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tangleroot_eli's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
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
This book has an intriguing premise and gets off to a good start. The settings are beautifully described, and some of the minor characters are quite vividly drawn. But the vast similarities between Deirdre and Gracelynn, as well as the large chunks of Deirdre’s story that we're told in Gracelynn’s sections made me feel like I was reading the same book twice at once. I really liked how the story(ies) resolve, but I definitely slogged through the middle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal death, Infidelity, Sexism, Lesbophobia, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, Homophobia, Murder, Alcohol, Death, Drug use, Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Forced institutionalization, Injury/Injury detail, Animal cruelty, Classism, Confinement, Racism, Stalking, and Violence
Minor: Domestic abuse, Suicide, Abortion, Cancer, Fatphobia, Incest, Pedophilia, Colonisation, Drug abuse, Police brutality, Rape, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Gun violence
Graphic: Religious trauma Moderate: Slut shaminggeorgiabee's review
emotional
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
I really enjoyed this book. The switching POVs weaved together interesting story elements and illustrated the parallels between the characters despite the 50 year time difference. The characters voices are very similar, but I found that the switch between Deirdre's 3rd person narration and Gracelynn’s 1st person narration made it easier for me to keep details straight between the two storylines and I never had to go back to figure out whose chapter I was reading. While it did require a little suspension of disbelief, I did like how it turned out that all the women were tied together by blood, and connected by their experiences with Bellflower.
The writing is beautiful! This book gave me a new appreciation for the dictionary/wikipedia capabilities on Kindle — I got to learn about different herbs and gained some shiny new vocab words! Also, gay witches!!!!
The writing is beautiful! This book gave me a new appreciation for the dictionary/wikipedia capabilities on Kindle — I got to learn about different herbs and gained some shiny new vocab words! Also, gay witches!!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Sexual content, Violence, Lesbophobia, Sexism, and Racism
artemishi's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Characters: 9, I think Dierdre felt the most real as a character- being both tough and flawed. But the dual POV storyline with Gracelynn helped give us perspective on Dierdre's evolution as a person. Each character felt like their own person, and most of them contributed to plot and/or atmosphere, so I'd say they were additive.
Atmosphere: 9, between the colloquialisms, the realistic mass hysteria, the wild weather, and the ever-present threat of poverty in every character's life, the atmosphere was very much on point. As was the tension. I live at the foothills of the Appalachians, not the Ozarks of Arkansas in which the story is set- so I only have vague understanding of the crags and deep hollers and wending rivers that shape the geography of this story. However, I could picture it pretty darn well.
Writing: 10, I thought the writing felt effortless, with a good balance of internal dialogue narration and external dialogue. The villain had motivations and foibles, and at times a humanity that made his monstrous nature even more unsettling. I wouldn't say I found it scary, but disturbing in that "people are so easily manipulated" way. I also felt the romantic tension well, and the representation felt organic.
Plot: 8, the overall plot was on par with expectations, though at times the pacing dragged for lack of investment in current storyline. I think that might be a common issue with multiple POV/timeline stories. Nevertheless, by about 70% in I was hooked and had difficulty putting it down.
Intrigue: 8, I did think the ending wrapped up too neatly and happily- but then, there was plenty of suffering for the MCs before their epilogue so perhaps I'm just mean. I expected some very end hat-tip suggestion of freaky events, but alas.
Logic: 9, the characters all acted in accordance with their motives and fears, which seemed generally along the lines of anger, pride, fear, short-sightedness....all the very human things. There's terrible trauma and tremendous grit, and nobody was purely a villain or purely a hero.
Enjoyment: 9, For the most part, I felt engaged and intrigued by the story as well as the atmosphere.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Sexual harassment, Police brutality, Death of parent, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Racism, Sexual assault, Vomit, Violence, Pregnancy, Pedophilia, Child death, Blood, and Body horror
readmorbookz's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Alcoholism, Addiction, Death, Abortion, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Child abuse, Homophobia, Racism, and Self harm
mhairi_reads's review
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
Do yourself an favour - DON’T READ THE BLURB - IT CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!
A definite 5 star read❤️! If you love yourself a witchy tale I would highly recommend Paulette Kennedy’s The Witch of Tin Mountain.
Steeped in Ozark folklore this story was hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric. A fantastic work of historical fiction, dipped in horror and fantasy. Steeped in witchcraft, dark folklore and full of powerful women this book is bound to keep you turning the page and will stay with you long after you closed the book.
An unforgettable story of family, witchcraft, love and power. I read this bad boy in two days. This is a story you don’t want to miss.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
POV: Dual - Deirdre (YEAR) & Gracelynn (YEAR)
⚠️ Content Warnings: As provided by the author. References to child abuse and neglect (including sexual and physical abuse). Sexual assault, dubious sexual consent, self-harm/suicide, addiction, alcoholism, death and dying, racism, homophobia, murder, attempted murder, fire/arson, and abortion.
Adoption, and childbirth are also mentioned within this novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Murder, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Infidelity, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Racism, Sexual content, Bullying, Chronic illness, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and Alcohol
Minor: Abortion, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, Police brutality, Infertility, and Child abuse
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
Set in the Ozarks in Arkansas, the book focuses on three generations of women. I really enjoyed the switching timelines between Deirdre in 1881 and Gracelynn in 1931.
I was happy to see that the author included trigger warnings in the beginning of the book. Kennedy said she was inspired by the Bell Witch haunting in Tennessee, which is one of my favorite legends! She also included stories from her own family and their history in the region. Her writing clearly shows this as she puts her heart into the setting and folklore descriptions!
I was pulled into the story right away! I loved the characters and plot twists-Each character is strong and has their own voice, I loved all 3 women equally. I also loved the main antagonist! He showed how charming and clever evil can be and how it can be used to manipulate others.
Although this is a historical horror novel, there’s a little romance (mainly sapphic!) as well, but it’s not a main focus. The story builds up to the climax and resolution but without making it too slow leading up to the big events, and also not rushing the ending. The pacing was really well done!
I loved the folklore and forest witch vibes which added to the haunting atmosphere of the novel! The nature and weather descriptions added to the spooky vibes of this book, creating tension in the plot. To the point where I couldn’t have my YouTube “haunted woods” ASMR video playing in the background because I ended up scaring myself 😂
Finally I liked the happy ending, and closure. It’s rare to have a “happily ever after” in a horror novel but I liked that bit of hope in the end!
Just wow- I loved this book so much and the cover!! 😍 I just have so many feelings and indescribable words for how much I adored this book! This is definitely my top read of the month💗 I just hope I don’t end up with a book hangover after this and I’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy to add to my shelves! Plus I can’t wait to go back and read Kennedy’s debut.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, Death of parent, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Medical trauma, Sexual assault, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, Rape, Pedophilia, Alcoholism, and Child abuse
Minor: Infidelity, Abortion, and Racism
kaela_readsnwrites's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Summary:
Gracelynn Doherty has special talents just like her Granny and she uses them to help make cures for the folk of Tin Mountain. Despite helping many a family, Gracelynn and her Granny are still treated with suspicion and as outcasts from the community. Though accusations of witchcraft are never far from folks’ minds, Gracelynn’s family, for the most part, live a peaceful life.
That is until the travelling preacher, Josiah Bellflower, comes to town with promises of healing both the people and the land. However, he is not what he seems and is old enemy come back to haunt Granny after 50 years. With his arrival comes a curse upon Tin Mountain and the pretending preacher swiftly turns the town against Gracelynn and her grandmother with his manipulative and cunning ways.
With Granny falling sick, it is up to Gracelynn to uncover the past and save not just herself but her family and the folks of Tin Mountain from Bellflower’s vengeance and deadly deceptions.
Thoughts:
Set in the Depression era, the story is gripping from the very start with a compelling story of mystery, peril and the supernatural. From the start, I was immersed in the world of Tin Mountain and it’s haunting atmosphere. The Ozark setting as well as being developed through the descriptive writing was built upon through the language and colloquialisms used, which I felt really gave it character and suited the story well.
