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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
A book about a book within a book within another book..
I’m a huge fan of “The Last House on Needless Street” and I enjoyed “Sundial” so much that I obviously had to read Wards most recent book.
Looking Glass Sound started off so strong, that I was almost sure it would be a 5 star read. The story was gripping and I devoured the first half. Then, unfortunately, things went downhill after that.
By the time I finished the book I honestly had zero idea what I just read. As soon as I read the last chapter I immediately went to Reddit to try and figure out what the heck just happened and what did it all mean. It made me feel much better to learn that I was not alone in the confusion.
After reading many reviews, interviews and interpretations, I understand what Ward was trying to convey with this story. But I think the many “twists” made the story too convoluted and confusing.
I’m a huge fan of “The Last House on Needless Street” and I enjoyed “Sundial” so much that I obviously had to read Wards most recent book.
Looking Glass Sound started off so strong, that I was almost sure it would be a 5 star read. The story was gripping and I devoured the first half. Then, unfortunately, things went downhill after that.
By the time I finished the book I honestly had zero idea what I just read. As soon as I read the last chapter I immediately went to Reddit to try and figure out what the heck just happened and what did it all mean. It made me feel much better to learn that I was not alone in the confusion.
After reading many reviews, interviews and interpretations, I understand what Ward was trying to convey with this story. But I think the many “twists” made the story too convoluted and confusing.
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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:
Yes
Ordinarily I don't really appreciate a narrative that keeps pulling back and showing you that the persepective isn't what you thought it was. However, here it's really well-executed. The narrative moves along really slowly at times and the whole thing could be shorter but I generally think that about every piece of media. I appreciated where it ended up and the whole thing was really creepy which is just what I want in a horror book.
This is my third Catriona Ward book and I’ve come to learn that her writing style is very unique. She’s very good at writing these mind-bending stories that have you questioning what’s going on when you thought you knew what was happening. Unfortunately, this story was a little TOO good at that and I just found myself getting confused towards the end
All my reviews can be found at damppebbles.com
Looking Glass Sound is another triumph from Catriona Ward! It ticks all the boxes with regard to character, setting, plot and storyline. I found myself drawn into the world Ward’s characters inhabit and it was a truly glorious thing. There’s something very human about Wilder Harlow. I completely believed in this awkward, big-eyed, pale skinned teen who aspired to be a writer and was bullied mercilessly by his peers at school. I instantly liked him. His desire to love and be loved in return. When Wilder meets Nathaniel and Harper, who are around the same age as him but so much cooler, I was immediately on edge. I’d grown so fond of the character, I wasn’t sure if these new companions posed a threat or whether they would be good for him and bring him out of his shell. My fondness for Wilder did not wane at any point throughout the book and I relished spending time in his company.
The setting is vivid and atmospheric. Whenever the Maine coastline features in a novel (and it seems to be a favourite amongst thriller writers) it’s always dramatic and unpredictable. Ward effortlessly paints an intimidating setting but makes it so much more creepy than I’ve experienced in the past, meaning I was as taken with the setting as I was by the characters. Brilliantly done and the perfect backdrop to a dark and unsettling story.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. Looking Glass Sound is an outstanding novel which I devoured with glee. I speed read my copy (because it was impossible to put down) but this a book I will certainly revisit in the future and savour every moment of. The story moves at a steady pace allowing the reader to really get to know the characters, to become fully invested in Wilder, before his world is turned upside down. I have been waiting to read Looking Glass Sound for nearly a year now and it was worth absolutely every single second of that wait. Multi-layered, believable characters in an intricate and incredibly well-written tale with a backdrop to die for. I loved the literary aspect of the book (a book about books, writing or writers is always a good thing in my opinion). I loved how the author seamlessly leads the reader down one path only to pull the rug out from beneath their feet. This is something this particular author does with aplomb. A highly readable novel with an unexpected, perfect twist in the tale and exceptional characterisation. Highly recommended.
Looking Glass Sound is another triumph from Catriona Ward! It ticks all the boxes with regard to character, setting, plot and storyline. I found myself drawn into the world Ward’s characters inhabit and it was a truly glorious thing. There’s something very human about Wilder Harlow. I completely believed in this awkward, big-eyed, pale skinned teen who aspired to be a writer and was bullied mercilessly by his peers at school. I instantly liked him. His desire to love and be loved in return. When Wilder meets Nathaniel and Harper, who are around the same age as him but so much cooler, I was immediately on edge. I’d grown so fond of the character, I wasn’t sure if these new companions posed a threat or whether they would be good for him and bring him out of his shell. My fondness for Wilder did not wane at any point throughout the book and I relished spending time in his company.
The setting is vivid and atmospheric. Whenever the Maine coastline features in a novel (and it seems to be a favourite amongst thriller writers) it’s always dramatic and unpredictable. Ward effortlessly paints an intimidating setting but makes it so much more creepy than I’ve experienced in the past, meaning I was as taken with the setting as I was by the characters. Brilliantly done and the perfect backdrop to a dark and unsettling story.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. Looking Glass Sound is an outstanding novel which I devoured with glee. I speed read my copy (because it was impossible to put down) but this a book I will certainly revisit in the future and savour every moment of. The story moves at a steady pace allowing the reader to really get to know the characters, to become fully invested in Wilder, before his world is turned upside down. I have been waiting to read Looking Glass Sound for nearly a year now and it was worth absolutely every single second of that wait. Multi-layered, believable characters in an intricate and incredibly well-written tale with a backdrop to die for. I loved the literary aspect of the book (a book about books, writing or writers is always a good thing in my opinion). I loved how the author seamlessly leads the reader down one path only to pull the rug out from beneath their feet. This is something this particular author does with aplomb. A highly readable novel with an unexpected, perfect twist in the tale and exceptional characterisation. Highly recommended.
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Creepy with an involved story that any reader/writer will think about.
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes