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san89's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
caitlinejones's review
5.0
Where are the reviews for this? Where, I say? I will protest! This story is.... I am almost speechless. I read the whole thing in a single sitting. The quality of story-telling and genuinely strong writing presented here deserves every kind of praise. Every and all praise.
To begin with, Blue. As main characters go, she is incredibly engaging and dynamic. And what's more, she is gripping without a single line of dialogue. Her struggles, and quest make for an engrossing tale, sprinkled with dark deals, Irish culture, and a nightmarish monster that haunts her every action. She is surrounded by a wonderfully colorful cast, all of whom add to the story through their humanity and mistakes (I really have a soft spot for Snail). The surrounding village is lush in its description and secrets, allowing the audience a better scope of everything with each passing chapter.
The writing is something really, honestly special. Not only is it cleverly done through Blue's perspective, but poetic and sweeping, linking its imagery back into the story with flawless precision. Each section and its associated death stitches into a corresponding flashback, leaving breadcrumbs for a flooring finale and reveal.
By far, this is one of the most- if not the most engaging story I have ever read.
To begin with, Blue. As main characters go, she is incredibly engaging and dynamic. And what's more, she is gripping without a single line of dialogue. Her struggles, and quest make for an engrossing tale, sprinkled with dark deals, Irish culture, and a nightmarish monster that haunts her every action. She is surrounded by a wonderfully colorful cast, all of whom add to the story through their humanity and mistakes (I really have a soft spot for Snail). The surrounding village is lush in its description and secrets, allowing the audience a better scope of everything with each passing chapter.
The writing is something really, honestly special. Not only is it cleverly done through Blue's perspective, but poetic and sweeping, linking its imagery back into the story with flawless precision. Each section and its associated death stitches into a corresponding flashback, leaving breadcrumbs for a flooring finale and reveal.
By far, this is one of the most- if not the most engaging story I have ever read.
somecharm's review
5.0
Well, well, well. That was bloody brilliant. I heard some really really great things about this novelette and I'm so glad to say that Danse Macabre has totally 100% lived up to expectations.
It follows the story of a girl called Blue who loses everything due to a mistake she made as a youth. There's what appears to be a Fallen angel in this that puts the (no pun intended) fear of God into her and convinces her to do his bidding by promising that she'll get her parents and sisters into Heaven if she does as he demands.
What follows from the beginning of the story is a brilliantly twisted story of redemption and betrayal. She has a "pet Snail" and a Crow who keep her company in her story. The chapters are short - but not too short, perfect length - with a nice backwards countdown of the trials.
The beginning was suitably spooky with the tale of Old Hopper at the bonfire. Just spooky enough to have the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.
Danse Macabre also had a really good ending with no cliffhanger and the ending wrapped up Blue's story nicely.
It follows the story of a girl called Blue who loses everything due to a mistake she made as a youth. There's what appears to be a Fallen angel in this that puts the (no pun intended) fear of God into her and convinces her to do his bidding by promising that she'll get her parents and sisters into Heaven if she does as he demands.
What follows from the beginning of the story is a brilliantly twisted story of redemption and betrayal. She has a "pet Snail" and a Crow who keep her company in her story. The chapters are short - but not too short, perfect length - with a nice backwards countdown of the trials.
The beginning was suitably spooky with the tale of Old Hopper at the bonfire. Just spooky enough to have the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.
Danse Macabre also had a really good ending with no cliffhanger and the ending wrapped up Blue's story nicely.
observantraven's review
5.0
When I first read the summary for Danse Macabre I was instantly intrigued and wanted to read it right away. For me this was something out of the norm as I don’t very often read thriller-horror based novels and for one to grip me alone based upon the summary this alone told me that this book would be great. What I found when I read Danse Macabre was something that exceeded my initial excitement and expectations.