The story is told through two points of view, Gracelynn Doherty’s story in first person in 1931 and Deirdre Werner’s in third person in 1981. I felt that by using a different perspective for each it made it easier to keep track of which character the story was focusing on and helped differentiate the points in time. The two timelines really aided to build the story and drew parallels between the events of the past and the present (of the book).
I thought it was cleverly done how the sections in the past gradually revealed secrets and history without ever giving too much away so that it would affect the impact of the mysteries and events in Gracelynn’s story. Both characters were engaging and likeable, and though they shared some similarities, I felt they were still distinct from each other in their thoughts and behaviour.
Kennedy created a haunting atmosphere throughout and tension that steadily increased as the story went on. There was a real sense of threat developed, in both timelines, as both characters struggled with deviance and machinations employed by Bellflower. There were also tender moments that provided a breathing space for the reader and a change of pace.
The story built up to the climatic events of the final chapters and whilst they were full of action, it never felt rushed. The ending itself felt satisfying and touching with the characters finally rewarded for all the battles they had to go through.
Overall:
I found The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy utterly enthralling and loved every minute of reading it. The characters with their secrets and struggles were engaging and the haunting atmosphere created just added to the feeling of suspense and tension. In fact, as you might have noticed, I could find nothing that I did not like or would change about this story, which is a rare thing indeed.
This is one of my top reads so far this year and I will definitely be recommending others to pick up this book up when it is released in December (in the UK).
Rating: 5/5
Gracelynn Doherty has special talents just like her Granny and she uses them to help make cures for the folk of Tin Mountain. Despite helping many a family, Gracelynn and her Granny are still treated with suspicion and as outcasts from the community. Though accusations of witchcraft are never far from folks’ minds, Gracelynn’s family, for the most part, live a peaceful life.
That is until the travelling preacher, Josiah Bellflower, comes to town with promises of healing both the people and the land. However, he is not what he seems and is old enemy come back to haunt Granny after 50 years. With his arrival comes a curse upon Tin Mountain and the pretending preacher swiftly turns the town against Gracelynn and her grandmother with his manipulative and cunning ways.
With Granny falling sick, it is up to Gracelynn to uncover the past and save not just herself but her family and the folks of Tin Mountain from Bellflower’s vengeance and deadly deceptions.
Thoughts:
Set in the Depression era, the story is gripping from the very start with a compelling story of mystery, peril and the supernatural. From the start, I was immersed in the world of Tin Mountain and it’s haunting atmosphere. The Ozark setting as well as being developed through the descriptive writing was built upon through the language and colloquialisms used, which I felt really gave it character and suited the story well.
The story is told through two points of view, Gracelynn Doherty’s story in first person in 1931 and Deirdre Werner’s in third person in 1981. I felt that by using a different perspective for each it made it easier to keep track of which character the story was focusing on and helped differentiate the points in time. The two timelines really aided to build the story and drew parallels between the events of the past and the present (of the book).
I thought it was cleverly done how the sections in the past gradually revealed secrets and history without ever giving too much away so that it would affect the impact of the mysteries and events in Gracelynn’s story. Both characters were engaging and likeable, and though they shared some similarities, I felt they were still distinct from each other in their thoughts and behaviour.
Kennedy created a haunting atmosphere throughout and tension that steadily increased as the story went on. There was a real sense of threat developed, in both timelines, as both characters struggled with deviance and machinations employed by Bellflower. There were also tender moments that provided a breathing space for the reader and a change of pace.
The story built up to the climatic events of the final chapters and whilst they were full of action, it never felt rushed. The ending itself felt satisfying and touching with the characters finally rewarded for all the battles they had to go through.
Overall:
I found The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy utterly enthralling and loved every minute of reading it. The characters with their secrets and struggles were engaging and the haunting atmosphere created just added to the feeling of suspense and tension. In fact, as you might have noticed, I could find nothing that I did not like or would change about this story, which is a rare thing indeed.
This is one of my top reads so far this year and I will definitely be recommending others to pick up this book up when it is released in December (in the UK).
Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Sexual harassment, Violence, Child death, Death of parent, and Homophobia
Minor: Sexual assault, Child abuse, and Pedophilia
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