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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
if catriona ward has a million fans, i am one of them. if catriona ward has ten fans, i am one of them. if catriona ward has 0 fans, i am dead
Nothing wrong with this, I just don't dig this kind of historical setting. I wanted to try it anyway because I like the author.
3.5 rounded up. Great for a quick read, hint of spooky, dash of history
Another dense, tense gothic thriller from Catriona Ward. Atmospheric, with plenty of twists and turns, all of which feel earned. And what a setting!
I’ve seen Catriona Ward’s name pop up quite a bit in my recommendations, so I decided to give one of her books a try! I picked this one up at the library.
Little Eve follows a small isolated cult of seven people, living near the sea in a mansion on the isle of Altnaharra in Scotland, led by a man they call ‘uncle’. Eve is a young girl who grew up in this cult and is very dedicated to their unique faith. She aspires to inherit the power of the Adder, which would be a special honor in their religion, but things aren’t easy on the Isle. She struggles with her feelings and faith, which eventually leads to a violent and tragic confrontation. The book switches between the past leading to this confrontation, and how it impacts the people involved after.
I thought Eve was a very complex and interesting protagonist, the book keeps you guessing whether you can trust her or not. The way the cult manipulates her thinking and behavior was both interesting and sad to see, even when ‘uncle’ treats her so badly, she still wants his attention and favor. It’s also fascinating to read about her relationships with the others on the Isle. It’s clear that she loves them and cares about them, especially Dinah. But at the same time they are rivals to her, when it comes to their faith. It is clear that she struggles with her beliefs, but she is also extremely devoted. I also think that the setting of the book works perfectly for the story, the isle works perfectly as this stormy, cold, and isolating place where everything happens.
The story switches between the past and present, with Eve as an unreliable narrator. You know things will end in tragedy, but the book keeps you guessing about what really happened and who is really responsible for everything. I appreciate the subtle story hints we’re given throughout the story, not every little detail needs to be concretely explained, and a lot of these elements make more sense later on in the story, but also lets the reader make their own conclusions.
My one complaint is how quickly things move at the end of the story, at times leaving me a little confused. The reveal that, I feel like there should have been some hints (unless they were there, and I missed them). There just was a lot happening in a short time, muddling events a bit.
Overall, I really enjoyed Little Eve. The ending wasn’t perfect, but it was an enjoyable and interesting read anyway. I’m definitely interested in reading more of Catriona Ward’s work.
Little Eve follows a small isolated cult of seven people, living near the sea in a mansion on the isle of Altnaharra in Scotland, led by a man they call ‘uncle’. Eve is a young girl who grew up in this cult and is very dedicated to their unique faith. She aspires to inherit the power of the Adder, which would be a special honor in their religion, but things aren’t easy on the Isle. She struggles with her feelings and faith, which eventually leads to a violent and tragic confrontation. The book switches between the past leading to this confrontation, and how it impacts the people involved after.
I thought Eve was a very complex and interesting protagonist, the book keeps you guessing whether you can trust her or not. The way the cult manipulates her thinking and behavior was both interesting and sad to see, even when ‘uncle’ treats her so badly, she still wants his attention and favor. It’s also fascinating to read about her relationships with the others on the Isle. It’s clear that she loves them and cares about them, especially Dinah. But at the same time they are rivals to her, when it comes to their faith. It is clear that she struggles with her beliefs, but she is also extremely devoted. I also think that the setting of the book works perfectly for the story, the isle works perfectly as this stormy, cold, and isolating place where everything happens.
The story switches between the past and present, with Eve as an unreliable narrator. You know things will end in tragedy, but the book keeps you guessing about what really happened and who is really responsible for everything. I appreciate the subtle story hints we’re given throughout the story, not every little detail needs to be concretely explained, and a lot of these elements make more sense later on in the story, but also lets the reader make their own conclusions.
My one complaint is how quickly things move at the end of the story, at times leaving me a little confused. The reveal that
Spoiler
Nora was the killer came out of nowhere to meOverall, I really enjoyed Little Eve. The ending wasn’t perfect, but it was an enjoyable and interesting read anyway. I’m definitely interested in reading more of Catriona Ward’s work.
Little Eve by Catriona Ward was originally published in 2018 but with the growing popularity of this author, it is getting rereleased this fall. This book follows a small clan that lives in an old castle in Scotland as they prepare for the end of the world and the coming of The Adder. One will be chosen to inherit the powers and everyone wants the honor, including our main character, Eve. When this book opens with a grisly scene, you know immediately that something did not go to plan. The story then begins to jump around the timeline and the truth is slowly revealed.
If that sounds like a crazy story, believe me, it is. Catriona Ward has officially proven that she is a modern horror queen with her ability to create these lush scenes with fully realized characters. Her brand of horror isn’t going to be for everyone. This is my third book by her and it’s the third time I have been dropped at the beginning of the story in a very confusing way. If you are someone who has to know what is going on at all times, you will not enjoy this book. I love starting Ward’s books and just enjoying the ride because I fully trust that by the end, I will have the answers I want.
Her books are so hard to talk about without giving spoilers. Every part of every book is weaved together in a brilliant manner. There are no wasted words. I think her books could be studied in a classroom setting. You have the surface story but there are also deeper topics that could be discussed. This book takes place during world war 1 and has things to discuss about the effects of war. There could also be a discussion around cults and religion.
I loved this book. I will be buying a physical copy as soon as I can and I look forward to reading everything this author writes in the future.
Thank you so much to the publisher for letting me read and review this early copy of this book’s rerelease. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If that sounds like a crazy story, believe me, it is. Catriona Ward has officially proven that she is a modern horror queen with her ability to create these lush scenes with fully realized characters. Her brand of horror isn’t going to be for everyone. This is my third book by her and it’s the third time I have been dropped at the beginning of the story in a very confusing way. If you are someone who has to know what is going on at all times, you will not enjoy this book. I love starting Ward’s books and just enjoying the ride because I fully trust that by the end, I will have the answers I want.
Her books are so hard to talk about without giving spoilers. Every part of every book is weaved together in a brilliant manner. There are no wasted words. I think her books could be studied in a classroom setting. You have the surface story but there are also deeper topics that could be discussed. This book takes place during world war 1 and has things to discuss about the effects of war. There could also be a discussion around cults and religion.
I loved this book. I will be buying a physical copy as soon as I can and I look forward to reading everything this author writes in the future.
Thank you so much to the publisher for letting me read and review this early copy of this book’s rerelease. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.25 rounded down
I honestly cannot decide if I liked this or not. Some parts were good. Others not so much. It definitely did not seem like horror to me. I did like the writing style though.
I honestly cannot decide if I liked this or not. Some parts were good. Others not so much. It definitely did not seem like horror to me. I did like the writing style though.
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, Sexual assault, Slavery, Blood, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Drug use, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Kidnapping
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Did I figure out where it was heading halfway through? Yes. But it's to the book's credit that I didn't mind at all. It was fun to see how things played out, and how Ward was going to get to the end point. There's a lot of fantastic atmosphere building, and the character work expertly moved me through the story.
Full video review
Full video review