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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy
Minor: Bullying, Vomit
The beginning was really good and intriguing. The college life plot was really boring and even as an audiobook I couldn't keep going. "Frick off"
★★★¼
Read this if you like:
• Slow-burn psychological horror
• Deeply atmospheric and immersive settings
• Character-driven suspense
This novel was an intriguing, eerie journey that kept me engaged, even if it didn’t fully grip me throughout. The atmosphere was rich and immersive, with a sense of quiet tension that lingered as I read. The characters were interesting, and I appreciated the emotional depth Ward gave them, but the pacing felt uneven at times, which made certain sections drag.
Overall, it left me feeling thoughtful and a little unsettled, but still curious about the story’s direction. While not perfect, it was a compelling read that showcased Ward’s talent for mood and character.
Read this if you like:
• Slow-burn psychological horror
• Deeply atmospheric and immersive settings
• Character-driven suspense
This novel was an intriguing, eerie journey that kept me engaged, even if it didn’t fully grip me throughout. The atmosphere was rich and immersive, with a sense of quiet tension that lingered as I read. The characters were interesting, and I appreciated the emotional depth Ward gave them, but the pacing felt uneven at times, which made certain sections drag.
Overall, it left me feeling thoughtful and a little unsettled, but still curious about the story’s direction. While not perfect, it was a compelling read that showcased Ward’s talent for mood and character.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book will haunt you. It is my only experience of reading "metafiction" which involves stories within stories. I did not realize this going in, based on the description, so I fell in LOVE with the initial story and really, really wanted to stick with it. That original story was ah-MAZING: it had love, danger, literature, and passion, so much passion! I actually applaud the author's skill in creating metafiction, but I confess, I was very saddened by what happened to the (original) MC. He didn't seem to deserve that fate AT ALL. Nonetheless, this book will come back to me at random times because the characters were so rich and the plot was so complex. Follow the twists if you can in this riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma!
catriona ward is quickly becoming my go-to author when i'm craving psychological horror
Perhaps too many layers, perhaps too much book in book in book, perhaps too precious about writing. Entirely aside from that, the writing is great and there's a power to the book that cuts though the probably too indulgent narrative choices. Recommended.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Confusing in a fun way