A review by herbivorehaunts
Sundial by Catriona Ward

challenging dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I see a lot of reviews touching on how this book is filled with triggering content if you are sensitive to horror involving animals, but little to none talking about the domestic abuse (physical and verbal) in this narrative but heads up abuse and experimentation on animals and women are themes in this novel so if those are things you are sensitive to tread with caution. (TW: discussion of dog abuse/experimentation) Personally, I felt that the experimentation of the dogs was well thought out, added a lot to the story thematically and was not done in excess or gratuitously. I wouldn't say that it is too graphic, or unnecessary to the story, as it is not usually described but implied. Irving's abuse of Rob and his children is far more graphic and was honestly really hard for me to get through, because that is shown and described more. Also this could be pretty triggering for those with family trauma, adoption trauma, or strained familial relationships, especially regarding a sister, so keep all of that in mind when diving in. 

I liked this one miles better than The Last House on Needless Street. Rob and Callie were both incredibly fascinating characters to read from their POVs and overall I felt the twists in this thriller to be more believable and the resolution to be more satisfactory than the previous title published from this author. Even when I haven't liked books from Ward, there's no denying that love them or hate them they sure do leave an impression, which is an impressive feat for a thriller (for me personally!). 
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