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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
Based on the synopsis of this book, I figured I'd like it. Y'all, I was not disappointed. I love history and horror, so horror in a historical setting and/or based on history/folklore is right up my alley.
This novel takes place in two time periods - in the 1300s when Black Death is devastating the countryside, and in modern day. The weaving of the stories in the different timelines was handled well, and both plot lines were interesting and well written.
If I had anything to complain about, it would be that I felt the author was hitting us over the head a bit with what the solution to the problem was, and how this was going to be resolved. I knew very early on what the resolution would have to be, as it seemed to be pointed out to the reader multiple times. Despite that, I still wanted to read to see how the story and characters got there, and there were some surprises along the way that I won't spoil here.
I read this book very quickly, which is usually a sign of how much I enjoy a book. It wasn't perfect, but it hit all the marks for me. I'd highly recommend for fans of historical fiction (with horror!) and folk horror.
This novel takes place in two time periods - in the 1300s when Black Death is devastating the countryside, and in modern day. The weaving of the stories in the different timelines was handled well, and both plot lines were interesting and well written.
If I had anything to complain about, it would be that I felt the author was hitting us over the head a bit with what the solution to the problem was, and how this was going to be resolved. I knew very early on what the resolution would have to be, as it seemed to be pointed out to the reader multiple times. Despite that, I still wanted to read to see how the story and characters got there, and there were some surprises along the way that I won't spoil here.
I read this book very quickly, which is usually a sign of how much I enjoy a book. It wasn't perfect, but it hit all the marks for me. I'd highly recommend for fans of historical fiction (with horror!) and folk horror.
This was one of the best ghost stories I have read in a very long time, probably since [b:The Shining|11588|The Shining|Stephen King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1353277730l/11588._SY75_.jpg|849585]. It was scary enough to stop me from reading it alone at night.
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I really think we need to stop villainizing rats like this!
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Well that was a whirlwind of emotion! James Brogden kills it yet again! His use of folklore to build a realistic world of terror and supernatural beings is absolutely nightmare inducing! I feel for every single character, nothing is quite as it seems and man it is a gut punch at times! Get ready for Pesta to sweep you into her grip... unless you're lucky and she brought her rake to your door instead!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Gore, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Bullying, Death, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Self harm, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I needed an audiobook and this is in the Plus catalogue so I gave it a go not really expecting much.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it and how engaged with the characters I was. There are imperfections, of course, and the editor in me was dying to cross some things out but Brogden has a talent for pacing which most don't.
At times I was surprised at where he went - which is also a difficult thing to pull off well - and other times you knew exactly what was going to happen which made it that much worse.
I'd read the book, though. The narrator here goes into this weird voice that sort of ruins the effect of Brogden's work.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it and how engaged with the characters I was. There are imperfections, of course, and the editor in me was dying to cross some things out but Brogden has a talent for pacing which most don't.
At times I was surprised at where he went - which is also a difficult thing to pull off well - and other times you knew exactly what was going to happen which made it that much worse.
I'd read the book, though. The narrator here goes into this weird voice that sort of ruins the effect of Brogden's work.
adventurous
dark
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:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense