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kayleighosaur's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kelseekayjorg's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? No
3.75
bentersbookshelf's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
mathman329's review against another edition
4.0
2022 Book Review - Book No. 21: “Lute” by Jennifer Thorne
Date started: 11/19/22
Date finished: 11/22/22
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(would recommend reading this if you’re a fan of folk horror, the British isles, and shared trauma)
Spoiler free review: Well, this book was a ride. It may have been the NyQuil I’d been taking for a nasty cold, but every night I read this book, it completely seeped into my dreams. I have to admit that’s the first time thats ever happened! Part of it was probably the meds, but most of it certainly was the intensity of the story that definitely makes this a worthy entry into the horror genre.
Without giving too much away, the basic premise is that the fictional island of Lute, an island off the coast of England, provides its inhabitants with a trouble free life - though it comes at a cost. Every 7 years, the idyllic island requires a sacrifice of 7 people. The story follows an American woman who has married into one of Lute’s families, it’s most premiere in fact, and we experience The Day with her as she experiences it for the first time.
Like many tales along the same lines, Thorne’s story skirts the question of exactly what happens on The Day until it finally commences. From that point, the tension that builds throughout leads to only a handful of logical conclusions. While it wasn’t entirely predictable, I’m not sure if there was a more suitable outcome at the end. What I would’ve enjoyed a bit more of was an exploration of the island and its mechanics. As it was, I suppose some things are better left to the imagination, or perhaps the eventual sequel/prequel. In the end, this was a solid 4 star read for me and I would highly recommend it.
Date started: 11/19/22
Date finished: 11/22/22
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(would recommend reading this if you’re a fan of folk horror, the British isles, and shared trauma)
Spoiler free review: Well, this book was a ride. It may have been the NyQuil I’d been taking for a nasty cold, but every night I read this book, it completely seeped into my dreams. I have to admit that’s the first time thats ever happened! Part of it was probably the meds, but most of it certainly was the intensity of the story that definitely makes this a worthy entry into the horror genre.
Without giving too much away, the basic premise is that the fictional island of Lute, an island off the coast of England, provides its inhabitants with a trouble free life - though it comes at a cost. Every 7 years, the idyllic island requires a sacrifice of 7 people. The story follows an American woman who has married into one of Lute’s families, it’s most premiere in fact, and we experience The Day with her as she experiences it for the first time.
Like many tales along the same lines, Thorne’s story skirts the question of exactly what happens on The Day until it finally commences. From that point, the tension that builds throughout leads to only a handful of logical conclusions. While it wasn’t entirely predictable, I’m not sure if there was a more suitable outcome at the end. What I would’ve enjoyed a bit more of was an exploration of the island and its mechanics. As it was, I suppose some things are better left to the imagination, or perhaps the eventual sequel/prequel. In the end, this was a solid 4 star read for me and I would highly recommend it.
shelbykate's review against another edition
3.75
Very much a slow burn. didn’t truly get invested until over halfway but a decent folk horror if you’ve got the patience for a slow build. satisfying ending that wraps up nicely
kayshorrorcorner's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Interesting premise, but lack of character development and predictable plot
the_sunken_library's review against another edition
4.0
Inspired by the Wickerman, this is a really compelling read. I found Nina, the narrator, to be fascinating and alluring. The story of Lute - an island that keeps its' residents safe in exchange for a sacrifice of 7 lives every 7 years - is a seductive one. I was hooked from the get go and read the bulk of the book over 2 days, desperate to know how things would play out.
nrogers_1030's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, and Child death
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Infidelity, and Fire/Fire injury