Reviews

The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher

catiedall's review against another edition

dark funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

hebifry's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I really enjoyed this book but was let down towards the end. I understand what the author was going for but it just felt like a ton of build up to then go out with a whisper instead of the bang I wanted. Don’t get me wrong there was action. But the entire tone of the book felt like a horror mystery to suddenly have the mystery aspect not really matter in the end and for the characters to just move on. I liked the idea and enjoyed the writing but would have preferred an ending more in line with what the author presented us as the main driving force of the story aka finding out what the hell is going on with the twisted ones. To sum up my thoughts, I think the author should have chosen a stronger direction, either horror mystery where everything is revealed at the end, just pure horror where the ending could have been way more horrific and strange, or gone the emotional route and shown the character grow and move forward at the end. None of these really happened resulting in a 3.5 for me. Could have been great but was mediocre. 

*spoiler*

Also why build up a great ensemble cast to have the character just move away and not interact with them anymore at the end?? At least give us a scene of them together again! Or her dad. If the author didn’t want to push the horror or mystery at least have an emotional end scene. I would have loved seeing Mouse not drive to Pittsburgh but to her dad and just start crying and hug him then have him embrace her, confused but reassuring and say something like “It’s okay, Mouse. It’s over now.” A million possibilities for a more satisfying ending here🙄

holly666berry's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

3.75

labrechawn's review against another edition

dark funny tense medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

cb026's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-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

4.25

ladybuggy's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious tense medium-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

4.0

gees_dark_library's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

4.25

T Kingfisher knows how to write a good main character and sidekick comedic-like duo. I absolutely loved the characters and BONGO was a loveable goof who I could picture so clearly (he reminds me of my lab). 

The imagery and descriptions gave me goosebumps so often… the stones and the effigies were so incredibly creepy and weird.

The scene where she finds one hanging from a tree… I had to put the book down and call it a night 😩 Also the jumpscare of the deer like one looking in the window… HELL NO 😳

Overall, I sped through this and thoroughly enjoyed reading this original folky horror. 4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I can’t figure out if I like this more than The Hollow Places? I think this might just have the edge a little bit… mainly because of the jumpscare and the dog 🐕

daisychainbookco's review against another edition

Too much unnecessary inner dialogue and it made me irritated with the character. This also dragged the story down and made it less interesting. Wasn’t curious any more. 

opplecopter's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense 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? No

4.5

brookepaige's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

2.75