A review by backpackfullofbooks
Fen by Daisy Johnson

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

“She did not roll her white belly to message me goodbye or send a final ripple.
Only ducked deep and was gone.”
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A collection of short stories, largely falling into the folk horror category. With a good amount of body horror and references to water, specifically canals and waterways (rather than the ocean).

Extremely atmospheric and creepy.
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I really liked this short story collection. I enjoy folk horror and books with a water motif, plus I’m a fan of short stories in general so this was right up my street.

I think that I enjoyed “things we say in the dark” slightly more, they are both folk horror short story collections, however I did still really enjoy this and I am definitely going to read her other books.

She does a really great job creating a ominous atmosphere, my only point of improvement would be some of the stories feel slightly incomplete, still really enjoyed the writing style though and I will be interested to see how she translates this style into her other books.
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I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys folk horror, body horror and creepy books with fairytale and watery vibes. Also if you want to try a horror this would be a good starting point into the genre.