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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
[Covery of Winterset Hollow by Jonathan Edward Durham . A white cover with a rabbit head, sheafs of rye coming out of the eyes.]
I've been following this author on FB for some time, finding his posts surprisingly relatable...so I decided I should actually read his book.
Bloody hell...that was not what I expected. A group of three friends take a pilgrimage to the island of a famous author of a book about talking animals...and find a world much darker than they signed up for. It had me horrified in places.
Trigger warnings abound, including self harm, but I recommend if you can handle that. The writing is quite good, and everything does get wrapped up...no cliffhangers.
Pair with a dark red wine, and I went with Jethro Tull for music, although Motzart era violin would also be appropriate.
I've been following this author on FB for some time, finding his posts surprisingly relatable...so I decided I should actually read his book.
Bloody hell...that was not what I expected. A group of three friends take a pilgrimage to the island of a famous author of a book about talking animals...and find a world much darker than they signed up for. It had me horrified in places.
Trigger warnings abound, including self harm, but I recommend if you can handle that. The writing is quite good, and everything does get wrapped up...no cliffhangers.
Pair with a dark red wine, and I went with Jethro Tull for music, although Motzart era violin would also be appropriate.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Slavery, Torture, Murder
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Winterset Hollow is one of those rare books that feels like stepping into a fairy tale—only to find out the story has teeth. What begins as a whimsical pilgrimage by a group of friends to visit the setting of their favorite childhood story quickly unravels into something sinister. The charming world of talking animals and festive traditions twists into a chilling exploration of truth, betrayal, and survival.
The hidden reality is far darker than anyone could have imagined. The writing captures both the nostalgia of revisiting childhood favorites and the dread of uncovering the dangers that lurk beneath innocence. I loved how the story balanced whimsy and horror, which kept me constantly off balance in the best way.
If you’ve ever wondered what might happen if the magic of childhood stories didn’t stay on the page but instead came to life with all its messy, terrifying consequences, this book delivers. Atmospheric, unsettling, and surprisingly emotional, Winterset Hollow is a story that lingers long after you finish.
The hidden reality is far darker than anyone could have imagined. The writing captures both the nostalgia of revisiting childhood favorites and the dread of uncovering the dangers that lurk beneath innocence. I loved how the story balanced whimsy and horror, which kept me constantly off balance in the best way.
If you’ve ever wondered what might happen if the magic of childhood stories didn’t stay on the page but instead came to life with all its messy, terrifying consequences, this book delivers. Atmospheric, unsettling, and surprisingly emotional, Winterset Hollow is a story that lingers long after you finish.
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Complicated
dark
sad
tense
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
My favorite type of horror, when the creepiness is here but you don’t know when shit is gonna hit the fan.
And this story does it perfectly! When your dream becomes a LITERAL nightmare. Did not expect it to get sad, amazing storytelling
And this story does it perfectly! When your dream becomes a LITERAL nightmare. Did not expect it to get sad, amazing storytelling
“…and while Eamon was sure that he would see no more of the island and hear no more from his two friends, the thought that they might find their freedom on the heels of his sacrifice proved to be no modest comfort so close to the end.”
The Wind in the Willows meets The Most Dangerous Game. Absolutely bonkers in the best way with gorgeous writing and heart pounding tension. I flew through it at the end.
The Wind in the Willows meets The Most Dangerous Game. Absolutely bonkers in the best way with gorgeous writing and heart pounding tension. I flew through it at the end.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Felt a bit long a clunky. Took a while to get to the point. Could be partly because this was read in paperback and not kindle. Was anxious to finish, but upon reflection, feel a strange attachment to the characters and premise.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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