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imaginethis346's review
5.0
Shade Owens has finally come out of her shell with an amazing talent for writing psychological thrillers. I believe this is her genre and Beneath These Walls is a gem. I received an ARC through BookSirens and I am honored to review this book. I am telling you; this is definitely worth reading.
Alice is an abused wife on the run from a husband who tried to kill her. Now, she lives with her two boys in old house that she inherited from her uncle. The small town has heard rumors about her uncle being a strange man and he's accused of doing horrific things. Alice becomes paranoid of everyone and everything. Is her family finally safe from her alcoholic abusive husband or has she moved her family to place where even more danger awaits?
Shade switches between the past and present. This helps the reader understand the main character, Alice and her family. It is impossible to lose interest while reading this. There are chilling twists that the reader will never see coming. At one point, I had my thumb on my chin, and fingers over my mouth in disbelief. I thought, oh dear, finally I can relax. Nope, the plot thickens. Shade is wonderful at building suspense and engaging the reader; then she takes a 'commercial break' to the past. This will leave you anxious and speeding to the present.
I sympathized with Alice and badly wanted to rescue her, Lucas, and Grayson from James. My stomach was aching and nervous, even though, I knew it wasn't reality. It was the thought that some women have experienced the same trauma as Alice. The eerie feeling of being watched and never feeling safe no matter where you are is maddening. Even after moving to her uncle's house the paranoia didn't stop.
Trigger warnings: abuse, alcohol, violence, and death
Thank you, Shade Owens for allowing me to review your ebook through BookSirens. It was eerily entertaining and fun. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Alice is an abused wife on the run from a husband who tried to kill her. Now, she lives with her two boys in old house that she inherited from her uncle. The small town has heard rumors about her uncle being a strange man and he's accused of doing horrific things. Alice becomes paranoid of everyone and everything. Is her family finally safe from her alcoholic abusive husband or has she moved her family to place where even more danger awaits?
Shade switches between the past and present. This helps the reader understand the main character, Alice and her family. It is impossible to lose interest while reading this. There are chilling twists that the reader will never see coming. At one point, I had my thumb on my chin, and fingers over my mouth in disbelief. I thought, oh dear, finally I can relax. Nope, the plot thickens. Shade is wonderful at building suspense and engaging the reader; then she takes a 'commercial break' to the past. This will leave you anxious and speeding to the present.
I sympathized with Alice and badly wanted to rescue her, Lucas, and Grayson from James. My stomach was aching and nervous, even though, I knew it wasn't reality. It was the thought that some women have experienced the same trauma as Alice. The eerie feeling of being watched and never feeling safe no matter where you are is maddening. Even after moving to her uncle's house the paranoia didn't stop.
Trigger warnings: abuse, alcohol, violence, and death
Thank you, Shade Owens for allowing me to review your ebook through BookSirens. It was eerily entertaining and fun. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
amread's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
donna_bx's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mbreeggs's review
4.0
It kept me on the edge of my seat and made my heart race. I’m really torn between three and four stars. I feel it’s more of a 3.5. Not because of lack of story but because the build up took forever and the ending was over in seconds. Maybe it was supposed to be like that? Please please please be sure to read the trigger warnings.
Summary: a woman escapes with her two children from a domestic abuse situation. She is scraping by when she receives a call from a lawyer who tells her that her uncle’s estate was left to her. She and the boys relocate and go on with their lives. She lives on edge and almost sounds crazy throughout the whole book. I suppose I would be too if I barely made it out alive situation like that. There is a series of events that take place that cause this woman more stress. In the end it ends well for her.
Side note: There are typos and at one point in the book she is talking to the oldest son but calls him the youngest son’s name and I’m not sure if that was intentional or a mistake. Also towards the end of the book there are some more typos.
Summary: a woman escapes with her two children from a domestic abuse situation. She is scraping by when she receives a call from a lawyer who tells her that her uncle’s estate was left to her. She and the boys relocate and go on with their lives. She lives on edge and almost sounds crazy throughout the whole book. I suppose I would be too if I barely made it out alive situation like that. There is a series of events that take place that cause this woman more stress. In the end it ends well for her.
Side note: There are typos and at one point in the book she is talking to the oldest son but calls him the youngest son’s name and I’m not sure if that was intentional or a mistake. Also towards the end of the book there are some more typos.
shauntelle_reads's review
5.0
This book was so INTENSE!! Some authors have a writing style that makes me feel creeped out reading their books in the dark, and this was one of those books. There were moments I found myself holding my breath.
There is domestic abuse in this story, but it was not the main focus point of the book. What we get instead is a masterfully crafted, suspense building plot. There was healing, mystery, suspense, and fear woven into this one. This one definitely had my anxiety on HIGH. The main character, Emma (formerly Alice), was tough as nails in her own right, and I loved her character. Owens did a great job developing Emma as a character, and I truly felt I knew her by the time this story was over. I was rooting for Emma the whole way through. I love a female main character that is courageous and determined.
The plot flows and develops beautifully. I found myself left saying "one more chapter" over and over again until I finished the book. There was a timeline from the past, that gave us a glimpse into life before her escape. This book is an ode to how far a mother will go to protect her children. I highly recommend this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Red Raven Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
There is domestic abuse in this story, but it was not the main focus point of the book. What we get instead is a masterfully crafted, suspense building plot. There was healing, mystery, suspense, and fear woven into this one. This one definitely had my anxiety on HIGH. The main character, Emma (formerly Alice), was tough as nails in her own right, and I loved her character. Owens did a great job developing Emma as a character, and I truly felt I knew her by the time this story was over. I was rooting for Emma the whole way through. I love a female main character that is courageous and determined.
The plot flows and develops beautifully. I found myself left saying "one more chapter" over and over again until I finished the book. There was a timeline from the past, that gave us a glimpse into life before her escape. This book is an ode to how far a mother will go to protect her children. I highly recommend this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Red Raven Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
emiliew's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
This book kept me guessing for the whole time I was reading it! I changed my mind on the culprit at almost every chapter. At one point the author had me convinced the victim was imagining everything that was happening to her.
I loved the evolution of the main character from beaten down woman to bad ass bitch who gets revenge on her tormentor. The author didn't make it seem like it was easy and rosy either, we got to see all of Alice's insecurities with every decision she made. This made me so much more invested in the story and I was rooting for her the whole time!
I cant wait to read more from this author in the future!
I loved the evolution of the main character from beaten down woman to bad ass bitch who gets revenge on her tormentor. The author didn't make it seem like it was easy and rosy either, we got to see all of Alice's insecurities with every decision she made. This made me so much more invested in the story and I was rooting for her the whole time!
I cant wait to read more from this author in the future!
coffeeandlostinabook's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.25
Beneath These Walls is fact paced and the short chapters definitely help with that vibe. Alice is a very likable character who is strong and determined even though she is struggling emotionally. She just inherited a huge house from her uncle that she hasn't spoken to in a few decades. Alice and her two sons have to get up and run again as her physically and verbally abusive ex husband has found them hiding in Colorado. This inheritance is perfect timing. Alice can't help to wonder about the timing and literally everything around her. She jumps at the chance to move somewhere safer with her boys in a small town. This time she changes names in hopes for a true fresh start. However strange things are happening all around her making her paranoid again. She just wants to be free from her ex husband and no longer be haunted by him. Alice or Emma after changing her name is a strong person even though she doesn't quite see it yet. She is able to get help out of her situation and although it's scary and difficult she pushes through as best as possible for a better life. You can't help, but love Emma and want nothing for the best for her as she has been through so much. You also at times feel her paranoia and the tension around her is a lot. Great book and a fantastic page turner.
Thank you to Shade Owens and Book Siren for this amazing ARC!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Death, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Physical abuse, Murder, Gore, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Stalking
Minor: Dementia
holdmethrillme's review
dark
tense
4.0
Alice is a shining example of going through a horrific experience and becoming stronger as a result. At times this book was creepy and downright heartbreaking. The characters were well written and it was an intriguing storyline. I highly recommend this book if you are in the market for a strong female lead who protects her family from a monster.
jkjoy_books's review
5.0
I recently enjoyed reading the exciting novel, “Beneath These Walls,” I must admit it kept me sitting on the edge throughout and leaving aside the undeniably high entertainment value of this five-star story, which is so admirably brought to life by Shade Owens.
This is the story of a daring mother who finds peace in an old Victorian house left by her uncle after surviving bad times. The author depicts a small, peaceful town where the protagonist and her sons run away to escape from the horrors that happened to them. The setting adopts the character, adding a creepy and suspenseful air that continues.
What makes this novel unique indeed is the smoothly combined style with mystery, horror, and unfailing mother’s love. As the main character adjusts to her new abode, she gets wind of unsettling rumors about her uncle and house. Undesired attention and bizarre incidents start riddling their lives, threatening the safety they desperately attempted to seek.
The author deftly intertwines fear of impending danger and the protagonist’s determination to save her children. The mother’s character is quite inspiring in terms of the emotional depth and resilience depicted. It is almost impossible not to support her as she faces the unexplained horrors that follow within the walls of a house.
The story flows beautifully, and each chapter ends, leaving readers craving to know more. The plot is full of twists and turns, throwing the readers in suspense until the very end. The author can build her plot in an atmosphere of suspense, tension, and fear that would send shivers along your spine.
This novel amazed me because the author could write on such sensitive topics while telling a thrilling story. Exploring domestic violence and the protagonist’s path to empowerment adds depth and realism. It reminds us of great power and resistance towards despair.
In conclusion, “Beneath These Walls” is for the fans of psychological thrillers and stories about persistent courage. It is an unforgettable story that will haunt your mind even after finishing the last page of this great book. This book is a tribute to the strength of motherly love and how far one will go for her children. I genuinely recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and meaningful read.
Thank you to the author, and Booksirens for allowing me to read and review this book.
This is the story of a daring mother who finds peace in an old Victorian house left by her uncle after surviving bad times. The author depicts a small, peaceful town where the protagonist and her sons run away to escape from the horrors that happened to them. The setting adopts the character, adding a creepy and suspenseful air that continues.
What makes this novel unique indeed is the smoothly combined style with mystery, horror, and unfailing mother’s love. As the main character adjusts to her new abode, she gets wind of unsettling rumors about her uncle and house. Undesired attention and bizarre incidents start riddling their lives, threatening the safety they desperately attempted to seek.
The author deftly intertwines fear of impending danger and the protagonist’s determination to save her children. The mother’s character is quite inspiring in terms of the emotional depth and resilience depicted. It is almost impossible not to support her as she faces the unexplained horrors that follow within the walls of a house.
The story flows beautifully, and each chapter ends, leaving readers craving to know more. The plot is full of twists and turns, throwing the readers in suspense until the very end. The author can build her plot in an atmosphere of suspense, tension, and fear that would send shivers along your spine.
This novel amazed me because the author could write on such sensitive topics while telling a thrilling story. Exploring domestic violence and the protagonist’s path to empowerment adds depth and realism. It reminds us of great power and resistance towards despair.
In conclusion, “Beneath These Walls” is for the fans of psychological thrillers and stories about persistent courage. It is an unforgettable story that will haunt your mind even after finishing the last page of this great book. This book is a tribute to the strength of motherly love and how far one will go for her children. I genuinely recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and meaningful read.
Thank you to the author, and Booksirens for allowing me to read and review this book.
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