Some people avoid the thriller-horror due to the fear that it will scare them but Danse Macabre shows this isn’t allows the case. Danse Macabre shows us that thriller-horror can have some light horror aspects that will make you feel uneasy as well as some spine tingling moments without every going over unnecessarily over the top.
From the start I was instantly drawn into the world of the main character Blue. As the book progresses we are treated to bits and of pieces of her “past and experiences”. I felt emotionally drawn to Blue she was experiencing and this constantly helped enhance they feeling of unease they story portrays.
Danse Macabre is a short story that stands at 56 pages and this only helps towards the constant intrigue you get when reading it as there is never a lull in the story. There are some truly exciting and breath taking moments. I usually take my time when it comes to reading a book so I can analyse my thoughts but with Danse Macabre I was never able to do this because as soon as I picked it up I didn’t want to put it down.
With everything above in mind if you are someone like myself who doesn’t read thriller-horror very often or if you are usually fearful of reading it due to not wanting to be scared then I would highly recommend you pick this up as. I think it is a great entry point into the thriller-horror genre and with it being a short story this will only help ease you into the genre. Even if you are a horror buff I would still highly recommend you read this.
The above review can also be found at:
https://observantraven.wordpress.com/2016/07/31/danse-macabre-by-laura-hughes/
Some people avoid the thriller-horror due to the fear that it will scare them but Danse Macabre shows this isn’t allows the case. Danse Macabre shows us that thriller-horror can have some light horror aspects that will make you feel uneasy as well as some spine tingling moments without every going over unnecessarily over the top.
From the start I was instantly drawn into the world of the main character Blue. As the book progresses we are treated to bits and of pieces of her “past and experiences”. I felt emotionally drawn to Blue she was experiencing and this constantly helped enhance they feeling of unease they story portrays.
Danse Macabre is a short story that stands at 56 pages and this only helps towards the constant intrigue you get when reading it as there is never a lull in the story. There are some truly exciting and breath taking moments. I usually take my time when it comes to reading a book so I can analyse my thoughts but with Danse Macabre I was never able to do this because as soon as I picked it up I didn’t want to put it down.
With everything above in mind if you are someone like myself who doesn’t read thriller-horror very often or if you are usually fearful of reading it due to not wanting to be scared then I would highly recommend you pick this up as. I think it is a great entry point into the thriller-horror genre and with it being a short story this will only help ease you into the genre. Even if you are a horror buff I would still highly recommend you read this.
The above review can also be found at:
https://observantraven.wordpress.com/2016/07/31/danse-macabre-by-laura-hughes/
nollreads's review
4.0
In the interest of full disclosure, I know the author of this novella. However, that is not something that affects my criticism of anything - I won't say I like something unless I do, and I really, really liked this.
Danse Macabre is a surprisingly dark, bite-size chunk of creepiness. It's extremely well written, employing some clever devices such as chapters which count down from ten, rather than starting at one, to add to the spooky, foreboding atmosphere which pervades the story. I think the presence of a little girl and animal companions suggests something, at first glance, which is going to be a lot lighter than this story turns out to be - and it's delightfully chilling to see just how far the darkness in this story gets pushed - at least one point in it genuinely made me gasp and go 'NO YOU CAN'T.'
I was a little unsure of the ending, it felt a little abrupt and I wasn't really sure how to interpret it, but really the only complaint I have is that it was too short, and I think Blue would have benefited simply from more story to acquaint the reader with her. That is not to say her character is lacking, simply that I would liked to have spent more time getting to know her. I loved the characters of Snail and Raven, particularly Snail. I got weirdly attached to that snail.
All in all, a solidly enjoyable novella which is the perfect quick read to get you in the mood for the upcoming spooky season. I'm genuinely looking forward to whatever comes next from Laura.
