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evrenee's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Pedophilia
adamyeti's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I have come to the conclusion that Kristopher Triana will never disappoint me. There is something about his writing that just clicks with me and draws me in. His ability to build and sustain suspense throughout a book is incredible.
This book centers around a group of childhood friends who, now as adults, return to their hometown and reconnect for the first time to try and get some answers about the last fateful night that they spent together. From the description, this did not sound like a book that I would normally be interested in, but when I saw the author, I didn't give it a second thought. The story alternates through each character's perspective, which I really liked. I really felt that each of them had their own voice, and I was able to thoroughly understand who they were and what their motivations were.
As a reader, the main driver in this book was the suspense and mystery around what happened that night and what is happening now. With each answer I got, more questions would arise, and nothing was set into plain view until the end. Nothing felt predictable to me, but everything made sense, with just enough breadcrumbs and hints along the way to make you curious, but not spoil anything, which is a feat in itself for a book like this.
I felt a bit disappointed about what I thought was the big reveal at first, but as I read on and learned more, I came back around and felt more satisfied. Also, this is the first book that has made me audibly gasp, so that has to count for something too right?
Things get pretty intense toward the end, but most of the book focuses on suspense instead. Though it is bloody at times, you are spared the grotesque details for the most part, making this a more accessible read for those who tend to avoid splatterpunk and extreme horror. It is very dark, however, so be prepared to deal with some heavy stuff.
This book centers around a group of childhood friends who, now as adults, return to their hometown and reconnect for the first time to try and get some answers about the last fateful night that they spent together. From the description, this did not sound like a book that I would normally be interested in, but when I saw the author, I didn't give it a second thought. The story alternates through each character's perspective, which I really liked. I really felt that each of them had their own voice, and I was able to thoroughly understand who they were and what their motivations were.
As a reader, the main driver in this book was the suspense and mystery around what happened that night and what is happening now. With each answer I got, more questions would arise, and nothing was set into plain view until the end. Nothing felt predictable to me, but everything made sense, with just enough breadcrumbs and hints along the way to make you curious, but not spoil anything, which is a feat in itself for a book like this.
I felt a bit disappointed about what I thought was the big reveal at first, but as I read on and learned more, I came back around and felt more satisfied. Also, this is the first book that has made me audibly gasp, so that has to count for something too right?
Things get pretty intense toward the end, but most of the book focuses on suspense instead. Though it is bloody at times, you are spared the grotesque details for the most part, making this a more accessible read for those who tend to avoid splatterpunk and extreme horror. It is very dark, however, so be prepared to deal with some heavy stuff.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Sexual assault and Rape
bobbiejowoo's review
I was Jost so bored, I didn't like the story or any of the characters, this one was just not for me. However I do look forward to reading other books by this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Pedophilia
clarke's review
3.0
That night in the woods tells a tale both past and present, of a group of friends who spent a night in their local woods, known as the suicide woods due to several teenagers killing themselves there. Reunited in the present following the death of their friend, the group recounts what happened that night and how it still haunts them.
The book jumps between each member of the groups perspective, often within the same paragraph, that can make it hard to follow at times. I also felt that the characters were flat, typical stereotypes, such as nerd, slut, stoner, etc. I was excited to read this, hoping for a creepy time, but unfortunately the story didn't satisfy me. The pacing felt very slow, and I was itching for something to happen, and when it did? Eh. I also felt the inclusion of a Little Person was only to use them as a horrifying monster, and include a few slurs for good measure. Overall, I expected more. I didn't get a creepy vibe, the potential supernatural aspect wasn't really explored, and the ending was boring imo.
The book jumps between each member of the groups perspective, often within the same paragraph, that can make it hard to follow at times. I also felt that the characters were flat, typical stereotypes, such as nerd, slut, stoner, etc. I was excited to read this, hoping for a creepy time, but unfortunately the story didn't satisfy me. The pacing felt very slow, and I was itching for something to happen, and when it did? Eh. I also felt the inclusion of a Little Person was only to use them as a horrifying monster, and include a few slurs for good measure. Overall, I expected more. I didn't get a creepy vibe, the potential supernatural aspect wasn't really explored, and the ending was boring imo.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
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