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This is probably my new FAVORITE horror book. This work was beyond beautiful, in a horrific, mind-crippling, dysfunctional family trauma, and buried secrets typa way. You have two timelines happening, the present and around the mid-eighties. I thought every twist and turn was beautifully crafted and I did NOT expect the final conclusion and I love it even more because of that. This book might make you uncomfortable at times with the underlying message and harsh topics. But it’s a interwoven masterpiece that below the outward horror is a deep look at families and their trouble. I absolutely recommend!
Thank you to the author and Berkley publishing for my copy!
Thank you to the author and Berkley publishing for my copy!
The horror elements were well done, and I really enjoyed the elements about indigenous traditions and folklore. There were some really well written passages as well.
My main criticism is that I found the structure to be a bit unwieldy. Switching viewpoint characters AND timelines (1986 and present day) every few chapters when both characters are in each other’s timelines was very disorienting. And I’m not convinced that the present-day timeline added much to the core story.
I was hoping to read this via audiobook, but the narrator for the Louie chapters (probably 70% of the novel) was so distractingly stilted in his delivery that I abandoned it for the ebook.
My main criticism is that I found the structure to be a bit unwieldy. Switching viewpoint characters AND timelines (1986 and present day) every few chapters when both characters are in each other’s timelines was very disorienting. And I’m not convinced that the present-day timeline added much to the core story.
I was hoping to read this via audiobook, but the narrator for the Louie chapters (probably 70% of the novel) was so distractingly stilted in his delivery that I abandoned it for the ebook.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
Good book, POV switches between past and present. It was a neat peek into indigenous people culture with a thriller/mystery twist that had some supernatural elements.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
I really enjoyed this author's debut novel and when I heard he was releasing another book centering a character from that novel, I was super excited! While I didn't enjoy this book quite as much, I still had a good time reading it! My main issue is that I think I had too high of expectations going into this. The horror was super interesting and slow moving and I really liked how it didn't seem real until it was! This author does a really good job writing super realistic characters and the hardships that they face. I was really invested in all of their stories and I was rooting for every single one, which is super rare for me. Again, I can't wait to read more from this author. I think he has a lot of potential and has a lot of great stories to write.
Thank you to Berkley for providing me with an eBook copy to review on NetGalley.
Thank you to Berkley for providing me with an eBook copy to review on NetGalley.
challenging
dark
emotional
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:
Yes
Still processing this one, but WOW—what a ride! Nick Medina delivers a masterclass in storytelling with Indian Burial Ground, expertly weaving together multiple POVs and timelines into a gripping, dark narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish.
I absolutely love stories that shift between the past and present, and Medina handles it beautifully. The perspectives of the two main characters felt so authentic and compelling, and the way their journeys intertwined was nothing short of brilliant.
The overarching Native mythology was a standout for me—rich, haunting, and deeply rooted in cultural significance. But what truly sets this story apart is Medina’s ability to weave in the real-world struggles of alcoholism and suicide, grounding the supernatural elements in raw, human emotion. It’s a story that leaves you feeling sad yet hopeful, which is no small feat.
This book is as thought-provoking as it is chilling, and it’s one I know will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend it to anyone who loves layered, impactful storytelling!
I absolutely love stories that shift between the past and present, and Medina handles it beautifully. The perspectives of the two main characters felt so authentic and compelling, and the way their journeys intertwined was nothing short of brilliant.
The overarching Native mythology was a standout for me—rich, haunting, and deeply rooted in cultural significance. But what truly sets this story apart is Medina’s ability to weave in the real-world struggles of alcoholism and suicide, grounding the supernatural elements in raw, human emotion. It’s a story that leaves you feeling sad yet hopeful, which is no small feat.
This book is as thought-provoking as it is chilling, and it’s one I know will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend it to anyone who loves layered, impactful storytelling!
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Suicide