Danse Macabre is a surprisingly dark, bite-size chunk of creepiness. It's extremely well written, employing some clever devices such as chapters which count down from ten, rather than starting at one, to add to the spooky, foreboding atmosphere which pervades the story. I think the presence of a little girl and animal companions suggests something, at first glance, which is going to be a lot lighter than this story turns out to be - and it's delightfully chilling to see just how far the darkness in this story gets pushed - at least one point in it genuinely made me gasp and go 'NO YOU CAN'T.'
I was a little unsure of the ending, it felt a little abrupt and I wasn't really sure how to interpret it, but really the only complaint I have is that it was too short, and I think Blue would have benefited simply from more story to acquaint the reader with her. That is not to say her character is lacking, simply that I would liked to have spent more time getting to know her. I loved the characters of Snail and Raven, particularly Snail. I got weirdly attached to that snail.
All in all, a solidly enjoyable novella which is the perfect quick read to get you in the mood for the upcoming spooky season. I'm genuinely looking forward to whatever comes next from Laura.
its_justine's review
5.0
Words have power. Words hold painful truths and delicious lies.
Well, this was a pleasant surprise. I learned of this horror novella earlier today and decided to pick it up as a Halloween treat for myself. I literally read this in one sitting and it has completely blown me away. Danse Macabre is a haunting, somber and tragic tale that is so much more than a typical horror story with its tendrils deeply steeped in the realm of psychological thrillers. There's a profound sense of mystery that keeps you hooked and also remains well after you finish the final sentences, leaving you to contemplate the meanings hidden within.
Hughes' prose is beautifully poetic and flows so wonderfully, it made this impossible to put down. Although the story is a short novella, I was surprisingly invested in the characters I was introduced to and was extremely satisfied with its ending.
I usually include some sort of short summary, but I don't think anything I write will give this story the justice it deserves - you'll just have to read it for yourself!
Well, this was a pleasant surprise. I learned of this horror novella earlier today and decided to pick it up as a Halloween treat for myself. I literally read this in one sitting and it has completely blown me away. Danse Macabre is a haunting, somber and tragic tale that is so much more than a typical horror story with its tendrils deeply steeped in the realm of psychological thrillers. There's a profound sense of mystery that keeps you hooked and also remains well after you finish the final sentences, leaving you to contemplate the meanings hidden within.
Hughes' prose is beautifully poetic and flows so wonderfully, it made this impossible to put down. Although the story is a short novella, I was surprisingly invested in the characters I was introduced to and was extremely satisfied with its ending.
I usually include some sort of short summary, but I don't think anything I write will give this story the justice it deserves - you'll just have to read it for yourself!
rowena_m_andrews's review
4.0
This was a beautifully written story, that I devoured all in one go. It is wonderfully atmospheric, an for a short story there were twists and turns, and the ending caught me by surprise in the best way. I look forward to checking out more from this author.
bookishchas's review
5.0
Very Gaimanesque
Wow! So much creepiness packed into this gem of a novella. Hughes writes with a flair, subtle creeping chill, and vivid detail that reminds me of Neil Gaiman. Well done!
Wow! So much creepiness packed into this gem of a novella. Hughes writes with a flair, subtle creeping chill, and vivid detail that reminds me of Neil Gaiman. Well done!
jamesnotlatimer's review
4.0
Haunting little ghost story, overlaid with some Christian morality/theology, set in an indistinct, gritty, 19/20th C. Beautifully written, well-paced so that things unravel slowly and intriguingly, surprisingly positive despite the unfolding tragedies. Recommended for a rainy afternoon.
gaiaathena's review
4.0
I know the author of this book, so my review may be biased. This is a novella Laura wrote. It took me a bit of time to get into the story. In the beginning I was mostly just confused and wasn't sure what was going on. I persisted and I'm glad I did, because after a while things became clearer. The story is quite creepy, I enjoyed reading about this creepy atmosphere. After things became clearer I enjoyed the story a whole lot more. I liked the way the chapters were done, counting down from ten. it was cleverly done. Overall it's a nice story that I enjoyed reading.