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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
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:
Complicated
This was a perfect read for fall. I really enjoyed the mystery of the plot as elements of horror were woven in. I enjoyed the cast of characters and all the dynamics between them. Overall, I'll read anything by Kelley Armstrong and this was another enjoyable read.
I just know that when I pick up a book by Kelley Armstrong that I will get a good, fast paced story with great character. This book, while a bit of a departure for her, was no exception. I loved it! Maybe not all the gory details though…
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Rape
Laney has had a lot of change in her life in the last couple of years. Her sister lost a battle with cancer, her marriage didn't make it through covid and now she is the guardian of her teenage niece. One of the only things Laney holds on to after the divorce is an off the grid island getaway her now ex-husband built for her, and she loves it dearly. But to be able to continue to afford it she must rent it out to tourists. When she hears reports from guests of blood-filled closets and occult symbols appearing, she knows it has to be vandalism, but she still goes out to investigate. She does not count on the motley crew of helpers she ends up with. Her ex-husband tags along with his sister, his new love interest and her brother - a local police officer. As they investigate a strange mystery, it unravels into bone chilling terror as they quickly become trapped on the island. Realizing they are not alone and not at all safe, they scramble to save themselves from an unknown horror, all while personal secrets are uncovered and bitter grudges are dragged out into the open. Laney knows that if she survives, her life will never be the same again.
Armstrong's first full blown horror novel is tremendously successful. This chilling story is a real page turner that is gripping and terrifying and has a mystery that will keep readers engrossed. Perfect for lovers of Supernatural Horror and for longtime Armstrong fans.
Armstrong's first full blown horror novel is tremendously successful. This chilling story is a real page turner that is gripping and terrifying and has a mystery that will keep readers engrossed. Perfect for lovers of Supernatural Horror and for longtime Armstrong fans.
Kelley Armstrong ventures into new territory with her latest book Hemlock Island. This is a suspenseful and thrilling horror novel, but at its core is still the character driven narrative that Armstrong has become known for, making it a good read even for those who don't normally read in this genre.
An underlying theme of the book lies in the keeping of secrets and how lack of communication can cause lasting repercussions, not only for the ones with the secrets, but for all of those around them. Of course, this being a horror novel, those repercussions are shocking, graphic, and emotional.
The main character of Laney is relatable, and her internal dialogue throughout the book is both entertaining and spot-on.
While the last third of the book lost some of the natural flow of the first two-thirds, Armstrong has produced a good first horror novel and is sure to hone her craft in the genre with future books.
I am happy to have received an ARC of #HemlockIsland from #NetGalley.
An underlying theme of the book lies in the keeping of secrets and how lack of communication can cause lasting repercussions, not only for the ones with the secrets, but for all of those around them. Of course, this being a horror novel, those repercussions are shocking, graphic, and emotional.
The main character of Laney is relatable, and her internal dialogue throughout the book is both entertaining and spot-on.
While the last third of the book lost some of the natural flow of the first two-thirds, Armstrong has produced a good first horror novel and is sure to hone her craft in the genre with future books.
I am happy to have received an ARC of #HemlockIsland from #NetGalley.
2.5 rounded up. I thought this was going to be a 4 star when I was in the first half, but the longer we continued into the internal pining dialogue of the main character and the lack of depth in the horror elements, I felt less and less invested. I think I expected more investigation into the spooky things rather than just running around back and forth mentally yelling peoples names, lol. The ending was not strong and fell flat. The environment and creepy gory findings were fun though.
Horror story on an island. Cool. Moreso a slasher movie on an island without seeing the slasher for most of the book. I love a good desolate and unreachable location for a horror setting. So I enjoyed Hemlock Island. The secrets told and kept were okay. Some glaringly obvious, some very subtle and well hidden.
Spoiler:
It does have supernatural elements towards the end. So if that’s a turn off for you in horror when it’s necessary to justify the story, move on as it’s a big part of it.
Spoiler:
It does have supernatural elements towards the end. So if that’s a turn off for you in horror when it’s necessary to justify the story, move on as it’s a big part of it.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes