Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death
Moderate: Suicide, Violence
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A good atmospheric slow burn as the pieces came together. The ending felt a little rushed. But I loved the characters and how they all had their own part in the investigation.
I loved this. It's YA so that's something to remember if you pick it up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I thouroughly enjoyed this book. The descriptions, the pacing, the characters, I usually enjoy audiobooks but this only came in digital format from my library and the way I just binged this book! I loved how it came together the ending was satisfying and your still left with questions but in a good way since it has a folk element.
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This Southern Gothic horror seemed right up my alley and it did not disappoint, it was deliciously dark and really reminded me of the first season of true detective in that eerie-ness it had. I will say I was more invested in the more horror parts like the cicadas and the three devils really had my antennas up and with the deer (or something like that) loved those visuals. I do feel like Neera was the more interesting and fully fleshed out character but overall the arcs were decent for everyone. They all got what they needed in one way or another so hey. The ending did wrap up a beat more neatly but that's just more of a personal thing. Sometimes horror is better a bit more open ended and speculative. Very nice debut I can't wait to see what this authors next book will be.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Overall, this is still a strong debut, despite my rating. The setup is genuinely compelling, and the concept of three devils and two towns, with one sacrificing the residents of the other, is chef’s kiss.
However, the pacing left a lot to be desired. Nothing significant really happens until about the 75% mark, and from there, everything felt muddled and rushed. I think the story needed more time to fully develop in order for the ending to land with impact.
Since this is YA horror, the narrative was quite condensed, but if it had been written for an adult audience, I think it could have had more room to breathe. The ending was especially affected, as it was both rushed and too open-ended, leaving too many questions unanswered, which ultimately lowered my rating.
I didn’t have a favorite character, but Neera and Sam stood out as the strongest and most memorable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced