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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Adult
Mystery
Magical Realism
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Set in a small town in Appalachia, Weatherly Opal Wilder is and has always been a ‘Death Talker’. Since she was little, her grandmother would bring her to anyone dying to talk and sing the death away from taking them. Now her cousin and best friend, Adaire, has been murdered and Weatherly finds herself unable to talk the death away from the son of who she thinks is Adaire’s murderer. Stuck in a place full of people that have always resented and avoided her unless on death’s doorstep, Weatherly must fight to find the truth of her cousin’s murder and her own existence before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed this. The setting, the magical realism and witchy vibes, the mystery and intrigue. It’s dark and atmospheric with a slight touch of romance tossed in.
Weatherly is a pretty memorable character with a very unique gift; the magical ability to talk death out of taking a victim and turn that ‘death’ or illness and spit it up as poison. This gave a very dark and witchy turn to the story. Suspense twist ending.
Mystery
Magical Realism
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Set in a small town in Appalachia, Weatherly Opal Wilder is and has always been a ‘Death Talker’. Since she was little, her grandmother would bring her to anyone dying to talk and sing the death away from taking them. Now her cousin and best friend, Adaire, has been murdered and Weatherly finds herself unable to talk the death away from the son of who she thinks is Adaire’s murderer. Stuck in a place full of people that have always resented and avoided her unless on death’s doorstep, Weatherly must fight to find the truth of her cousin’s murder and her own existence before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed this. The setting, the magical realism and witchy vibes, the mystery and intrigue. It’s dark and atmospheric with a slight touch of romance tossed in.
Weatherly is a pretty memorable character with a very unique gift; the magical ability to talk death out of taking a victim and turn that ‘death’ or illness and spit it up as poison. This gave a very dark and witchy turn to the story. Suspense twist ending.
I liked the premise of this, but the plot was underdeveloped, and the characters' motivational didn't make sense.
I’ve been struggling to write my review, trying to find a way to describe this book without using the words “Southern gothic” or atmospheric. I can’t do it. The strong pull of tradition, family, and religion mixed with mysticism makes a fascinating, compelling story. The characters are beautifully developed, and unforgettable - Weatherly and Rook in particular.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
Character (2/5)
Plot & Pacing (1/5)
Setting & Surroundings (3/5)
Dialogue & Diction (2/5)
Craft & Voice (1/5)
Reading Experience (2/5)
Final Rating:
1.8/5
Comments:
This book really missed the mark for me. In its defense, I didn’t actively seek it out. This was a cold find on Libby. Almost from the beginning, I could tell the plot was going to meander. It was just a bit all over the place, and it was hard to really understand what was going on and why characters were doing the things they were. Motivations were not well-explained, and scenes were presented out of order, but in a messy way that didn’t feel organic. The “turn the cards” part of the craft of writing mystery was just not on point here. Also, almost every single character was more interesting than the protagonist. Especially Rook. I wanted more scenes with him, wanted to know more about his life, his powers, his goals, etc. I also have a radar for books set in Appalachia that other are trying too hard to pull off the culture, or are purposely dumbing it down for a wider audience. Either way, it was a turnoff. There are lots of people who may enjoy this, but this might have been the messiest thing craft-wise I’ve read so far this year.
Plot & Pacing (1/5)
Setting & Surroundings (3/5)
Dialogue & Diction (2/5)
Craft & Voice (1/5)
Reading Experience (2/5)
Final Rating:
1.8/5
Comments:
This book really missed the mark for me. In its defense, I didn’t actively seek it out. This was a cold find on Libby. Almost from the beginning, I could tell the plot was going to meander. It was just a bit all over the place, and it was hard to really understand what was going on and why characters were doing the things they were. Motivations were not well-explained, and scenes were presented out of order, but in a messy way that didn’t feel organic. The “turn the cards” part of the craft of writing mystery was just not on point here. Also, almost every single character was more interesting than the protagonist. Especially Rook. I wanted more scenes with him, wanted to know more about his life, his powers, his goals, etc. I also have a radar for books set in Appalachia that other are trying too hard to pull off the culture, or are purposely dumbing it down for a wider audience. Either way, it was a turnoff. There are lots of people who may enjoy this, but this might have been the messiest thing craft-wise I’ve read so far this year.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Caught my attention in the beginning but then the plot was really slow before picking up again the end. The setting and gifts were unique to me. I really liked the twist at the end even though I somewhat expected it. It was good but wasn’t my type of book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Child abuse
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I don't know how to feel about this one ...
While it was entertaining enough to keep me reading for most of it, I ended up skimming through the last few chapters. I just got kind of over it towards the end.
I did enjoy the writing style and the witchy, Appalachian setting. I just think the story was a little lack luster.
While it was entertaining enough to keep me reading for most of it, I ended up skimming through the last few chapters. I just got kind of over it towards the end.
I did enjoy the writing style and the witchy, Appalachian setting. I just think the story was a little lack luster.