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A review by bookish_bailee
Heart, Haunt, Havoc by Freydís Moon
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
Absolutely fantastic and one of my favorite books of the year, I am already sure.
As a lover of Gothics I am always looking for something that feels fresh and new — this is that. Especially for being a novella, this accomplished such a layered, well-paced, emotional story in less than 200 pages that many horror novels fall short of in 400.
The poltergeist is approached with a sort of guarded curiousity and irritation, which is a refreshing change of pace for the genre, and adds great nuance to the characters. Their individual processes of grief, guilt and healing feel convincing and visceral despite the fantastical and paranormal elements surrounding them. The characters are distinctive, authentic, and easy to fall in love with.
The prose is beautifully crafted in a way that feels effortless and elegant rather than flowery.
The pacing is excellent as well, with no weird lulls and plenty of time divided between the building romantic tension, and the horror action.
The culmination of the romance at the end left me in tears; such a satisfying ending that let go none of that tension.
So, so good.
As a lover of Gothics I am always looking for something that feels fresh and new — this is that. Especially for being a novella, this accomplished such a layered, well-paced, emotional story in less than 200 pages that many horror novels fall short of in 400.
The poltergeist is approached with a sort of guarded curiousity and irritation, which is a refreshing change of pace for the genre, and adds great nuance to the characters. Their individual processes of grief, guilt and healing feel convincing and visceral despite the fantastical and paranormal elements surrounding them. The characters are distinctive, authentic, and easy to fall in love with.
The prose is beautifully crafted in a way that feels effortless and elegant rather than flowery.
The pacing is excellent as well, with no weird lulls and plenty of time divided between the building romantic tension, and the horror action.
The culmination of the romance at the end left me in tears; such a satisfying ending that let go none of that tension.
So, so good.