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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
dark
tense
medium-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:
Yes
This book made me feel ill, but it was kind of in a - well, not exactly a good way, but definitely a can't-stop-reading-wtf-even-was-that way, and as I'll happily lend my brain out to any good distraction that works currently I'll call it a good thing?
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Too many plot twists and possible endings for my liking. You still want to keep reading to know what really happened though.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wackkkkyyyyy and a fun format. I loved the story layers and magic and haunting is used
True to Ward’s style this was a unique book !! Not my favourite of hers. I felt it was a bit disjointed and the ending was a bit convoluted. Things that should have had more detail didn’t. Some of the characters were confusing and not relatable. There were parts I enjoyed especially the first half. But it didn’t hit like Last House On Needless street or Little Eve.
3 out of 5!
3 out of 5!
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Catriona Ward has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and Looking Glass Sound is another testament to her talent for weaving unsettling, intricate narratives. After The Last House on Needless Street became my favorite read of last year, I was eager to dive into more of her work.
This novel delivers the eerie, layered storytelling I love from Ward, but it also felt like two different books in one. The first half completely pulled me in—I was hooked on the atmosphere, the tension, and the depth of the protagonist’s voice. However, the second half didn’t land as strongly for me. The shift in narrative voice, while intentional and thematically significant, left me feeling a bit disconnected. I found myself missing the initial perspective, which had drawn me in so effectively.
That being said, Ward’s ability to subvert expectations remains impressive. The meta elements—writers reflecting on their own stories and the act of storytelling itself—added an interesting dimension. And of course, she delivers another unexpected twist that keeps readers on their toes.
Overall, Looking Glass Sound is a worthwhile read, and I’d still recommend it, especially to fans of Ward’s work. If I had connected with the second half as much as I did the first, it would have been a solid 4-star read for me. As it stands, I’d give it around 3.5/4 stars—engaging, clever, and unsettling, even if it didn’t fully stick the landing for me.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes