The rest of the cast, side notes as anyone becomes in a diary or letter format, were intriguing. I wonder if Hazel from The Family Plot was at or around this place during this time since she fits the time period? Did I miss her? I hope not! Also the dog was the best, but who can't love a dog?
The story is a simple one, but it's written in a diary format. Alternating between Tomas and Alice's records or thoughts which makes it a fast and well paced read. Though at times I got frustrated with the delay between the meeting of the two characters (it almost felt there were a few chunks where Tomas was purposefully kept away from Cassadaga so 'plot' could happen) I really liked this format. It did feel a bit thin in places but I feel like this was just due to some editing and the length. I will say I didn't see the cause for the haunting and particular attention it paid to Cassadaga and I think that was due to some 'just because'. I wanted a little more of the 'villain', a little more explanation there. I liked it, but I wanted more of it.
As usual Cherie Priest does a wonderful job building the world around the two characters, I love her settings and the little touches of sounds referenced and imagery is always a welcome addition. She does, out of a lot of urban fantasy writers, some of my favorite imagery and environment writing. The book is a great and fast read. This is one that I recommend for other Priest fans, and for anyone looking for 1920's stories with a touch of the spooky.
Review copy provided by Ace Books on NetGalley - Thank you!
tyrshand's review
5.0
Another wonderful Cherie Priest novel! I loved the voice in the book and the characters. There was also a delicious tension as Tomas explored his ghost and the incidents kept ramping up... It was just an all around excellent read!